Internship in the USA for International Students – Everybody knows that the one who goes abroad to study works part-time to support him/herself financially. But you might not be aware that specific academic programs also require you to work full time. There are programs that the institutions offer to their students as a part of their curriculum called practical training, enabling them to take up jobs in the form of internships or co-ops during their studies.

Academic programs in the US include two types of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs –

• Internships -This program requires the students to take up internships for shorter periods, like three months.
• Co-operative education position -This program requires the student to take up positions that may last three to twelve months.

What is the Difference Between an Internship and a Co-op?

Internships and Co-ops are different altogether. However, they are commonly used interchangeably, so be clear about what your college/university is prescribing you to take up as a part of your Curricular Practical Training.

Even if these trainings are made mandatory for students, the college/university doesn’t guarantee to find you an offer for internships or co-ops. We shall discuss how to find yourself an offer later in this blog.

Remember that CPT allows international students studying in the US to get employed off-campus when practical training is an essential part of the academic program, provided the student has an F1 visa.

Taking up internships and cooperative education programs makes you a preferable candidate when you apply for jobs after graduation.

Eligibility for CPT

The opportunity of the CPT program is very alluring, for sure. However, you must fulfil a few requirements to be eligible to get paid- internships off-campus. They are as follows:

• You should be enrolled in a one-year full-time course with an F1 visa
• This curriculum practical training is an essential part of your course to gain academic credit.
• The job offered must align with your discipline of study or area of research.
• You must have the CPT authorisation from the international student office. This authorisation contains the details about your eligibility for part-time or full-time employment, the specific employer you can work for and the time frame of your work.

Internships with F-1 and J-1 visas in USA for International Students

As an international student, your student visa specifies the terms and conditions of your employment in the United States, which encompasses the process of obtaining internships. The internship conditions are unique to each student visa.

An F-1 student visa enables international students to register for internships in USA for International Students with the support of their accredited university or college. Some programs may even mandate an internship as part of the program, known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT). The internship must be pertinent to your degree program, and you must have completed your first year of university. In order to commence an internship in the United States, you must also submit an application for CPT authorization and obtain an updated I-20 form.

You are prohibited from working off campus during the first academic year with an F-1 visa USA internship unless you have received permission from your university. However, you are permitted to accept on-campus employment opportunities.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) may be pursued during the course of your studies (pre-completion OPT) or after the completion of your program (post-completion OPT). During school, pre-completion OPT restricts the number of hours worked to a maximum of 20 per week. However, it permits full-time hours during academic vacations and annual vacations. 

Post-completion OPT permits you to work full-time in the United States for a maximum of 12 months, provided that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants you approval. You are eligible to request an additional two years of OPT if you hold a STEM-related degree.

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs typically approves work- or study-based exchange visitor programs for students with a student visa. You may be able to secure apprenticeship placements through your sponsor, as J-1 students are required to be sponsored by an accredited educational or other nonprofit institution. Academic Training (AT) in a field related to their program is available to J-1 students for a period of up to 18 months after graduation, despite the fact that they are unable to register for OPT.

Visa holders who wish to participate in an internship in the United States without pursuing a degree program may apply for a J-1 Intern or J-1 Trainee visa. The majority of organizations necessitate that interns be either currently enrolled in a university or have recently graduated within the past year. Trainees may be required to possess a degree and prior work experience outside of the United States. J-1 university students are granted the distinctive opportunity to extend their academic training tenure in the United States for a total of 36 months.

It can be difficult to secure an internship in USA for international students on your own, regardless of whether you are an F-1 or J-1 student. You can establish a process to follow upon your arrival in the United States by preparing in advance, and you can refine your plan with the assistance of an advisor.

How to create a career plan to apply for Internship in USA for International Students?

A career action plan is a document that outlines the steps necessary to attain your professional objectives. The development of an action plan also enables the identification of one’s professional interests and strengths. Utilize your career action plan to narrow down your internship options, evaluate your strategies for applying for an internship in USA for International Students, and identify opportunities that are specific to the career you aspire to pursue.

Prepare a comprehensive list of the measures to be taken during your internship search in conjunction with your career action plan. By adhering to this methodical approach, you can more effectively manage your time and reconcile your academic pursuits with your pursuit of internship opportunities.

