International Students Career Resources

For an internship/co-op, you will apply for Curricular Practical Training or CPT. For more information on what CPT is and how to apply, visit the Working in the USA webpage. We have a CPT informational session every semester.

For work authorization after you graduate, you will need to apply for Optional Practical Training or OPT. For more information on what OPT is and how to apply, visit the Working in the USA webpage. We have an OPT informational session every semester.

• • Learn about your immigration status so you can talk about it.
  • a. Visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Study in the States website for more information.
• • Never Lie! Be truthful about your immigration status. If a company asks, tell them the truth.
  • a. Do not put your immigration status on your resume; however, if the company asks if you will need sponsorship in the future, you need to say YES.
• • Some employers may not interview candidates who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
  • a. Do not be discouraged!
  • b. Apply online anyway. Recruiters may not interview you at the career fair but their Human Resources (HR) office may.

• • Job searches in the U.S. are different from your home country.
  • a. Most times you do not use a third-party agency.
  • b. Research each company and the job description.
    • i. Be prepared to ask questions.
  • c. Talk with Alumni and employers in your industry.
  • d. Review annual reports and look for:
    • i. Company goals and objectives
    • ii. Future plans and strategies
    • iii. Mission statements and core values
• Register in Handshake
  • a. This is a database for companies that come for the Career Fair and want to hire SD Mines students.
• Utilize the Job Fair Strategy Spreadsheet
  • a. This spreadsheet will help create a list of companies to visit and apply to after the Career Fair.

• • A resume and cover letter unique to each job is necessary for a successful result
  • a. Both should be concise and close to one page.
  • b. Do not include personal information such as age, sex, marital status, religion, or a photo.
• • Have your resume reviewed before the Career Fair or before submitting an application.

• • Interview emphasis is on your skills and experiences
  • a. Eye contact is key; it may seem disrespectful to you but is very respectful to the interviewer.
  • b. Speak confidently about your skills and experiences.It may sound like you are bragging. This is the point.
  • c. Arriving early is important.
  • d. Small talk is common at the beginning of the interview.
  • e. Be prepared with questions to ask the employer.
    • i. If you do not have any questions, the employer may think you are not really interested.
  • f. Study commonly asked interview questions; write answers to those questions and practice your responses in front of a mirror or with friends.
• • Schedule mock interviews with the Career Center staff.
• • Review the Career Guide's Interview Prep for sample questions and tips on how to interview.
  • a. View online or go to the Career Center for a copy.

• • Your 'Elevator Pitch'
  • ◦ This is a self-introduction that should NOT be more than 30 seconds. It should address a couple of these:
    • > Who am I? What field or industry /function am I in? What can I contribute? It is important to identify.
    • > Yourself in terms of a job function or contribution.
    • > What need or issue does the employer face, and what problem can I help solve?
    • > What is my value proposition based on my past accomplishments?
    • > End with a question to encourage further conversation.
• • Making contact with professionals in your field is a great way to acquire employment.
• • Join LinkedIn Groups that reflect your personal and professional interests.
• • Join your professional organization
• • Review the Career Guide's Networking page for sample questions and tips on how to interview.
  • ◦ View online or go to Career Services for a copy.

• 1. Check the Career Services website for:
  • a. Career Fair dates
  • b. Resume Building
  • c. Interview Preparation
  • d. Job Search Websites
  • e. Workshops to help you do all of the above
  • f. Much, much more!
• 2. Career Fair Tips: Before, During, After
• 3. Job Search Websites
  • a. Job Search Websites
  • b. http://www.myvisajobs.com
  • c. https://www.internationalstudent.com/jobsearch/
  • d. https://www.careerjet.com/