International Students
Internship and Job Search: How do I get started?
Finding an internship or a full-time job involves more than just having a resume and applying online. Our career counseling staff is here to guide you through the process and help you create a personalized job search plan. Here are some resources and services that international students have found particularly useful:
Resume and Job Search Preparation
- Resume Critique & Development: Schedule an appointment to create a resume that meets employer expectations
- Job Search Strategies: Learn effective job search techniques by booking a "Job Search" appointment
- Cougar Jobline: Get familiar with using Cougar Jobline for job listings and oncampus interviews
- Mock Interviews: Practice your interviewing skills by scheduling a "Mock Interview" appointment
- Career Readiness Modules: Develop key competencies like communication, critical thinking, and professionalism by scheduling a "Career Readiness Modules" appointment
- LinkedIn: Learn how to market yourself effectively on LinkedIn
Additional Resources for International Students (Note: These are external resources and not vetted by SIUE)
Networking Opportunities
- Career Fairs & Employer Events: Attend these career fairs and events to network with potential employers
Personalized Support
- Career Counseling: Discuss additional services and get personalized advice from your Career Counselor
Found an Internship, Co-op, or Off-Campus Work: Next Steps
Congratulations on finding a new opportunity! We call this Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is defined as employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum in the student's course of study. Types of CPT work authorization can be internship, cooperative education or any other employment that is related to the student's degree program. CPT for F-1 students is intended to provide work experience in situations where the work serves as an integral part of a student's academic program, prior to completion of that program. More information may be found on the ISSS website.
How to get started
- Contact (ISSS): Reach out to International Student and Scholar Services to check if you’re eligible and to understand the requirements for CPT
- Contact the CDC: Call the Career Development Center (CDC) at 618-650-3708 or Email Dr. Taylor at tammtay@siue.edufor next steps.
Required Paperwork through the CDC
- Varies by Student: The paperwork you need depends upon several factors and differs by student
- Timing: Paperwork may take several weeks for completion and processing; therefore, it is necessary to report the experience as soon as possible
- Deadlines: Review the Co-op/Internship Deadlines page for important dates.
- There is no guarantee that students will be able to start the internship or Co-op on the date they or their employer wish, because all paperwork must be fully processed by ISSS and the CDC before a student may begin work
- Standard Documents: The following list of standard paperwork is required of all International student working through CPT
- Report the experience by logging into Cougar Jobline, then click on "+New Experience" to begin reporting, then "Submit"
- Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor to begin Career Readiness Competencies Modules
- Complete the Risk Assumption Document, Student Pre-Evaluation Form, Co-op and Internship Program Information, Eligibility Email (will come from ISSS), CPT Employment Declaration, Supervisor Approval Form, and any other requirements specified by ISSS and the CDC
- Career Development Center will discuss other paperwork individually
Career Fairs, Employer Events, and Sponsorship Questions
Before the Event:
- Research Companies: Find out if the company is a good fit for you and what types of jobs they offer.
- Don’t ask recruiters what the company does or what jobs they offer.
During the Event:
- Focus on Your Skills: Highlight your skills and qualifications, not your work eligibility.
- Don’t volunteer that you are an international student.
- Don’t ask if they hire international students or offer sponsorship.
- Greeting: Shaking hands is common, but if you prefer not to:
- Place your right hand over your heart and briefly explain your cultural views.
- Hold both hands together and give a short bow.
- Put your hand over your heart, smile, and say, “Such a pleasure to meet you.” No apology needed.
- Are you a US citizen?
- Are your parents or spouse US Citizens?
- When did you, your spouse, or parents become citizens?
- Are you, your parents, or your spouse naturalized or native-born US citizens?
Employers MAY ask you the following:
- Are you legally eligible for employment in the US?
- Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?
Workshops and Presentations for International Students
The Career Development Center offers a variety of presentations and workshops throughout the year to help students enhance skills to prepare for the jobs search, demonstrate their career readiness competencies, interviewing techniques, and more. Please vist our Events page for more details.
