International Students
Internship and Job Search: How do I get started?
There is more to finding an internship or a full-time job than simply having a resume and applying to websites. Our career counseling staff will guide you through the process and help you create a job search plan that works for you. International students have found the following resources useful when preparing for job searches.
- Develop a resume that contains or omits information expected by employers by scheduling an appointment for "Resume Critique" or "Resume Development"
- Learn how to search for jobs by scheduling an appointment for "Job Search"
- Learn how to use Cougar Jobline
- Learn more about other International student job search resources - These are not SIUE resources and we do not vet the positions posted
- Search for major-related positions through Cougar Jobline by clicking "OCI and Job Listings"
- Practice interviewing skills through a "Mock interview" appointment
- Be able to explain and demonstrate career readiness competencies, such as career and self development, communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, leadersnhip, professionalism, teamwork, and technology - Schedule a "Career Readiness Modules" appointment
- Learn how to market yourself through LinkedIn
- Attend career fairs and other employer networking events
- Other services are available that you may discuss with your Career Counselor
Found an Internship: What do I do?
Congratulations on finding an internship! 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. Thus, 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 International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to discuss eligibility and enrollment requirements to participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Contact the Career Development Center (CDC) for next steps by either emailing Dr. Taylor at tammtay@siue.edu or calling 618-650-3708 for more information.
What type of paperwork is required by the Career Development Center for CPT
- Paperwork may vary by student depending upon the number of internships or Co-op experiences in which they have participated
- Paperwork often takes several weeks for completion and processing; therefore, it is necessary to report the experience as soon as possible
- 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
- There are deadlines for all CPT paperwork, and all deadlines are posted on the Co-op/Internships Deadlines page
- 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
- Risk Assumption Document
- Student Pre-Evaluation Form
- Co-op and Internship Program Information
- Supervisor Approval Form
- Eligibility Email
- CPT Employment Declaration
- Career Development Center will discuss other paperwork individually
Career Fairs, Employer Events, and Sponsorship Questions
- Research companies to determine if they would be a good fit for you and the types of jobs they offer before speaking with them
- Do not ask recruiters what the company does or what types of jobs they offer
- Focus on your skills and qualifications when interacting with recruiter, not your work eligibility
- Recruiters will ask if you are eligible for employment in the US if they need to know; therefore,
- Do not volunteer that you are an international student
- Do not ask recruiters if they hire international students
- Do not ask recruiters if they offer sponosorship
- Recruiters will ask if you are eligible for employment in the US if they need to know; therefore,
- Shaking hands as a form of greeting one another is common practice, but if you chose not to NACE suggests
- Place your right hand over your heart and briefly explain your cultural views
- Hold both of your hands together and give a short bow
- Put your hand over your heart and smile while saying "such a pleasure to meet you." No apology needed
Employers MAY NOT ask you the following:
- 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.