A prudent initial step in the development of your career action plan is to evaluate your interests, work experience, and strengths and deficiencies. Afterward, you will possess an inventory that can be incorporated into your resume. 

Improve Your Resume

Some universities and colleges in the United States, such as universities, provide specialized resources to assist in developing and maintaining your resume. These seminars teach you the differences between resumes in the United States and CVs in other countries, as well as the process of creating a resume in the United States. For instance, in the United States, most resumes are one page or shorter, and you are not required to include your marital status or photo in a resume.

If you are uncertain about where to begin with your resume, you can locate millions of resume examples and templates by conducting an online search. Additionally, it is recommended that you consult with your career counselor or Career Services advisor to obtain guidance on the development of a resume. Applying for your initial internship in the United States is significantly less intimidating when you collaborate with an accomplished advisor.

TIP: Prior to applying for a position, request that others review your resume. Do not be apprehensive about receiving negative feedback. Share your resume with peers, family, and career counselors. Request feedback. It is preferable to ascertain whether or not you have overlooked a valuable discussion point or misspelled a word prior to submitting your application. 

Cover Letter for Internship in USA for International Students

A cover letter is a document that is submitted in conjunction with your resume when you are applying for an internship in USA for international students or for job opportunities. The letter is typically one page in length and provides a concise summary of your personal work history, skills, talents, and interests. A cover letter is typically tailored to the position for which you are applying, as it ensures that your personal qualities and qualifications are in accordance with the responsibilities outlined in the role description.

When crafting a new cover letter, provide evidence to substantiate the information you have included in your resume. Additionally, your letter may address qualifications or accomplishments that are pertinent to a particular position but are not included in your resume. Lastly, your cover letter is an opportunity to articulate how your experiences and knowledge are relevant to your potential performance in the position and how you would be a good match for the organization.

Ensure that you adhere to the subsequent procedures when crafting your cover letter:

Include your contact information and the employer’s details, including your name and address, as well as the recruiting manager’s name or department. If you believe it is appropriate, you may also include your LinkedIn profile and/or connections to your portfolio.

Address the hiring manager directly—Cover letters commence identically to regular letters; therefore, they should be addressed to the intended recipient. If you are uncertain about their title or name, you may refer to them by their department or designation, such as “Hiring Manager” or “Marketing.” (In addition, LinkedIn may provide access to their official title.)

Compose a concise introduction that clearly identifies the position for which you are applying, the name of the company, the method by which you learned about the position, and the fact that you are applying for the position.

Provide information about yourself:  Give the recipient a brief overview of yourself, including your qualifications, knowledge, achievements, and qualities, following your introduction. Also, utilize this section to provide the organization with a more comprehensive understanding of your personal motivations, ambitions, and future plans. Remember to tailor your letter to the job position and demonstrate how you would be a good cultural and organizational fit, rather than simply reiterating the information on your resume. Additionally, you may specify any extracurricular activities that are pertinent to the competencies necessary for the position or the organization as a whole.

Conclude in a manner that is respectful and avoids introducing any new information. Your cover letter should conclude with a concise summary of the reasons why you are the perfect candidate for the position, expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity and expressing gratitude to the hiring manager.

Having acquired a comprehensive comprehension of the necessary components for crafting an exceptional cover letter for your application, the subsequent phase entails the identification of suitable internship opportunities.

Locating an Internship in USA for International Students

After the completion of your career action plan, you may begin to investigate opportunities for internships as an international student. Develop an inventory of positions for which to submit an application. There are numerous employment websites in the United States that specialize in listing internships for international students, both paid and unpaid.

LinkedIn is the current king of professional networking websites and is an excellent resource for locating internships with significant companies.

Handshake — This career development site collaborates with numerous US universities and significant employers to provide listings for entry-level positions and internships both on and off campus.

While pursuing your degree, it is important to establish connections with your professors, peers, and even guest lecturers. Each individual you encounter is a valuable asset to your professional network, as they can assist in establishing connections with distinctive apprenticeship opportunities or long-term employment.

Connecting with employers in the vicinity of your university can also be achieved through on-campus career fairs and employment boards. There are numerous organizations that collaborate with universities to offer internships or entry-level opportunities that enable students to acquire professional experience. These organizations attend career fairs and post job listings on job forums..

Upon discovering an internship that aligns with your qualifications, verify whether it is compensated or uncompensated.

