Current Students

THE SMARTEST NETWORKING STRATEGY

The Informational Interview! This an informal conversation (often over coffee or a phone call) with someone working in an area of interest to you. 
GOAL:

• Get information about the industry, recruiting process, company culture, etc.

• Put your name out there as someone interested (for future opportunities).

• Find out the vast internal job posts not available on job boards and websites.

• Get connected with other folks with experience in the area of interest to you.

Note: Research shows that more than 80% of open job positions are filled through referrals and networking. This should inform how you approach your job hunt.

Start narrow, then expand.

1. Reach out to members in the F-1 Careers Forum. International students always have each other's back.

2. Use your school's alumni database

3. Expand to LinkedIn and other secondary networking platforms

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RESUME AND COVER LETTERS

These are critical documents for your jobs/internship search, so you must invest some time working on them.

• Your resume (often one page) is your pitch or personal brand. Craft and update it every time you learn a new skill or experience.

• Customize your resumes and cover letters to match the job requirements and skills you've attained.

• Contact your school's career service for their preferred templates and resume formats.

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Want a personalized resume/cover letter review? Contact us for help or consider using V-Mock, an AI-powered personal coach to provide instant resume reviews.

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The cover letter is your opportunity to tell the hiring manager why you're the right candidate for the job. You want to stand out and grab the reader's attention.

Tips: Research, Research Research.

• Any recent news/ media appearances by the company?

• Something about their mission or culture, or client group that stands out.

• Is the company meeting its objectives/goals?

• How might your skills and experiences fit with the job requirements?
  
  

Want to run your resume or cover letter on Grammarly Premium? F-1 Careers has got your back. Contact us for access today!​​​

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CPT AND OPT

• Off-campus work authorization for F-1 students currently pursuing degree programs and have completed one academic year
• Employment must be related to students' field of study and can be paid or unpaid. See types of employment accepted under OPT here
• Typically issued for internships or short-term employment opportunities
• Recommended and authorized by your school's International Office (CPT) and by USCIS (OPT)

GRADUATE/MEDICAL/PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL

• For GRE and GMAT prep, consider gregmat.com. For $5 a month, you get access to some solid GRE gems! Thank F-1 Careers later!

• Interested in Medical School as an international student?

  • Check out F-1 Docs, a mentorship platform for international pre-health students and current medical and dental students.

GAP YEARS / LEAVE OF ABSENCE (LOA)

Think of this as a creative time-out.
Consider:
1. Tutoring and Mentoring
2. Working on that creative project
3. Part-time consulting 

4. Shadowing
During an LOA, your SEVIS record is terminated until you are ready to return.

Note: If your leave will be longer than five months, you will require a new F-1 status and a new ‘Initial’ I-20. This might affect when you would be eligible for CPT and OPT. (Students need one academic year to be eligible for CPT or OPT)

No matter what you choose to do, the hope is you use your time off to understand oneself better and take time to explore interests, reflect on future career trajectories, personal and professional relationships, and hobbies in a manner that's rewarding.