To learn more about job search strategy for F-1 international students, visit https://www.icaway.com/

Summer internships can be a great way for international students to gain valuable work experience, build their professional networks, and gain a deeper understanding of the industry they are interested in.

Not only do internships provide hands-on experience, they can also help you determine if a particular career or industry is the right fit for you. This is especially important for international students, as you may have limited opportunities to gain professional experience before you graduate.

First, you need to make sure that you understand the rule of CPT which is your work authorization for F-1 international student

There are a few important things you need to keep in mind when requesting your CPT.

First and foremost, your internship must be directly related to your field of study and must be an integral part of your academic program.

This means this work experience should be something that will help further your education and career goals.

To be eligible for an internship, you must be in valid F-1 status and enrolled in a full-time program of study at an accredited /əˈkredədəd/ school.

You must also have completed one full academic year of study before participating in the internship.

Once you've met these requirements, the next step is to get your internship authorized.

This is where the Designated School Official (DSO) at your school comes in.

They will issue the necessary documents and give you the green light to participate in the internship.

One thing to keep in mind is that for CPT, you'll need to have a job offer before you request the authorization.

This is different from OPT, where you can apply before you have a job offer. The process of getting CPT authorization may take 1-2 weeks or more, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Listen to this episode to find out how to land a summer internship in just 60 days.

NOTE: Lastly, get outside of your comfort zone by attending events hosted outside of your campus. Join a professional organization such as Ascend, SHRM, Prospanica, or ALPFA. You can find links to these organizations in the captions below and Participate in events or workshops hosted by professional organizations.