Undergraduate Blog / Career Development

Internships & International Students

This blog was written by Peer Career Ambassador, Natalia Castellanos ‘21

Exploring the world of internship opportunities as an international student is an exciting and challenging feat. Although competition for internship opportunities is high,  There are many valuable skills that you, as an international student, bring to employers. Here are some things to keep in mind as you navigate the search:

Do Your Research

Find companies within your industry of interest that are providing internship opportunities, and make sure that you learn about the company, what they do, and how they do it. It is important that you apply to opportunities that will enrich you professionally. To do so, you must find companies that match your interests, where you will be able to grow. 

Leave Nothing to Chance

Given the competitive nature of the internship application process, anything that you can do to make your application stand out will increase your chances of moving further into the recruiting process. This means that you should:

  • Attend any Information Sessions, Panels, or similar events hosted by the company you are interested in to meet recruiters and learn about different opportunities. 
  • Connect with company employees through Linkedin to learn more about the company.
  • Reach out to Alumni involved in the company to learn more about their experience. 

Be Resilient

Internship searching can be tiring for everyone, and sometimes you may feel frustrated with the difficulty of finding opportunities for international students. However, the key to finding the right opportunity for you is to research companies open to international students and looking to increase diversity within their teams. Companies are usually very clear about whether they accept international students’ applications or not, so make sure to read all of the information they disclose on their recruitment page. If you are an F-1 Student Visa holder, then you may be qualified to utilize Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows you to legally intern in the U.S. while you are a student. Making the most out of this opportunity will allow you to develop yourself professionally and personally. If you have any questions about your employment eligibility, make sure to contact the Glavin Office. For more guidance on internship search as an international student, make an appointment with the Undergraduate Center for Career Development.