Paid and Unpaid Internships in USA for International Students

Internships

The availability of internships in the United States for international students is contingent upon the nature of the industry, the specific company offering the internship, and the level of competition for available positions. Internships may be offered with or without compensation. Companies typically indicate whether an internship is compensated or uncompensated in the job description or during the interview process. When selecting an internship in USA for International Students, it is important to consider the specific working experiences, learning opportunities, and responsibilities that are available through a paid internship, as they may differ from those available through an unpaid internship.

Paid internships are generally intended to have more specific responsibilities, a broader scope of work, and a greater number of tasks in comparison to unpaid internships. Pay levels may be determined by the technical requirements of your position on an hourly or salary basis, and you are permitted to contribute a maximum of 20 hours per week, contingent upon your visa status.

A paid internship in the United States for international students can provide a glimpse of the experience of holding permanent employment, as the responsibilities and outcomes of the position may be more substantial than those of an unpaid internship. According to a recent study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, students who participate in paid internships receive a greater number of employment offers than those who participate in unpaid internships. Consequently, paid internships are an advantageous choice for individuals who have a well-defined career trajectory.

An unpaid internship can be an ideal learning opportunity for students who are seeking a rewarding learning experience, identifying professional specializations and interests, developing interpersonal skills, earning college credits towards graduation, and understanding the workplace culture of the United States. An unpaid apprenticeship may require a maximum of 20 hours of work per week.

International students have a broader selection of unpaid internships in the United States compared to paid internships, which provides a broader range of opportunities. An unpaid internship in USA for international students provides an opportunity to investigate, experiment, and comprehend the specific duties and responsibilities of a wide range of industries and organizations.

Externships Externships are temporary, short-term professional learning programs that typically involve shadowing professionals on the job and are unpaid. In contrast to internships, they are less formal and typically last from a day to a few weeks. You will have the opportunity to observe professionals at work and participate in meetings, which will allow you to take notes and learn from experienced employees. Utilizing this opportunity to gain a glimpse of real-world work experience can offer valuable insights that will enable you to make well-informed career decisions in the future.

Once you have determined whether you wish to pursue a paid or unpaid position, the subsequent task is to learn how to apply for an internship.

How to Apply for an Internship in USA for International Students

Once you have developed a comprehensive comprehension of the process of obtaining internships as an international student, developed an action plan for your internship search, finalized your resume and cover letter, and identified the most promising opportunities, it is time to begin the application process.

It is important to submit applications for both paid and unpaid internships for international students. Although it is rewarding to secure a paid internship in the United States, these opportunities are frequently exceedingly competitive, and numerous organizations, particularly those that are smaller, prefer to employ unpaid interns.

Many organizations in the US post their applications online via job boards, LinkedIn, or other career-seeking websites. Usually, you can apply for roles found on these platforms by submitting a digital version of your resume and cover letter (if required). However, some organizations may direct you to their own specific application platform. Inquiring about internships and visiting organizations (particularly smaller businesses) in person can also be a viable option, as you may have the opportunity to meet the recruiting manager and make a friendly introduction directly.

If you do not immediately receive responses to your internship applications, don’t be discouraged! There are many organizations all around the US that can offer you unique opportunities and experiences. Stay positive, keep your options open, and work together with your advisor to find your ideal internship in the USA for international students. You can also consider practising for the interview to boost your confidence!

Practice for the Internship Interview

If you have made it to the interview stage, that means the hiring manager sees promise in your application. Make sure you keep your momentum rolling by preparing for the interview.

You will likely have a phone interview first. Your first phone interview is usually a general conversation about the position, you, and your background. You may also have more phone interviews with other members of the team or be asked to come in for a face-to-face discussion. Either way, here are some great ways to prepare for any interview:

1. Talk to previous interns—Previous interns offer advice to give you a better idea of what the role entails and what interviewers are looking for from other students or young professionals.

2. Review common interview questions—A Google search is a great place to start, and you may even be able to search by company. Compile a list of common questions you think you might be asked, and make sure you have answers in mind before your interview.

3. Develop a list of good questions to ask—Hiring managers love to see that you researched the company before you applied. Ask specific questions about your role, the team, and company priorities.

4. Practice—Have your friends or family members interview you, asking the questions you have gathered from your research. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel when the time comes for the real interview.

5. Dress professionally—This may sound obvious, but make sure you look responsible and professional when you go in for the face-to-face interview.

