International Student Job Search
Covid-19 has made an unprecedented impact on hiring and recruitment trends across a wide-range of industries and position functions. There are many factors that are beyond your control and ours when it comes to the internship and job search, such as volume of hiring and work authorization. However, one thing we know is that you still have goals and pursuits in mind. We encourage you to pursue that goal/pursuit, as well as explore and be open to the many routes that can be taken to get there. NCA is here to support you in your next steps!
Virtual Recruitment
All NCA sponsored fall 2020 and winter 2021 recruiting activities, including the winter career fair (January 27th), information sessions, and interviews will be held in a virtual format. NCA is currently working closely with employers to schedule virtual recruitment offerings for winter.
Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS)
International students seeking opportunities in the U.S. will require authorization in order to work. Information on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be found on the OISS website. If you have any questions about how to request CPT or OPT, or how job/internship opportunities may impact your F-1 or J-1 international student status, please contact your OISS Advisor. Advising appointments can be requested through the OISS portal.
Job/Internship Search Strategies
Job/Internship searching in our current Covid-19 reality may be challenging and/or concerning. As you navigate the next steps, take action, be persistent, be agile, and keep working towards your goals.
- Use Handshake more effectively. Follow Employers, Create Saved Searched, Enable Notifications, Use Keywords such as, "remote" or "virtual". All of these tips can be explored on our Tips for Using Handshake Effectively webpage.
- Utilize GoinGlobal. GoinGlobal helps new and experienced job seekers find opportunities both at home and abroad.
- Reach out directly to employers and inquire about positions that are in Handshake or on employer websites. Sample prospecting email (PDF)
- Reach out to contacts and alumni to gain more insight into the industry, position function, hiring activity, and the impact of covid-19.
- Minimize the challenges related to scheduling calls or interviews in different time zones by providing multiple dates with times of availability that provide overlap with traditional business hours of the caller.
- Visit the International Student Career Advice webpage for information on helpful job/internship search resources, including the International Student Career Planning Guide.
Handling Bias
We recognize that you may be concerned about or even face bias in your search process. This may cause discomfort for you in the form of anger, confusion, sadness, and disappointment. There is no excuse for any hostile, hateful, or discriminatory treatment.
If you have experienced bias and/or discrimination from an employer, we encourage you to reach out to Northwestern Career Advancement directly as a starting point via email at nca@northwestern.edu.
By contacting NCA, we will be able to provide you support and connect you to other important services on campus, such as CAPS and Campus Inclusion and Community. It will also help us understand where and how bias is occurring, so we can be informed advocates for our international student and scholar community.