For international students interested in internships (CPT), working after graduation (OPT), resumes, networking, researching companies, and interviewing

Visit EE&CS at: link.jwu.edu > jobs & internships

Experiential Education & Career Services

International Student Career Resources Guidebook

First Things FirstThe first thing an international student usually asks when they arrive at Johnson & Wales University is “where can I find a job”? Before you begin your search it is important to do three things:1. review the following frequently asked questions sections based on your interests: • General Employment (see below) • Internship (CPT) • Employment (OPT)2. you will need a U.S. style resume (even if it is to apply on-campus)3. once you know you are eligible, and you have a U.S. resume you can apply for jobs at: link.jwu.edu > career > find a job

note: Due to Federal regulations and employer concerns, securing employment after graduation can be challeng-ing for international students. This guidebook is intended to educate international students on the U.S. job search process and work opportunities available with a student visa.

General EmploymentFrequently Asked Questions

Can I work on-campus?International students may work on-campus without applying to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for work authorization. Job listings for on-campus positions can be found online at link.jwu.edu > jobs & internships > find a job then click on PVD Student Employment.

International students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session but may work up to 40 hours per week during any vacation periods, if there is work available within your department.

Can I work off-campus?There are a few options for legal employment off-campus. For F-1 students some of these include:• Curricular Practical Training• Optional Practical Training• Severe Economic Hardship

For J-1 students:• Academic Training

Speak with your International Student Advisor to determine your individual options. How do I know if I am eligible for CPT or OPT?Refer to the frequently asked questions sections of this guide-book for Internship (CPT) and Employment (OPT) details.

When do I need a Social Security card?When you receive an offer for a paid internship, an on-campus job, and/or when you receive your OPT card. How do I get a Social Security card? F-1 students without social security numbers authorized for work need to bring the following to the Social Security Administra-tion: their passport, 1-94 card, and I-20 with work authorization, and a Support Letter from the International Student Advisor to apply, as well as a Student Data Sheet from their prospective em-ployer.

Internship (CPT)Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPT?

Curricular Practical Training is an internship while you are a student. To be eligible, you must have been in F-1 student status in the U.S. for at least one academic year (three consecutive terms).

Am I required to do CPT?CPT requirements are dependent upon your major. Some majors have a required CPT and others offer optional CPT by using your elec-tives. Refer to your major in the course catalog and see your International Student Advisor for more specific guidelines.

How do I find CPT opportunities?Go to:link.jwu.edu > jobs & internships > find an internship.

You can search through the JWU student job posting site and Going Global. Experiential Education Coordinators and Career Advisors can help you navigate these toolsand other online resources.

Can I work on-campus while participating in CPT?While working in part-time CPT, (employment for 20 hours or less per week is considered part-time CPT) you must be enrolled in a full-time course load (at least 12 credits for undergraduate, 9 for graduate). In this scenario, you would not be able to work on-campus for 20 hours per week in addition to the CPT hours.

Employment for more than 20 hours per week is considered full-time CPT. If the internship course credit is equal to 13.5 (undergraduate) or 9 (graduate) you may participate in a full-time CPT. You may also participate in full-time CPT if it is your summer break or the last term and you only have your CPT left to do in order to finish your course requirements. You may not work on-campus while doing full-time internship. You may work part-time on-campus and do a part-time internship during summer breaks or in your last term if you do not have other courses to take. You must receive approval from the International Student Advisor.

Step-by-Step Internship (CPT) Instructions

Step 1: Register for Internship at least 6 months to 1 year before the term you plan to participate. For more information on internship eligibility requirements and registration, go to link.jwu.edu > jobs & internships > find an internship and then click on Register Now.

Step 2: Attend an Internship 101 workshop to learn program eligibility, timeline, site selection and moreFor workshop dates and locations go to link.jwu.edu > jobs & internships > find an internship. Then click on internship and then on Internship 101 to see scheduled workshops.

Step 3: Create or enhance your resume based on U.S. standardsYou will find helpful tools and resources to change your CV into a resume by visiting link.jwu.edu > jobs & internships > build your resume. Once you have a draft of your resume, you can attend a resume workshop or make an appointment with a Career Advisor to review your work.

Step 4: Approximately 6 months before the internship term you registered for, an Experiential Education Coordinator will contact you to discuss your resume, potential internship sites, the Student Data Sheet and the process for work authorization.

