{"id":22536,"date":"2022-07-19T18:56:02","date_gmt":"2022-07-19T18:56:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.interstride.com\/?p=22536"},"modified":"2024-06-27T22:07:03","modified_gmt":"2024-06-27T22:07:03","slug":"how-to-get-a-job-with-no-work-experience-as-an-international-student","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/interstride.com\/blog\/how-to-get-a-job-with-no-work-experience-as-an-international-student\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get a job with no work experience as an international student"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Finding a job or internship with no work experience is difficult for anyone in the US, but it\u2019s especially difficult for international students.<\/p>\n

Many international students do not have any professional contacts in the US, and they face additional barriers to employment such as language and cultural differences. International students also have to navigate confusing paperwork and processes to be able to legally work in the US.<\/p>\n

To help with all this, we compiled some tips to make your journey to your first job or internship in the US as smooth as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to get your first job or internship in the US<\/b><\/h2>\n

International students have access to tons of great employment resources through their university. The international student office can help you navigate the requirements of working in the US including how to apply for the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) program and the <\/span>Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.<\/span> CPT allows you to work for up to 12 months in a job related to your area of study while you are at university. OPT is similar to CPT but can be used after you graduate while you are still in the US.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For more general information on internships and on-campus jobs, the career center at your university can be a great resource. They have career counselors who assist students in mapping out their academic and career interests and goals. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, your school\u2019s career center is worth a visit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more about the <\/span><\/i>OPT program for international students<\/span><\/i><\/a> from Interstride\u2019s blog.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Networking is key<\/b><\/h2>\n

According to recent research, <\/span>up to 80% of jobs are gained through networking<\/span><\/a>. Networking means interacting with other people to develop professional connections and increase your access to potential job opportunities. Here are 3 tips for <\/span>networking as an international student<\/span><\/a> in the US:<\/span><\/p>\n