1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT): International Student
Internship Search
Anne Scammon, GW Center for Career Services
Learned about OPT
So now I want to tell you about how to apply this to your career !

2. Learning Outcomes Define Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Define internships & cooperative education (Co-op)
Identify learning opportunities in internships or Co-op
Review intern and Co-op search resources
Learn about resumes, networking, interviews
Practice introductory pitch to employers
Expand knowledge of interviews and interview attire
Introduce ourselves

3. What is CPT?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is the work authorization noted on your visa to be eligible to be employed off campus.
Intern or Co-op: Refers to a student who works off campus in a position related to his/her academic studies for a wage or no wage (volunteer)
International students must apply for CPT through ISO to “intern” off campus.
Must work 20 hours or less weekly in a position related to academic studies
U.S. regulations, application procedures, registering for Cooperative Education (co-op) will follow in ISO

4. What is an internship? An opportunity to learn
An internship is a short-term work experience in which you receive training and gain experience in a specific field or career area. An internship can be paid or unpaid and can vary in hours and length.
A structured learning experience
Defined beginning and end
Includes a position description with relevant and clearly defined learning objectives
Provides for supervision/feedback from a professional w/ expertise and background in that field

5. Why do an internship? Experience the U.S. workplace
Increase your marketability to U.S. employers
Build personal and professional confidence
Gain practical experience and transferable skills
Apply classroom knowledge to develop workplace skills
Build English proficiency and develop relationships
Explore career paths and specific industries and fields
Receive feedback from supervisor

6. Applying for CPT with ISO
Complete ISO’s application requirements
Register (apply) for Cooperative Education (Co-op)
US regulations state that you must be registered for an academic course to be approved for CPT
Requirements:
GPA graduate students: 3.0; GPS undergrad: 2.5
Internship relate to academic studies
Minimum 10 weeks/100 hours between first and last day of classes
Offer on letterhead (for the Co-op/Internship) from employer
Complete GW Co-op Student Application, GW Co-op Student Learning Agreement, and Co-op Student Learning Reflection
Ensure that the employer completes the GW Co-op Employer Agreement and completes the GW Co-op Student Evaluation

7. Clarify your goals/Create a plan
What are your career goals?
Why are you interested in working in the U.S.?
Will working in US advance your career goals?
What do you want to accomplish?
Be able to discuss your goals with employers
Clarify Your Goals
Why are you interested in working in the U.S.?
How will working in the US support your bigger career goals?
Know what you want to accomplish – in the 12 months or longer
Be able to discuss your goals with employers.
Think about options as you develop your goals
You may want to work in the US now, but what about your longer term goals. Working for a U.S. firm at home
While it may seem natural to work in the U.S. before returning, most multinational employers, whatever their ownership, prefer that you begin you career at home.
The organization which turns you down for U.S. employment may be glad to refer you to its office which makes international referrals.
Don't dismiss this option.

8. Intern Search Culture and Language
Cultural differences
Promote yourself: interview, network, pitch
Don’t include personal information (photo, birthdate)
Market your international experience
Languages, flexibility, tolerance, new experiences
Cultural values are reflected in intern search and workplace
Language is a demonstration of cultural understanding
English language proficiency
Describe visa status and CPT eligibility
You have already become aware of some American job-hunting practices. However, when you begin to search for a full-time job, you may need to behave in ways which still do not feel entirely appropriate. Third-party intermediaries may be less evident in the U.S. than at home. Most of your search will consist of your direct application to employers.
Do you like American culture?
Practice, tutoring, engage with Americans

9. Employers ???
Is it legal to hire international students without a “green card”?
Yes. Federal regulations permit employment of international F-1 students for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Does it cost money and involve a lot of paperwork to hire an F-1 student?
No. The only employer cost is the time/effort to interview and select the best candidate to fill the position. The ISO handles the paperwork for CPT
How long can international students work in the US with their student visa?
F-1: Eligible for CPT before completing their studies.
Do international students need work authorization before they can be hired?
No. International students must have authorization before they can begin work, but not before they are offered employment. For CPT a job offer required to obtain authorization

10. Intern Search Skills, Interests, Values: Goals
Top Skills US Employers Seek
Networking/Research/Target employer
Resources
Resumes
Introduction/Interviews
Professional Attire

11. Top 10 Skills Sought by U.S. Employers*
Ability to verbally communicate with persons inside/outside organization
Ability to work in a team structure
Ability to make decisions and solve problems
Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work
Ability to obtain and process information
Ability to analyze quantitative data
Technical knowledge related to the job
Proficiency with computer software programs
Ability to create and/or edit written reports
Ability to sell or influence others
* National Association of College and Employers, Annual Survey of Employers, December 2013
(Anne)