Step-by-Step Internship (CPT) Instructions

Step 5: Visit the International Center to ensure your I-20 is valid and discuss steps you need to follow to ensure you are “in-status” in preparation for and throughout your internship.

Step 6: Conduct research for internship opportunities Go to link.jwu.edu > jobs & internships > find an internship then click on Search for Internships. You will also find a link to Going Global which focuses on international students looking for CPT or OPT opportunities.

Step 10: The International Student Advisor then authorizes you for internship and will email you when your new I-20 is ready for pick-up.

Step 11: If your internship is paid, you need at least 2 weeks to apply for a Social Security Number at the Social Security Administration. You will need to bring: • Letter from International Student Advisor• Student Data Sheet and job description from employer• Authorized CPT I-20• Passport, Visa, and I-94 Card

Step 7: At least 3 months before your internship term, you need to secure your internship site, update your Experiential Education Coordinator, and email your supervisor the Student Data Sheet.

Step 8: Two months prior to starting your internship, you will need to complete the ITIN application with the assistance of an Experiential Education & Career Services representative.

Step 9: No later than 3 weeks before the term begins, your site supervisor must email the Student Data Sheet to the Experiential Education Coordinator who then approves the internship site and forwards the document to the International Student Advisor.

If your internship is paid:You must provide your site supervisor with the actual Social Security Card in order to be compensated.

If your internship is unpaid, you will need an ITIN number. You don’t need a Social Security Card and can begin working with the internship site, on the first day of the term, as long as you have received your new I-20 with CPT work authorization from your International Student Advisor, and have applied for an ITIN #.

What is an ITIN #?An Individual Tax Identification Number is an identification number used by individuals who don’t qualify for a Social Security number. People who can’t have a Social Security Number may get an ITIN regardless of the start date of their internship. An Experiential Education & Career Services representative will assist you in obtaining the ITIN.

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Employment (OPT) Frequently Asked Questions

What is OPT?Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides an opportunity for F-1 student visa holders to gain up to one year of real work experience in the student’s field of study. Students are allowed one 12-month period for every degree completed at the higher education level. Please see your International Student Advisor for more specific details. When am I eligible?• Employment must be directly related to your major field of study

• You must have been in F-1 student status in the U.S. for at least one academic year (three consecutive terms)

• You may lose your OPT benefitif you are unemployed for more than 90 days during your OPT period

• You must provide your International Student Advisor with your current employer’s name and address, as well as your mailing address at all times during your OPT period

Where do I go to find out about my OPT application?Your International Student Advisor can provide you with an OPT Checklist and more specific information. OPT sessions are held every Friday at noon at the International Center in the Student Services Center and in the Friedman Center. When should I apply for OPT?A student must apply for OPT not more than 90 days before their degree end date and no later than 60 days from the last day of class. How do I search for an OPTopportunity?Through link.jwu.edu > jobs & internships > find a job. You can also search through Going Global which is also featured on the Career Tab. Additionally, you can search individual companies that are of interest to you and utilize other job search engines. Experiential Education & Career Services has Career Advisors that can help you navigate through these tools and provide you a list of additional job search engines.

Web ResourcesGoing Global link.jwu.edu > jobs & internships > find a job > going global

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services: uscis.gov Work in the U.S.:usa.gov/visitors/work.shtml International Student Job Search: internationalstudent.com/jobsearch H1 Visa Jobs: h1visajobs.com Author Dan Beaudry’s website and blog: powerties.net

Creating a ResumeThe goal of a resume is to make you stand out from the competition

Resume versus Curriculum Vitae (CV):The primary differences are the length, what is included, and what each is used for. A resume is a one page summary of your skills, experience, and education. A CV is longer (2+ pages) and a more detailed outline of your skills and interests. A CV is intended to be a full record of your career history. It almost always includes information that by U.S. standards would be illegal for a potential em-ployer to ask a candidate. For example: photographs, marital status, religion, race, and other personal data. A resume is a concise document typically not longer than one page as a potential employer will not spend a lot of time reviewing it initially. It is a brief, customized list of skills and achievements based specifically on the job you are applying for.