Your university or college will likely have a career centre that helps international students like you learn more about how to apply for an internship in the USA. You can visit the career centre and work with staff experts who can help you prepare with practice interviews, company advice, and more. Working with career counsellors can be more effective than practicing with friends or family, as it can feel more like being interviewed by a professional you have not met before.

Before your interview, you can prepare a set of mock interview questions they may ask, and a set of questions you may want to ask your future employer regarding the company and their work environment.

Additionally, remember to practice your spoken English and research terms and words related to the job role that could be brought up during your interview. In doing so, you’ll show the interviewer that you’ve done your research and are committed to securing an internship in the USA for international students.

Follow Up

Once you have applied to several organizations, consider following up on your application. While this is not a mandatory part of the application process, it can show your enthusiasm for the role and help you stand out to employers.

You can follow up your application with either an email or a phone call, but it is important to make sure you do not inconvenience the hiring manager and/or staff. Some applications may specify not to contact the hiring manager after you apply, so be sure to check in advance and respect the employer’s wishes.

Keep the following points in mind if you decide to contact the organization:

• Wait at least two weeks after sending in your application before following up
• Be polite, brief, and clear
• Re-express your enthusiasm for the role and your interest in the organization
• Only contact the individual listed as a contact on the application

It is ideal to use email whenever possible, as this is the least intrusive way to follow up. If you decide to call, avoid the most active business hours, such as opening and closing times.

If you were able to secure an interview, make sure to send a follow-up email to the interviewer thanking them for the opportunity. This can make a strong and positive impression on the interviewer.

What to Expect Working in the USA

In an internship position, you may have the opportunity to speak to and work with company directors, managers, and other interns in different departments. Depending on how large and versatile your company’s scope of work is, you may have access to a range of responsibilities and learning opportunities.

Similarly, working as an international student in the US exposes you to different types of people from a variety of cultures. It offers a space for you to learn to be flexible, adapt, and empathize with other people and their opinions in a professional manner. You can expect to have a better understanding of workplace culture and expand your professional network with your internship experience!

Workplace Culture

As you dive into your role, you may notice interactions, policies, and behaviours may be different from what you are used to in your home country (or other companies where you may have worked previously). You may find your new company culture has particular ways of communicating, being social, and collaborating as a team.

Take note of how formal or informal your meetings are. Is everyone referred to by their first name? Where does everyone have lunch? How is teamwork perceived in your company? All these factors contribute to workplace culture. Understanding and adapting to your workplace norms, without necessarily losing your originality, can help you integrate successfully into the US work environment.

Here are some tips to get a better understanding of your company’s culture:

• Follow your company’s social media channels
• Listen and observe how people behave, especially during the first few days
• If your colleagues seem approachable, ask them about how things are done and preferred practices
• Be open to making mistakes – and learn from them!

Social Life in the United States

Landing your internship is beneficial academically, professionally, and socially. Having a balanced social life in the US is vital to help you enjoy your overseas educational and work experience. As you get used to US culture, you can gain confidence interacting with others in the workplace and outside too, which can expand your social opportunities and help you feel more comfortable. Depending on the type of work environment where you get an internship, many of your new colleagues may become friends.

Navigating through a new experience like an internship may seem challenging, but taking a step-by-step approach and setting realistic and achievable goals can help you through the process.

Have Realistic Expectations

When you start searching for internships, having realistic expectations throughout the process can help you make the right decisions. For example, it is worth remembering that large and well-known companies often have highly competitive recruitment, and it can be difficult to get a position as there are many candidates vying for the same role.

Applying to smaller or little-known organizations for internships can improve your chances of being chosen. Additionally, many of these organizations offer more personalized training and hands-on experience due to their smaller size, which gives you a chance to develop unique knowledge and skills.

Remember, this is a learning experience — you may make several mistakes, but the most important part is to learn from these so you can grow as a professional.

Acquire Knowledge from Your Mistakes

Your internship may involve some errors at the outset, which is entirely acceptable. Even if you possess prior professional experience, commencing as a new intern in the United States can be a difficult endeavor. Be patient and ask as many inquiries as possible regarding your work and contributions to the team. This demonstrates your initiative to your employer and enhances your job performance.

