Explore
Programs
Mbbs 2 Aug, 2024
Share
One of the most significant advantages of studying in the United States for international students is the opportunity to do an internship there. Your first internship serves as the foundation for your résumé and subsequent professional experience. While preparing for, locating, applying to, and, most importantly, obtaining your ideal internship requires a lot of effort, the rewards are worthwhile.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 52.7% of interns receive full-time job offers after finishing their internship. So, if you're just starting your hunt for your first internship, stay reading: Our guide will guide you through the most critical tasks you'll encounter along the road.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be applied for throughout your studies (pre-completion OPT) or after you finish your program (post-completion OPT). Pre-completion OPT restricts working hours to a maximum of 20 hours per week throughout school, but allows for full-time work during academic breaks and yearly vacation. Post-completion OPT permits you to work full-time in the United States for up to 12 months with approval from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). With a STEM degree, you can request up to two more years of OPT!
Students on student visas are often participating in work- or study-based exchange visitor programs recognised by the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. J-1 students must be sponsored by an accredited educational or other nonprofit institution, therefore you may be able to discover internship opportunities through your sponsor. While J-1 students are ineligible for OPT, they may apply for Academic Training (AT) in an area related to their program for up to 18 months after graduation.
Visa holders seeking an internship in the United States without enrolling in a degree program may apply for a J-1 Intern or J-1 Trainee visa. Most firms need interns to be enrolled in a university or have graduated within the past year. Trainees may be required to have a degree and prior job experience outside the United States. J-1 university students have the unique chance of extending their academic training tenure in the US for a total of 36 months.
Whether you are an F-1 or a J-1 student, obtaining an internship in the United States on your own might be tough. By planning ahead of time, you may build a procedure to follow when you arrive in the United States and fine-tune your strategy with the help of an advisor.
As an international student, your student visa describes your job terms and circumstances while in the United States, including how to acquire internships. Each student visa has its own unique internship requirements.
With an F-1 student visa, you can apply for an internship in the United States as an international student, with support from your recognised institution or college. Some programs may even require an internship as part of the curriculum, known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – your internship must be connected to your degree program, and you must have completed your first year of university. To begin your internship, you must additionally apply for CPT authorisation and get a new I-20 form in America.
With an F-1 visa USA internship, you are not permitted to work off campus during the first academic year unless you have permission from your university, but you may take on-campus job options.
After you've learnt how to acquire internships as an international student, made an action plan for your internship search, polished your CV and cover letter, and narrowed down your top options, it's time to start applying.
Remember to apply for unpaid and paid internships for overseas students. While it is excellent to secure a paid internship in America, they are typically quite competitive, and many employers (particularly smaller organisations) prefer to recruit an unpaid intern.
Many organisations in the United States submit job applications online through job boards, LinkedIn, and other career-seeking websites. Typically, you may apply for positions listed on these platforms by submitting a digital version of your CV and cover letter (if necessary), however some organisations may refer you to their own application site. Visiting organisations (particularly smaller ones) in person and enquiring about internships is another potential method because you may be able to meet the hiring manager personally and create a positive connection.
Do not be disheartened if you do not receive an instant answer to your internship application! Many organisations around the United States can provide you with unique chances and experiences. Stay positive, keep your choices open, and collaborate with your adviser to discover your ideal internship in the United States for international students. You might also practise for the interview to enhance your confidence!
If you've made it to the interview stage, the hiring manager sees potential in your application. Make sure to maintain your momentum by preparing for the interview.
You'll most likely have a phone interview initially. Your initial phone interview is often a broad discussion about the position, you, and your past. You may also be requested to come in for a face-to-face conversation or do more phone interviews with other team members. Regardless, here are some terrific strategies to prepare for any interview:
Practice—Have your friends or family members interview you, asking the questions you discovered throughout your study. The more you practise, the more at ease you'll feel during the actual interview.
Dress professionally—It may seem simple, but make sure you appear responsible and professional when you arrive for the face-to-face interview.
Talk to past interns—past interns can provide tips to help you understand the position and what recruiters look for in other students or young professionals.
Review typical interview questions—A Google search is a good way to start, and you might be able to search by employer. Make a list of frequent questions you expect to be asked and prepare responses before your interview.
Create a list of appropriate questions to ask—Hiring managers like it when candidates have done their homework on the firm before applying. Ask detailed questions about your position, the team, and the company's goals.
Your institution or college will most likely offer a career centre where overseas students like you may learn more about how to apply for internships in the United States. You may go to the career centre and work with staff specialists who can help you prepare with mock interviews, company guidance, and more. Working with career counsellors can be more beneficial than rehearsing with friends or family since it simulates being interviewed by a professional you have never met before.
Before your interview, prepare a list of mock interview questions that they may ask, as well as a list of questions you would want to ask your possible employer about the firm and its work environment.
Additionally, remember to practise your spoken English and research terminology and vocabulary relating to the job function that may be mentioned during your interview. This will demonstrate to the interviewer that you have conducted study and are devoted to landing an internship in the United States for international students.
In an internship, you may have the opportunity to meet and work with company leaders, managers, and other interns from other departments. Depending on the size and breadth of your company's activity, you may be able to take on a variety of duties and develop new skills.
Similarly, working as an international student in the United States exposes you to a diverse range of people and cultures. It provides an opportunity for you to learn how to be flexible, adapt, and empathise with others and their perspectives in a professional setting. Your internship experience will help you gain a better grasp of company culture and increase your professional network.
1. Can international students conduct paid internships in the United States?
Internships in the United States for overseas students can be paid or unpaid, depending on the nature of the business, the individual firm sponsoring the job, and how competitive the available internship opportunities are.
2. Can Indian students secure internships in the United States?
The F-1 visa enables full-time students from India to apply for internships in the United States without requiring additional documentation. You can work up to 20 hours per week on paid internships in the United States for overseas students. Furthermore, you must work on campus while your academic year is ongoing.
3. Do internships in the United States often pay?
Depending on the employment, interns may or may not be compensated. Unpaid internships are frequent, especially when they count for academic credit towards graduation.
4. Which visa is ideal for internships in the United States?
A J-1 Visa (J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa) is necessary to engage in an exchange program in the United States. The J-1 visa permits foreign people to stay in the United States for a short time to pursue school or training opportunities. Research stays and much more.
5. What is the minimum age for an internship in the United States?
Employers should be aware that if an investigation of the facts finds that an intern is, in fact, an employee, he or she is entitled to minimum wage (and maybe overtime) compensation under the FLSA. Most businesses need minors to be at least 14 years old to be recruited as unpaid interns.
6. How can I stay in the United States after an internship?
The J-1 visa allows you to travel to the United States up to 30 days before the start of your internship. After completing your internship successfully, you are legally permitted to stay in the United States for an additional 30 days to travel, among other things. This is referred to as a grace period.
