Students
International Students
Getting Started
For an international student, the job search process has some additional complexities when applying for an internship or full-time position in the United States. The Career Services staff recommends that your first stop in your job search process is to meet with your International Student Affairs Office advisor. By communicating your employment interests with the ISAO a year or more before the time you wish to begin working, the ISAO will be able to provide you with the resources and information necessary to successfully comply with legal requirements.
For questions regarding immigration, visas, CPT, OPT and eligibility, please contact your ISAO advisor.
Job Search Hints
- Identify the companies with a history of sponsoring H1-B visas and research career opportunities within those organizations. The following are three resources that will be helpful in finding that information: ForeignMBA.com; H1-B Special Reports found on the INS Web site, and H1VisaJobs.com.
- While you may disclose your international student status anytime during your application process, employers in the Kansas City area recommend that you state your citizenship status early in the application process by including the information in your resume and cover letter.
- Market your international experience; state how your experiences will add value to their organization.
- Consider helping a professor with his or her research. Employers like candidates to have undergraduate and graduate research experience as it is a great way to build transferable skills.
- Select a major or specialization in demand as it may provide more employment opportunities for you. Also, you may have more opportunities if you are able to move to rural or other geographic areas where there are not as many candidates with your skill set.
- Be patient, flexible and persistent. While finding employment as an international student may be challenging, remember that it is not impossible.
Resume Tips
- Include your bilingual or multi-lingual abilities in your resume. You may want to have a copy of your resume in more than one language, especially if you are applying for a position with a multinational company.
- If you are including your G.P.A. from an international college or university, you should convert the number to be consistent with the 4.0 G.P.A. scale used in the United States so employers are able to properly recognize your academic achievements.
- Ask a native speaker to review your resume. He or she will be able to identify any phrases that may not have been translated correctly.
- Schedule an appointment with Career Services to have your resume reviewed and to conduct a mock interview. The Career Services staff is committed to helping your polish your professional image.