Explore job and internship search strategies.
Learn about the two main strategies for job and internship searches in the U.S.:
- The proactive search through networking: In the U.S., it’s common for someone to get hired because they know a person working in the company who advocates for them—this is called an "internal referral." The goal of networking is to meet new people, learn from them, build a professional relationship, and potentially receive an internal referral.
- The reactive search through job postings: This is done by using job search sites such as Indeed.com, Internships.com, Monster.com, or LinkedIn to find job postings and apply for jobs online.
Ultimately, you should use both proactive and reactive techniques. But keep in mind that only 25% of your time should be focused on applying (reactive), while 75% of your time should be focused on networking (proactive).
Consider companies that have sponsored H1B visas. Check out the following resources to identify whether a company has sponsored in the past:
Explore employment types available to students studying with an F-1 visa:
- On-campus employment: International students may work up to 20 hours per week on campus while taking classes. Many jobs do not require previous experience. Some positions require a work-study scholarship award.
- Off-campus employment: International students may work off-campus in specific situations and only with prior approval from the International Student and Scholar Services. It takes time to find a job or internship. We encourage you to start building experience and your network while in the U.S. Students may need to explain their student visa work authorization and employment options to employers as not all U.S. employers are experienced in hiring international candidates.