International Students Information

What To Expect

Seeking work as in international student in the United States requires patience, persistence, and familiarity with the process. Although you may be qualified and have many skills to offer employers, your international status may make it difficult for you to find employment in the US because of your work permit/visa status. Communication skills may also play an important role in your eligibility for employment.

US Employer Expectations

• Self Promotion: Being assertive and openly discussing goals and accomplishments is encouraged in the US, whereas in many countries it may be considered rude.
• Directness in Communication: Eye contact with an interviewer, having a relaxed posture, and giving open and direct responses to questions is very important.
• Self Disclosure: It is appropriate to disclose more personal information about yourself in the US. Experiences, hobbies; strengths and weaknesses; and answers to questions related to personality (e.g. leadership, style, problem-solving) are an integral part of the interviewing process.
• Career Self Awareness: In many countries jobs are commonly assigned by government or family and the individual is often expected to be flexible and accept whatever job becomes available. In the US demonstrating knowledge of yourself, career goals, and their relationship to a potential job is very important. Consultants in our office are available to meet with you in order to help you develop these career goals.

Individual Responsibility in Finding Employment

• Since jobs are not assigned, it is important to use all of your possible resources (friends, family, contacts, professional journals and associations, career services, academic mentors, etc.) in identifying job opportunities.
• Punctuality: It is recommended that you arrive five to ten minutes before an interview. Effective Letters of Application and Resumes: Resumes should be error free, concise and outline of relevant job experiences, skills, accomplishments, and academic credentials.
• Preparation about Organization: It is important to obtain as much information as possible about a job and organization before the interview.
• Communication Skills: Communication skills are the top characteristic employers seek in job applicants. Since English may not be your first language, US employers may be concerned about your ability to communicate with clients. To better your English skills, join multinational student clubs, interact with Americans, volunteer to give presentations, and take composition courses.

Work Permits / Visas

You must first understand your eligibility to work in the US. University and federal government rules and procedures may vary depending on your visa status, field of study, graduate, or undergraduate status. You need to be fully informed about these issues so that you can facilitate the hiring process for employers.

The UConn Department of International Services and Programs advisors counsel international students and scholars on a variety of non-immigrant visas as well as on educational, employment, cultural, financial and personal matters affecting their stay while in the US. International Advisors provide counseling services by appointment or on a walk-in basis. The Department of International Services and Programs is located in Alsop B Building, First floor (West Campus Residences), Unit 1083 Storrs, Connecticut 06269-1083, USA. Telephone: (860) 486-3855 Fax: (860) 486-5800.

Employers may restrict the hiring of international students for long-term career positions because of the complexities involved in sponsoring them for H-1B visas, which allow one to six years of employment in the US. Sponsoring employees for H-1B visas requires securing approval from the US Department of Labor, hiring a lawyer, and absorbing some fees. Many companies feel that the H-1B process is too difficult and costly to undertake; therefore, some companies will not interview, let alone hire, international students. With this in mind you must be patient, persistent, and flexible; and you will need to expand your job search to include a variety of different job titles, geographic locations, and salary ranges.

It is often very frustrating for international students to go through an interview only to learn that a particular employer does not sponsor H-1B visas. However, you should wait until either the employer introduces the topic of visas or until an employer offers you a job, to discuss sponsorship.

Prior to discussing sponsorship with potential employers, it is important to learn as much as possible about it so that you can help employers through the process. You should also be prepared to do most of the work involved in sponsorship, which may mean hiring a lawyer and paying his/her fees. You will increase your likelihood of getting hired if you can make the process as easy as possible for employers.

It is sometimes helpful to target companies that have demonstrated interest in sponsoring H-1B Visas. The American Immigration Law Foundation offers a list of "Leading Employers of Specialty Occupational Workers (H-1B)."

Gaining Career Related Experience

Networking with personal and professional contacts is often the key to finding jobs in the US. It is never too early to begin making contacts. Start with professors, neighbors, and fellow students. At the Department of Career Services we can help you begin making contacts with companies or places of potential employment. When you are speaking with people about your situation be sure to talk about your field of study, special skills, and career goals. If English is not your first language it is important to practice what you want to say to these people with a person who is a native English speaker.

Personal interaction plays a key role in securing a job in every country. However, to many international students the style of presenting oneself to a prospective employer may seem brash or boastful. Some international students have a hard time talking about their accomplishments during an interview, but it is necessary during an interview conducted in the US. Body language, such as a firm handshake and eye contact are also very important. It is essential that you adapt to the US norm in order to successfully compete for a position in this country. Check out our Programs and Workshops for more information from Career Services.

• Joining a Professional Association
  This is a great way to begin networking and making contacts in addition to keeping you up-to date with current trends in your field. There is usually a local chapter of a national organization where you can participate in meetings and conferences. When attending conferences it is important to collect business cards and follow up with conversations. Visit our Career Development Library or meet with a consultant for help in finding professional organizations that would be in your best interest to join.
• Joining Student Groups on Campus
  Student groups can increase your contacts as well as provide opportunities to assume leadership positions. This is especially important for students who are trying to improve their English skills! Visit the Center for Student Involvement for a list of student groups at the University of Connecticut.
• Internships
  While apprenticeships are common in many countries they are not common in the US. More common however, are internships, co-ops, or on-site work experiences that are either directly related to your major field of study or your career interest. Internships and co-ops provide a way for you to increase your contacts and to gain career-related experience in the U.S.
• Shadowing Professionals
  The Department of Career Services offers a job shadowing program which provides students with the opportunity to spend a day or two with employers in a career related to your major. This experience can help provide key insights about careers, and expand your pool of contacts. See our website for specific details about this program. Students must meet with a Career Consultant (486-3013) if they are interested in participating in this program.

Writing Resumes

Depending on where you are from you may need to make minimal to significant changes to prepare your resume for the US job search. Sample resumes can be found in our online version of The Jobsearch Guidebook. Please note that resumes should not include personal information (such as health, marital status, or date of birth) or photographs. In addition, US resumes tend to be one page long and are very focused on presenting relevant and timely information; listing only experiences since high school is also standard. When you are listing overseas experience, it may be helpful to offer a very brief explanation about companies or educational experiences that are unfamiliar to most US employers (for example, "the largest pharmaceutical company in China" or "one of the top five universities in Brazil."