go.gwu.edu/careerservices Curricular Practical Training (CPT): International Student Internship Search GW’s International Student Services & Center for Career Services Courtney Luque, GW International Services Office Stephanie De Souza, GW International Services Office Sonya Merrill, GW Center for Career Services Anne Scammon, GW Center for Career Services

go.gwu.edu/careerservices What is an “internship”?

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Learning Outcomes Link Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and internships & cooperative education (Co-op) Identify intern and Co-op learning opportunities Review intern and Co-op search resources Learn about resumes, networking, interviews Practice introductory pitch to employers Expand knowledge of interviews and interview attire

go.gwu.edu/careerservices CPT & Internships & Co-op? What Curricular Practical Training (CPT)? – International Services Office defines (next slide) 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 International students must apply for CPT through ISO to “intern” off campus. ISO colleagues will discuss U.S. regulations, application procedures and reference Co-op

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Regulation - CPT Curricular practical training. An F-1 student may be authorized by the DSO to participate in a curricular practical training program that is an integral part of an established curriculum. Curricular practical training is defined to be alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i)214.2(f)(10)(i)

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Why an Internship? Structured learning experience with description of duties, a supervisor and goals for learning 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

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Create an Intern (CAREER?) Search PLAN #1 Identify goals #2 Understand VISA status #3 Identify resources #4 Research employers #5 Marketing/Networking #6 Interviewing

go.gwu.edu/careerservices #1 Clarify 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

go.gwu.edu/careerservices #2: Understand International Student “Status” + U.S. employment Four challenges facing F1 students seeking U.S employment: – U.S. labor and immigration regulations/options – Employer hiring preferences – Lack of English language proficiency – Adjustment to/knowledge of U.S. professional culture

go.gwu.edu/careerservices #3: Identify Resources MyVisaJobs – Listings for foreign nationals seeking employers – FREE list of employers accepting H1B Visa holders GoingGlobal, gwu-csm.symplicity.com/studentsgwu-csm.symplicity.com/students – H-1B Info Section: US employers who sponsored H-1B visas in previous year. H-1B PLUS search for employer listings, corporate profiles, and career resources Foreign Labor Certification Data Center – H‐1B petitions for U.S. companies hiring internationals

go.gwu.edu/careerservices 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

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Online Intern Resources via GWork subscription databases/directory-foreign-firms-operating- united-states databases/directory-foreign-firms-operating- united-states

go.gwu.edu/careerservices #4: Research/Target Employers Identify employers who hire sponsor H1B – and others Target employers who may consider internationals – Say “no” to international students but hire for right person Research employers who need your skills Avoid U.S. federal, state or local governments – Internationals cannot work for governments/employers with government contracts Target others from home country who have jobs in U.S. U.S. companies working in your language/region/business home country GW international alumni with US links International organizations

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Step: #5 Marketing/Networking 80% of Jobs Building Relationships* Resumes*, Cover Letters, Career Fairs Professional Attire On Campus Networking Online Networking/Linked In Professional Pitch*

go.gwu.edu/careerservices #5: Networking Hidden U.S. Job Market 80% of U.S. jobs are never advertised/listed online – Technology: Online resources, employer websites, social media, data/information/lists, LinkedIn – People: Friends and friends of friends and friends of friends of friends, Family, Roommates, Dry Cleaner, ISO, CCS, GW Staff.... – Organizations: Student, professional, religious – Community: Neighbors, Volunteer work – 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

go.gwu.edu/careerservices 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

go.gwu.edu/careerservices 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

go.gwu.edu/careerservices 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.

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Structure of the Resume Contact Information Education Experience Optional Sections: Objective Skills and/or Technical Skills ResearchRelevant Coursework/Projects Activities Leadership Volunteer Awards

go.gwu.edu/careerservices LinkedIn: Build a Professional Online Profile

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Interviews Before – 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

go.gwu.edu/careerservices 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

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Curricular Practical Training

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Practical Training Eligibility (CPT & OPT) –F-1 students who have maintained their F-1 status for at least 1 academic year Students with full-time study in A,E,G,H,J,L or N status should see an ISO advisor about possible exceptions US transfer students must be enrolled at GW for 1 semester before they are eligible to apply for CPT Graduate students in programs that require an internship in the 1st year of study must see an advisor about exceptions –Employment must be related to the major field of study commensurate with the level of study on student’s I-20 –CPT  Must have an eligible job offer to apply

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Basic Facts: –Occurs during the course of study –Must be “an integral part of an established curriculum” – receive credit or transcript notation –Authorized by the ISO (in writing on I-20) –Employer-specific (must have a written job offer to apply and it does not transfer) –On campus + off campus employment = 20 hours total! –CPT can be authorized for paid and unpaid internships

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Where do I find the CPT guidelines?!

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Is there Checklist? Absolutely!!

go.gwu.edu/careerservices CPT – Application Procedures Immigration docs: Visa Passport I-94 Cover letter from you how is it related to your program of study? Prospective employer letter (on letterhead) MUST include all required items Letter from Academic Advisor to the ISO Verifying that the employment is related to your program of study Letter verifying enrollment in the appropriate curricular course Co-Op course is a 0 credit course through CCS, which shows up on your academic transcript Other options are sometimes available

go.gwu.edu/careerservices CPT – Application Tips Apply early! –10 business day ISO Follow Center for Career Services guidelines and application process for Co-Op enrollment You receive a “CPT I-20” once you have been approved You are not eligible to work before you receive your CPT I-20 !!!!!!!!!!

go.gwu.edu/careerservices CPT – Part-time v. Full-time Hours / week –part-time (20 hours-) during academic semester for experience not required by the degree program –full time (20 hours+) during authorized university breaks (i.e. spring, summer & winter break) Impact on OPT –Use of part time CPT does not impact OPT eligibility –12 months of cumulative full-time CPT results in the loss of eligibility for OPT

go.gwu.edu/careerservices CPT- Paid vs Unpaid Internships CPT can be granted for paid and unpaid opportunities Co-Op enrollment may be available for unpaid internships –You must be enrolled in either Co-Op credit or academic credit to qualify for CPT authorization. Labor laws must be taken into account when assessing unpaid training opportunities –Important DoL resources:

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Volunteering- General Information May receive “no compensation” –Receiving compensation such as meals, free parking, discounts, metro passes, gift cards, stipends are ALL compensation! Performs hours of service for a public agency for civic, charitable or humanitarian reasons, without promise, expectation or receipt of compensation for services rendered Offers services freely and without pressure of coercion and.. Is not otherwise employed by the same public agency to perform the same type of services as those for which the individual proposes to volunteer

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Contact Information Colonial Crossroads Marvin Center Suite st Street, NW Washington, DC CSC LOCATION: Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm 11:00 am – 2:00 pm (drop-in hours) HOURS: & PHONE: Please fill out an evaluation survey Old Main 1922 F Street NW Washington, DC ISO LOCATION: Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm 1:30 – 3:30pm (drop-in advising) HOURS: & PHONE:

go.gwu.edu/careerservices Curricular Practical Training (CPT) International Students: Internship Search Courtney Luque, GW International Services Office Stephanie De Souza, GW International Services Office Sonya Merrill, GW Center for Career Services Anne Scammon, GW Center for Career Services