Are You Searching for Your First Internship in the United States? Here’s a Step-by-Step Guide for International Students
Internships in the United States can be one of the most rewarding experiences for international students. Your first internship lays the foundation for your resume and future career prospects. While the process of preparing for, finding, applying to, and ultimately securing your ideal internship requires considerable time and effort, the rewards are undeniably worth it.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), graduates who have completed an internship are 20% more likely to receive a job offer than those who have not.
So, if you’re on the hunt for your first internship, keep reading. This guide will walk you through the essential steps you’ll need to take.
Internships and Visas for International Students
As an international student, your student visa dictates the terms and conditions of your work eligibility in the United States, including internships. Understanding what your visa permits and restricts in terms of internships is crucial to maintaining your international student status at your U.S. college or university. Each type of student visa has its own set of requirements for internships.
F-1 Visa Students
The F-1 student visa is primarily issued to students pursuing a degree program at a recognized U.S. college or university. This visa allows you to apply for internships through your university, including those that are part of Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
On an F-1 visa, you can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year, and this work is generally restricted to on-campus jobs. Off-campus work is possible but requires authorization from your university.
To qualify for CPT, your internship must be directly related to your degree, and you must have completed your first academic year. You’ll also need to apply for CPT approval and receive a new I-20 form before beginning your internship in the U.S.
After completing your degree, you can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). With OPT approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you can work full-time in the U.S. for up to 12 months. If you have a STEM-related degree, you may be eligible to apply for up to two additional years of OPT.
J-1 Visa Students
J-1 visa students typically participate in U.S. Department of State-approved exchange programs that are either study-based or work-based. While J-1 students are not eligible for OPT, they can apply for Academic Training (AT) in a field related to their studies, which allows them to work for up to 18 months after graduation.
J-1 Intern or J-1 Trainee visa holders can also complete internships in the U.S. without enrolling in a degree program. However, most companies require candidates to be currently enrolled in a college or university or to have graduated within the last 12 months. For trainee positions, a degree and prior work experience may be necessary.
Since J-1 students must be sponsored by an accredited educational or nonprofit organization, your sponsor may help you find internship opportunities. Some sponsors include internship placements as part of the program, while others may charge additional fees for this service.
Whether you’re an F-1 or J-1 student, finding an internship in the U.S. on your own can be challenging. By preparing a career action plan before you arrive, and fine-tuning it with the help of an advisor, you can create a systematic approach to follow once you’re in the United States.
Create a Career Action Plan
Your career action plan is a blueprint of your professional goals and the steps needed to achieve them. This plan can also help you identify your skills and interests, allowing you to narrow down internship options that align with your career aspirations.
As part of your career action plan, outline a detailed list of tasks to complete during your internship search. This methodical approach will help you manage your time effectively, balancing your studies with your search for internship opportunities.
Start by assessing your strengths and weaknesses, work experience, and interests. This will give you a list to work from as you develop your professional action plan.
Polish Your Resume
Many U.S. universities and colleges offer services to help you craft and maintain your resume. These services may include workshops on how U.S. resumes differ from CVs in other countries and guidance on the best practices for creating a resume. For example, a U.S. resume does not include a photo or marital status, and most are one page or less.
If you’re unsure where to start with your resume, an online search will yield numerous examples and templates. Your career counselor or a Career Accelerator program advisor can also provide guidance. Having an experienced mentor by your side can make applying for your first internship in America much easier.
Before submitting your resume, have others review it. Don’t be afraid of constructive criticism—share your resume with family, friends, and career advisors, and ask for feedback. It’s better to catch any errors or omissions before you apply than to miss out on an opportunity because of a simple mistake.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter
When applying for internships or job opportunities in the U.S., it’s essential to include a cover letter along with your resume. Typically one page in length, a cover letter summarizes your professional experience, skills, and interests. It should be tailored to the specific role you’re applying for, demonstrating how your qualifications align with the job’s requirements.
Your cover letter should complement your resume by highlighting additional achievements or qualifications relevant to the job that aren’t fully covered in your resume. It’s also a chance to explain how your past experiences will contribute to your success in the role and why you’re a great fit for the company.
When writing your cover letter, follow these guidelines:
- Include Contact Information: List your contact details along with the employer’s information, such as the hiring manager’s name and department. You might also include your LinkedIn profile or portfolio links if relevant.
- Address the Hiring Manager: Use a formal greeting, addressing the letter to the hiring manager by name if possible. If you’re unsure of their name, use their title or department.
- Start with a Strong Introduction: Clearly state the position you’re applying for, the company name, and how you learned about the opportunity.
- Detail Your Qualifications: In the body of the letter, highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Discuss how your background aligns with the job role and how you can contribute to the company’s success.
- Conclude Gracefully: Wrap up your cover letter by briefly summarizing why you’re an excellent candidate for the position, expressing your enthusiasm, and thanking the hiring manager.
Searching for Internships
Once you’ve completed your career action plan, polished your resume, and crafted your cover letter, you’re ready to start searching for internship opportunities. There are numerous dedicated job sites in the U.S. where you can find both paid and unpaid internships for international students.
- LinkedIn: The leading professional networking platform, LinkedIn is a great place to find internships with top companies.
- Internships.com: This website, owned by Chegg, lists thousands of internships for college students across the country.
- Indeed.com: Like Internships.com, Indeed aggregates thousands of open positions and offers tips and templates for resumes, cover letters, and interviews.
Networking is also a powerful tool. As you progress through your degree, take advantage of networking opportunities with classmates, professors, and guest speakers. Every connection you make adds to your professional network and could potentially lead to internship opportunities or even long-term employment.
On-campus job fairs and job boards are other valuable resources. Many companies partner with colleges to offer internships or entry-level positions to students. With ITPathFinder’s help, you can connect with prominent U.S. employers and even start a virtual internship from your home country.
Prepare for the Internship Interview
If you’ve been invited to interview, it means the hiring manager sees potential in your application. To keep up the momentum, it’s important to prepare thoroughly for the interview.
You’ll likely start with a phone interview, which is usually a preliminary discussion about the role, your background, and your interest in the position. If you pass this stage, you may be invited for a face-to-face interview or additional phone interviews with other team members. Here are some tips to help you prepare for any type of interview:
- Speak with Previous Interns: They can offer insights into the role and what interviewers are looking for.
- Review Common Interview Questions: A quick Google search will provide a list of typical interview questions. Prepare your responses in advance.
- Prepare Questions: Hiring managers appreciate candidates who do their homework. Ask thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the company’s priorities.
- Practice with Friends or Family: Rehearsing with others can help you feel more comfortable when it’s time for the actual interview.
- Dress Professionally: When attending a face-to-face interview, make sure you look responsible and professional.
Your university or college likely has a career center that can help you prepare for internships. These centers often offer mock interviews, company insights, and additional resources. Working with career counselors can be more effective than practicing with friends or family, as it simulates the experience of being interviewed by a stranger.
Additionally, make sure to improve your spoken English and familiarize yourself with terms and jargon related to the job role. Doing so will demonstrate your preparedness and seriousness about securing an internship in the U.S.
Apply for Internships
Once your action plan is in place, your resume is polished, and you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to start applying.
For international students, consider applying for both paid and unpaid internships. While securing a paid internship is ideal, they are often highly competitive, and many companies—especially smaller ones—