Acquire knowledge from your errors and consult with senior personnel to resolve any challenges you may face in the workplace. By gaining knowledge from your colleagues and dedicating more time to your internship in the United States for international students, you can cultivate valuable skills and experiences that will facilitate your professional development.

By adhering to these guidelines, you will be in an advantageous position to secure your initial internship in the United States. Do not become disheartened if you encounter numerous rejections. Conversely, utilize rejection as an opportunity to acquire knowledge. Ask the recruiting manager what they believe you can do to improve or what you were missing in comparison to other applicants they reviewed and hired.

Always maintain a professional demeanor and strive to perform at your highest level if you are awarded the position. A permanent position may be secured as a result of an exceptional internship recommendation. Regardless of the outcome, the process of researching positions, organizing your documents, and applying for internships is an invaluable experience that will be beneficial when you apply for full-time positions following your graduation.

Benefits of Taking Up Internships and Co-ops:

Add to your experience

You don’t have to be stuck where you are a fresher, but all the job openings require work experience. These co-ops and multiple internships you take up during your studies add to your work experience.

These jobs make you stand out from the crowd of freshers who have yet to gain work experience or proven knowledge in your field of work.

Better learning

Internships act as a means to see your theory session put into reality. It helps you understand the concepts better by learning them through hands-on experience. No wonder students with related work experience perform well in the course examinations!

New environment

As an international student, these workplaces give you a new environment to interact with others in the industry and provide new perspectives not just about the work but also about personal connections, work styles and life experiences.

Enhances confidence

Most students who have taken up jobs as a part of CPT, especially the co-ops, say that their confidence in finding a job after graduating has improved drastically. This is because they now have valid work experience, practical knowledge of the subjects studied in theory sessions and are confident about their skills in their niche.

Start earning early

Yes, part-time jobs help you earn money, but these internships and co-ops help in multi-facets. You sure will make more money through a co-op job than a part-time job. This will help you start earning more money from an early phase.

Why Will a Company Hire You for a Co-op Position or as an Intern?

Develop the right skills before hiring

By hiring you for an internship or a co-op position, the company can train and mould you to best fit the organization, and if they find you to adapt well, they might offer a job to join after graduation.

It is beneficial for a company to hire someone who has worked with them as an intern or co-op employee, as they would already know the company’s processes.

Free up experienced employees for higher-level tasks

Every project has multiple levels of tasks, from strategising to implementation. Specific tasks that take a lot of time are generally simple and repetitive. These tasks could be delegated to you as the highly experienced personnel can handle high-level tasks.

Cost-effective hiring

Hiring you for a co-op position costs much less for a company than hiring a graduate; however, the pay scale is compensated with the time spent on training you

Add new perspectives and ideas

Even if a company has experienced employees, there is always room for a gap in ideas. The students are not accustomed to a way of thinking and are more accessible to trends in the market. Hence, hiring students is a way to introduce new ideas into the organisation.

How Do You Find an Internship or a Co-op Opportunity?

Internships and co-ops make it easier for you to get a job after graduation, but the catch is you have to put that effort into finding a job now in advance.

Here are a few ways to get offers:

University Career Centre:

Universities and colleges have dedicated centres with staff to help students find internship or co-op opportunities.

They will help you prepare for the interviews, refine your resume, conduct mock interviews and provide complete support to get you an offer letter.

They may conduct networking events and career fairs, which will help you put yourself out there.

Online platforms:

The world shrinks when it goes online. There are many platforms like LinkedIn where you can find numerous job opportunities, use relevant keywords to connect with the right people to make an impression, set job alerts, and be notified about job postings.

Company websites:

Dig into the websites of companies that you wish to work for. Check out their openings. Many companies post their requirements for interns and co-op positions on their websites. Search for the ‘careers’ option on their website, check for the listing relevant to your requirement and follow the steps mentioned on the page to apply for it.

Alumni and faculty connections:

Alumni and faculty are a pool of opportunities. Connect with them and seek advice and insights on internship and co-op opportunities they know in their connection circle.

Don’t miss out on the opportunities to attend inter-departmental events and guest lectures where you can network with professionals who may have industry connections.

Internships and cooperative education positions significantly influence a student’s life. Choosing a program that requires practical training as an essential part of the academic program is beneficial.

Internships are short-term term, while Co-ops are comparatively long-term. Either way, they enhance your subject knowledge and make it easier to find a job after graduation.