Two Types of U.S. Resumes:1. Experienced Based: For students with work and internship experience. This format allows you to highlight what you did, how you did it, and the results. 2. Skills Based: Good for those who are looking to highlight skills that are transferable (achieved through course work, student clubs and organiza-tions and volunteer opportunities) and may not have a lot of work experience, especially in the area they are studying. Resume Resources:Visit link.jwu.edu > jobs & internships > build your resume and click on build my resume to start creating one of these resume styles. The resume builder tool will format the resume for you. You will also find resume examples by college and bullet statement examples. Once you have created a resume, attend a Resume Workshop to refine and make improvements, then you can also choose to meet with a Career Advisor.

Creating a ResumeHave your resume reviewed by a Career Advisor

Being an international student is an asset to an employer! You have multi-language skills, experience in living in other cultures, adaptability skills, and a global perspective. Emphasize language skills on your resume. For example: • Bilingual in Japanese and English• Translated written and spoken English as a tour guide

Do not include TOEFL scores. Instead add informa-tion in your highlights about the number of years you have studied or spoken English.

Check for grammatical and spelling errors, as well as awkward use of language.

Provide a frame of reference for foreign companies and schools. For example:• a 110 property hotel chain• one of the top 5 universities in China• the Indian version of TGI Fridays

Focus on your global knowledge and cultural competencies. Employers highly value these skills. Be sure to include specific examples of how you demonstrate these skills in line with the employer’s requirements.

Update your resume in your native language, to serve as back-up for future employment opportuni-ties in your home country.

link.jwu.edu > jobs & internships > build your resume

Creating a Cover LetterA well written cover letter connects your skills with the job

• A cover letter, also known as an application letter, is sent along with a resume to provide additional information on your skills, experience, and abilities.

• It is also the place to be upfront about your employment status as an international student and the types of work you are eligible to be hired for such as CPT or OPT.

• While a resume contains details on your overall qualifications, a cover letter allows you to present and explain the specific qualities as it relates to the position.

• Employers receive hundreds of resumes for a position but a well-written cover letter makes it clear why you are the best person for the job/in-ternship. • Once you have created your cover letter, make an appointment with a Career Advisor to review it.

Thomas l Smith123 Main StreetHagerstown, MD 21740401-555-1212tlsmith@jwu.edu

January 10, 2014

Mary Jones

Human Resources DirectorABC Restaurant2500 Brook AvenueSuite 105Boston, MA 00215

Dear Ms. Jones:

Please consider my qualifications for the Restaurant Manager opportunity, which was posted on the Johnson & Wales University website on January 5, 2014, With a proven restaurant background , I am well qualified and eager to represent your restaurant in this capacity.

Get the rest of this letter at: www.jwu.edu/providence/careers > build your resume >sample cover letters

Starting your Cover Letter

Research

Getting StartedOnce you have your resume and cover letter ready, it is now time to do more research on your industry as a whole and what it has to offer. Knowing what jobs and organizations are out there is an essential part of the process for any job seeker; this should be done well in advance and on an on-going basis throughout your job search. Go to: link.jwu.edu > jobs & internships > know your industry to get started.

Finding CompaniesYou will also want to attend on-campus events such as career fairs, guest lectures, company information sessions, career workshops, and other events.

There is great value in attending career fairs because they give you an opportunity to network with and learn more about employers. Prior to attending, research registered organizations and note their citizenship requirements in the job descriptions. Go to link.jwu.edu > jobs & internships > upcoming career events

Targeting Your SearchFocus on:• U.S. companies operating in your home country• International corporations• Companies who have previously hired international students• Use link.jwu.edu > jobs & internships > find a job for student jobs, internships, and full-time employment. You can also click on Going Global to search for internships and jobs

Sample Internship Sites• Four Seasons Hotels• GTECH• Hilton Hotels• Nordstrom• State Street Bank• Walt Disney World• Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI• Capital Grille• Turnberry Isle Resort• Marriott International

What does your industry offer

Research - Going GlobalIdentifying companies interested in hiring international students

Use Going Global as a tool for your job and internship search as well as to search for companies that have applied for sponsorship in the past and may be familiar with the process for international students. Go to: link.jwu.edu>jobs & internships > and click on the Going Global link. Once there, filter your results by: In-dustry, Job Title, Company, Location, Skill Set, Degree, and Advanced Search.

NetworkingGetting started, informational interviews & other ways to network

Networking Defined (noun) A supportive system of sharing information and services amoung individuals having a common interest.

