University Career Services provides customized career advice based on the unique needs and circumstances of international students.
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- If necessary, enhance your communication skills in English by making friends with native speakers, joining Mason’s Toastmasters Club, and visiting the Writing Center.
- Use Interstride to network, find jobs and access additional immigration information.
- Log in with your Mason email address.
- Enter your NetID and password.
- Learn how to write a U.S.-style resume and cover letter for internships and jobs.
- Practice how to market yourself effectively during an interview in the U.S. including what makes you unique as an international student such as:
- Language skills.
- Self-motivation and independence.
- Flexibility and adaptability from adjusting to new cultures.
- Gain exposure to a U.S. professional environment through jobs, internships, and volunteering.
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F1 Students
J1 Students
NOTE: Employers may not be familiar with the approval process for J1 student off-campus employment (Academic Training). Keep in mind that you may need to explain that you have a J1 visa and that the approval process is different. Reach out to OIPS if you have questions or need assistance.
2. Internships
- Log into Handshake with your Mason NetID
- Select the "Jobs" tab
- Click All Filters
- Under "Job Type" select Internship
- Under "Work Authorization" at the bottom of the list select the following:
- Jobs that do not require US work authorization
- Jobs that are eligible for US via sponsorship
- Jobs that are open to candidates with Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and/or Optional Practical Training (OPT)
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How to find employers in Handshake open to hiring students on OPT:
- Log into Handshake with your Mason NetID.
- Select the "Jobs" tab.
- Click all Filters.
- Under Work Authorization select the following:
- Jobs that do not require US work authorization.
- Jobs that are eligible for US visa sponsorship.
- Jobs that are open to candidates with Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and/or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Use Interstride to learn about international-friendly jobs and internships in the U.S:
- Log into Interstride with your Mason email address and NetID.
- Select the "Jobs" tab to Search Jobs with top companies that have a history of H1-B sponsorship, including those that sponsored last year.
- Select the "U.S. Visa Insights" tab to see a list of the specific positions that companies sponsor for, including currently open positions.
To find diverse and inclusive employers, seek advice from organizations such as:
- Korean Professional Engineer Association (KPEA)
- South Asian Women’s Network (SWAN)
- American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin
Learn about the international hiring process so you can inform potential employers:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Students and Employment
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Information for Employers and Employees
- International Student: Working in the USA
- Immihelp: comprehensive information about US legal immigration
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Use Interstride to find job-search guides for your home country and other countries all over the world:
- Log into Interstride with your Mason email address and NetID.
- Select the "Jobs" tab.
- Select the "Country Insights" tab.
- Search for and select a specific country in the list to access resources.
More ways to search:
- Chinese students: Register with LockIn China to access job postings and career fairs with employers in China looking for candidates educated overseas
- International Professional Associations often have job boards and networking opportunities
- Monster: International/Global job boards
- Canada has an Express Entry application process for skilled immigrants