Biomedical Sciences, Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Europe, United Kingdom (UK) (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales)
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Auburn University at Montgomery
Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) is recognized by U.S. News and World Report, as well as, The Princeton Review as one of the best colleges in the Southeast. What else do we have going for us?
Our Vision
Auburn University at Montgomery strives to be a university that …
Our Mission
The mission of Auburn University at Montgomery is to provide quality and diverse educational opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate levels through use of traditional and electronic delivery systems, and to foster and support an environment conducive to teaching, research, scholarship, and collaboration with government agencies, our community, and other educational institutions.
Guidance for International Students on Career Planning
Career development for international students starts at US universities: When you study in the US as an international student, you also have the option to work for US employers at the same time! But how do you find your first internship or job in the US? Where can you find helpful advice about international student careers?
Shorelight is here to help! In this guide, you will learn about the differences in US employment, internships, documents required for job applications, how to approach job interviews, and options for long-term training. And at many Shorelight universities, our friendly expert career counselors are available to support international student careers from day one with personalized guidance, programs focusing on career development for international students, and more.
Career Development Assistance for International Students
With the help of a Shorelight advisor, you can start adjusting to life in the US while learning about in-demand skills that top employers seek out. Your advisor will guide you on how to build these skills and help you find opportunities for internships or part-time jobs. They also support you when you create a resume and cover letter, along with helping you apply for jobs and prepare for interviews.
You can also access application assistance support for international students and connect with US employers to find the right job for your career. Additionally, advisors work with you on the best ways to follow the working conditions listed on your student visa to maintain your status as an international student.
Understanding US Employment
There are a wide variety of jobs for international students you can apply for in the US, with different expectations depending on the type of role and specific employers that interest you. Understanding the different job types is an important step toward finding the right role for you.
FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT
A full-time job in the US requires between 32 to 40 hours of work per week. In the US, many students move on to full-time jobs after graduating from university to begin their careers. As full-time jobs require a high level of commitment and work, it can be challenging for students to balance full-time work alongside their undergraduate university studies.
As an international student, you are typically not allowed to work in a full-time job while your university or college’s academic semester is in progress. Depending on your student visa, you may be allowed to work full time when your semester is on break, such as during summer (if you are not enrolled in summer semester classes).
PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT
With a part-time job, you can typically work 10 or more hours per week, although some part-time jobs may require anywhere between 20 to 39 hours per week. Because time commitments can vary so drastically, it is important to know what an employer expects from part-time employees as early in the application process as possible.
Part-time jobs usually provide a source of income for many students. Students may take on a part-time job during their studies to help pay for their expenses or for personal reasons. Students usually use part-time jobs to gain working experience, build their resume, and to foster connections and references that may help when moving on to full-time employment.
As an international student, your visa allows you to work at a part-time job while you study, but only for a maximum 20 hours per week. Generally, because of their lesser time commitment compared to full-time jobs, part-time jobs may be easier to manage alongside your studies.
ON-CAMPUS VS OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT
Keep in mind that student visas also determine if you can work at on-campus jobs for international students. This refers to any job that is performed on your university or college’s premises and directly serves the school or its students. If your student visa does permit you to work off campus during specific periods, you are usually required to get approval from your university and/or college advisors first.
There are some specific rules, varying by visa type: With Curricular Practical Training, or CPT, students with a F-1 visa can work off campus after completing one academic year of study. However, J-1 visa students are allowed to work off campus only if they receive authorization from their sponsor and university.
INTERNSHIPS
Internships are a great way to gain work experience, as many academic degree programs feature internship or co-op requirements as part of your studies. Internships allow you to gain experience by offering short-term work assignments with a local organization, usually as a junior-level employee, often with course credit. Whether internships are optional or required for your degree, be sure to work with your advisors to comply with any visa work restrictions.
Virtual Internships
Virtual internships are becoming a popular option among students and employers: They can be accessible anywhere, and offer increased opportunities, especially for companies that may not have a physical location near college campuses. Virtual internships give international students the chance to gain the same experience as an in-person internship from the comfort of your home and the possibility to work at organizations far away from where you live. They may require work authorization; speak to your Shorelight career advisor for specifics about virtual internship requirements for the roles that interest you.
Through Career Premium, students at Shorelight universities can begin virtual internships with top US companies and gain work experience. You can attend professional online bootcamps, receive direct guidance from career coaches, and work on real projects to develop highly valued skills. After you complete your internship, you will receive a certificate of completion signed by your employer.
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