Once you have found organizations you are interested in working for by doing industry research, you will want to do some networking and begin to prepare to market your skills. How to Introduce YourselfStart with a great introductionof yourself highlighting your skills and experience. Clear, concise, confident communication. This takes practice but the delivery is important.

Write your introduction and use your research to help tailor it to include:• Brief background on yourself: education, work, or internship experience and country of origin• Special skills relevant to position/company you want to stand out from the crowd: certifications, lan-guage skills, industry specific skills• Explain why you are interested in working for the organization: show you have done your company research

Objectives:• To gain information from an industry professional in your field• To showcase your talents and skill set• To establish an ongoing connec-tion with individuals that may be able to help you establish relation-ships with their employers and others in your field• To find out how experts in your field have successfully navigated their career paths

Keeping in Touch with yourNetworkOnce you have had a conversation you should thank them fortalking to you and always ask for a business card and contact information. You should always follow up the conversation with a thank you note or email. Try to maintain the contact through emails, phone calls, social networking sites, and informa-tional interviews.

Informational InterviewsA meeting that you initiate in order to gather information about your field or desired job opportu-nity/company (Beaudry, 2009).

Seeking and Selecting Individuals for the Informational Interview• Individuals that work for a company that could potentially hire you and/or provide advice and experience regarding your career search• People that have a career background and/or current position that is of interest to you• Ask friends, family, and faculty for contacts• Access school alumni network• Social media: LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter (search company name and Johnson & Wales alumni)• Professional organizations and associations• Former and current employers• Experiential Education & Career Services• Career Events Other Ways to Network • On-Campus Clubs & Organizations, e.g. I-Club• Volunteer: ongoing volunteer opportunities and community service learning• Online through Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn• Industry Associations• Internship

InterviewingTips every international student should know

Preparation• Access common interview questions and tips on how to interview through link.jwu.edu > jobs & internships > Interview Skills

• Ask for letters of recommendation from faculty members, advisors or supervisors that can speak to your skills and abilities. This is valuable information for you to assess some of your strongest skills

• Depending on your industry, consider a career portfolio; this is a visual display of your work and attributes. You can compile pictures of work, awards, certificates, customer accounts, and recommendations into a binder, or put the work online in a website or presentation

• Know as much as you can about the companies and positions you will be interviewing for and match your skills to that company and position

• Practice and enhance your communication skills by: speaking in class, making presentations, talking in English with friends, and participating in on-campus activities

Thethought of

INTERVIEWING in the U.S. can certainly be scary.

The

only way to get over your fears i s to PRACTICE,

pract ice, pract ice!

InterviewingTips every international student should know

What to Expect in a U.S. Interview• Be sure to make eye contact as it is expected and shows confidence. Be prepared for open discussions on your accomplishments and leadership skills. You’ll want to have plenty of examples to demonstrate your top skills

• Direct questions about your skills and experience

• Be prepared to show confidence in your speaking points and body language

• Share your strengthes, leadership style, and problem-solving skills. Be ready to share your weaknesses if asked

• Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and examples of the comprehensive research you have done

• Market yourself! Employers expect you to tell them why you are the best person for the job

• Explain your value as an international student: adaptability, global knowledge, cultural competency, and work authorization eligibility

START practicing YOUR interviewing skills!

Schedulea mock INTERVIEW today with our CAREER ADVISORS

International Student ServicesDowncity: Student Services Center, 1st floor 401. 598-4669Harborside: Friedman Center, 1st floor 401. 598.4669

JWUProvidenceIClub

International Students: No Work Experience ?

Increase your skills and build your U.S. Resume!

April 2015

Volunteering with a non-profit organization is a great way to gain skills to build your U.S. resume.

Bring a friend to volunteer with you!

Step 1 Go to link.jwu.edu> jobs & internships> build your resume then get started by choosing the resume creator on jwu-CSO

Step 2 Visit Experiential Education & Career Services where our Career Advisors can help you develop your U.S. resume and connect you to volunteer opportunities that comply with F-1 student visa requirements

Step 3 After completing your volunteer experience, return to Experiential Education & Career Services to meet with a Career Advisor who can help you incorporate your new skills into your resume!

Experiential Education & Career ServicesDowncity: John Hazen White 401-598-1070Harborside: Friedman Center 401-598-4611link.jwu.edu>jobs & internships

@jwuprovcareersFollow Us!