12. What is NETWORKING?
The process through which you CONNECT and BUILD relationships with others who can help ADVANCE your career.
So what is networking???
“The process through which you CONNECT and BUILD relationships with others who can help ADVANCE your career”.
*A Foot in the Door – Networking your Way into the Hidden Job Market by Katarine Hansen

13. Networking 80% of U.S. jobs are never advertised/listed online
Online: Employer websites, social media, databases, information LinkedIn
People: Friends and friends of friends and friends of friends of friends, Family, Roommates, Dry Cleaner, ISO, CCS, GW Staff
Organizations: Student, professional, religiou
Community: Neighbors, Volunteer wor
GW: Professors, fellow students, faculty offices, alumni
International connections
U.S. companies active in your language/region/ doing business in home country
Others from home country who are officers/ company owners/have U.S. jobs
GW international alumni with US jobs
Smaller companies with need for targeted skills

14. Networking
Meet anywhere
Casual
Engage
Smile
Listen
Respect

15. Networking via LinkedIn
Access to professional networks not on Facebook
Research companies, industries, and grad programs
Explore opportunities
Add connections with ‘warm’ contacts and alumni
Learn professional networking etiquette
1. Helps you improve and control your online identity. What shows up when you google your name? LinkedIn can help streamline what shows up to give you a more professional presence online. LinkedIn gives you control over how you portray yourself professionally.
million business pages and 1.5 million groups- Gather information about what companies are doing, use this as a research tool before you have an interview to give yourself interesting talking points. -Lots of international employers have a presence on LinkedIn. 64% of Linkedin users are outside the US – good when looking for jobs globally
3. Explore specific opportunities-weather it be jobs, internships, or grad school
4. Add connection with ‘warm’ contacts and alumni – what does warm mean?
5. Connect with people, build your professional “network,” learn about job and internship opportunities, and learn about what different companies do. Through LinkedIn, you can research companies and people to gather more information about industries, career paths, and what your next step should be to achieve your goals

16. International student intern resources
GWork
via GWork subscription

17. Research/Target Employers
Develop a list of U.S. companies/organizations who hire foreign nationals
Apply directly to employers
Apply for positions available to foreign visa status
Avoid U.S. federal, state or local governments
Foreign nationals cannot work for governments, or for private employers with government contracts, e.g., the U.S. Department of Defense

18. Before: Resume Basics*
Sections: Identification, Education, Experience, Skills
Language: Perfect English
Experience Descriptions: Focus on your
Center Services: 48-hour Resume Critique, Drop In Consulting 11am to 2pm, M-F.

19. Structure of the Resume
Contact Information
Education
Experience
Optional Sections:
Objective Skills and/or Technical Skills
Research Relevant Coursework/Projects
Activities Leadership
Volunteer Awards
Sections of the resume
So what does a resume looks like?
A resume is a one-page marketing tool. There are four sections of the resume, with an option to include a fifth section:
Contact Information
Education
Experience
Skills
Activities/Volunteer/Leadership
Optional
(Below chart provides an example of each section. First column is what needs to be included. The middle column provides an example; here is how the contact information looks. And the third column provides some hints for what and how to include per section. I imagine that the content of the chart to be a prezi, first showing a full screen resume, then pathing to the specific section, then a different screen with the example, etc.)

20. 30-Second Pitch and Practice:
Name
Class year
Major
What are you interested in? (specific position, learn about field or company, identify summer internships?)
INTRODUCTION
Top skills and where you have demonstrated skills
Top accomplishments
Top leadership activities
Class projects
IDENTIFY SELLING POINTS & CREATE 30-SECOND PITCH
What do I want to request?
Confirm next steps
Request business card
Thank you.
CLOSING

21. Interviews Before During Employ stress relievers Research employer
Identify location and visit before/Arrive early
Practice – out loud – answering questions
During
Breathe, handshake, smile, eye contact, speak
Answer questions
Situation, task, action, results
Employ stress relievers

22. Before: Professional Attire
Suit
Well fitted, conservative presentation
Clean and pressed (ironed)
Men: Dark suit, shoes, socks; White button-down shirt, tie
Women: Dark suit, shoes; Hose, Blouse
Accessories
Shoes: Low heels
Jewelry: Conservative, limited
Portfolio (Avoid backpack)
Resume copies
Store employer information