Internship in the USA for International Students – Everybody knows that the one who goes abroad to study works part-time to support him/herself financially. But you might not be aware that specific academic programs also require you to work full time. There are programs that the institutions offer to their students as a part of their curriculum called practical training, enabling them to take up jobs in the form of internships or co-ops during their studies.
Academic programs in the US include two types of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs –
- Internships -This program requires the students to take up internships for shorter periods, like three months.
- Co-operative education position -This program requires the student to take up positions that may last three to twelve months.
What is the Difference Between an Internship and a Co-op?
Internships and Co-ops are different altogether. However, they are commonly used interchangeably, so be clear about what your college/university is prescribing you to take up as a part of your Curricular Practical Training.
Even if these trainings are made mandatory for students, the college/university doesn’t guarantee to find you an offer for internships or co-ops. We shall discuss how to find yourself an offer later in this blog.
Remember that CPT allows international students studying in the US to get employed off-campus when practical training is an essential part of the academic program, provided the student has an F1 visa.
Taking up internships and cooperative education programs makes you a preferable candidate when you apply for jobs after graduation.
| Internships | Co-operative education |
| Short-term.Usually, three months long | Usually three to twelve months long |
| It could be part-time or full-time | It is a full-time position |
| This is common for all students | It is open to specific majors |
| It could be paid or unpaid roles | It is a paid position |
| The work schedule is fixed | The work schedule is not set as it alternates with the classes, and the employer needs |
Eligibility for CPT
The opportunity of the CPT program is very alluring, for sure. However, you must fulfil a few requirements to be eligible to get paid- internships off-campus. They are as follows:
- You should be enrolled in a one-year full-time course with an F1 visa
- This curriculum practical training is an essential part of your course to gain academic credit.
- The job offered must align with your discipline of study or area of research.
- You must have the CPT authorisation from the international student office. This authorisation contains the details about your eligibility for part-time or full-time employment, the specific employer you can work for and the time frame of your work.
Benefits of Taking Up Internships and Co-ops:
Add to your experience
You don’t have to be stuck where you are a fresher, but all the job openings require work experience. These co-ops and multiple internships you take up during your studies add to your work experience.
These jobs make you stand out from the crowd of freshers who have yet to gain work experience or proven knowledge in your field of work.
Better learning
Internships act as a means to see your theory session put into reality. It helps you understand the concepts better by learning them through hands-on experience. No wonder students with related work experience perform well in the course examinations!
New environment
As an international student, these workplaces give you a new environment to interact with others in the industry and provide new perspectives not just about the work but also about personal connections, work styles and life experiences.
Enhances confidence
Most students who have taken up jobs as a part of CPT, especially the co-ops, say that their confidence in finding a job after graduating has improved drastically. This is because they now have valid work experience, practical knowledge of the subjects studied in theory sessions and are confident about their skills in their niche.
Start earning early
Yes, part-time jobs help you earn money, but these internships and co-ops help in multi-facets. You sure will make more money through a co-op job than a part-time job. This will help you start earning more money from an early phase.
Why Will a Company Hire You for a Co-op Position or as an Intern?
Develop the right skills before hiring
By hiring you for an internship or a co-op position, the company can train and mould you to best fit the organization, and if they find you to adapt well, they might offer a job to join after graduation.
It is beneficial for a company to hire someone who has worked with them as an intern or co-op employee, as they would already know the company’s processes.
Free up experienced employees for higher-level tasks
Every project has multiple levels of tasks, from strategising to implementation. Specific tasks that take a lot of time are generally simple and repetitive. These tasks could be delegated to you as the highly experienced personnel can handle high-level tasks.
Cost-effective hiring
Hiring you for a co-op position costs much less for a company than hiring a graduate; however, the pay scale is compensated with the time spent on training you
Add new perspectives and ideas
Even if a company has experienced employees, there is always room for a gap in ideas. The students are not accustomed to a way of thinking and are more accessible to trends in the market. Hence, hiring students is a way to introduce new ideas into the organisation.
How Do You Find an Internship or a Co-op Opportunity?
Internships and co-ops make it easier for you to get a job after graduation, but the catch is you have to put that effort into finding a job now in advance.
Here are a few ways to get offers:
University Career Centre:
Universities and colleges have dedicated centres with staff to help students find internship or co-op opportunities.
They will help you prepare for the interviews, refine your resume, conduct mock interviews and provide complete support to get you an offer letter.
They may conduct networking events and career fairs, which will help you put yourself out there.
Online platforms:
The world shrinks when it goes online. There are many platforms like LinkedIn where you can find numerous job opportunities, use relevant keywords to connect with the right people to make an impression, set job alerts, and be notified about job postings.
Company websites:
Dig into the websites of companies that you wish to work for. Check out their openings. Many companies post their requirements for interns and co-op positions on their websites. Search for the ‘careers’ option on their website, check for the listing relevant to your requirement and follow the steps mentioned on the page to apply for it.
Alumni and faculty connections:
Alumni and faculty are a pool of opportunities. Connect with them and seek advice and insights on internship and co-op opportunities they know in their connection circle.
Don’t miss out on the opportunities to attend inter-departmental events and guest lectures where you can network with professionals who may have industry connections.
Internships and cooperative education positions significantly influence a student’s life. Choosing a program that requires practical training as an essential part of the academic program is beneficial.
Internships are short-term term, while Co-ops are comparatively long-term. Either way, they enhance your subject knowledge and make it easier to find a job after graduation.
