People
say that your classroom education can never fully prepare you for life
in “the real world.” But if your education includes work experience,
you're well on your way. Many programs in the United States offer opportunities to get outside the classroom and earn work experience throughout your education. However, foreign students need special clearance to work in the United States. Visit EducationUSA for more information and check out visa requirements at http://travel.state.gov.
On-Campus Jobs
According to EducationUSA, a U.S. State Department Web site,
“Current immigration regulations permit international students to work
only part-time—up to 20 hours per week—and only on campus during their
first year of study.”
Campus jobs typically will not be related to your professional career and might include working as a cashier at the bookstore or cafeteria; as a receptionist in the dormitories, health club, or administrative offices; or as a housekeeper in any campus building. Some of the benefits of an on-campus job include:
- Having money for small purchases such as eating out, clothes, and books
- Learning more about the U.S. work culture
- Learning how to operate office equipment (like copiers and fax machines) and new computer programs
Internships/Co-ops
After your first year of study, you can apply to Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for permission to work off campus for up to 20 hours a week. Many U.S. and foreign students benefit from part-time work in their chosen field of study, as they can become familiar with the job opportunities that exist and make a more informed decision about whether their intended career path will suit their needs.
Most colleges and universities arrange internships and co-ops (cooperative education) programs through a career services center. Generally, internships are unpaid positions, while cooperative education student workers are paid. Both interns and co-op students can receive educational credit for their work experience. Students should also speak with their international student advisor before seeking work.
Vocational Education
Vocational
education, or career and technical education, is aimed toward preparing
students for immediate work in a specific field. Vocational or
associate degrees are usually only two-year programs, instead of four.
EducationUSA recommends, because technical and vocational programs do
not help you earn a university degree, “before you apply to a technical
or vocational training program, check to make sure that your training
program and any certificate or diploma you might earn will be
recognized upon return to your home country.”
On-the-job learning is an important part of vocational education. Typical areas of study include data processing, computer programming, automotive mechanics, drafting, and administrative services. Vocational degrees can be achieved from vocational schools, two-year community colleges, and programs in certain four-year universities. For more information, check out EducationUSA's “Vocational and Technical Programs."
Volunteering
If you have a hard time getting a work visa, or want to work at a company that isn't hiring, another option is to volunteer your time. Although you wouldn't be paid for your work, you would gain valuable work experience and the potential for future paid employment if you're a hard worker. Another benefit of volunteering is learning whether the type of job you're interested in actually measures up to your expectations.For volunteer opportunities, there are several resources. Look around your area for companies that you may be interested in working for and contact them directly. Or, on campus, speak with someone in the career services office or your international student advisor.
