International Student Career Roadmap
The Career Management Center in the College of Business exists to help you identify and pursue your career goals. Below you will find a roadmap and important resources to help you navigate the process to transition from student to professional.
Working in the U.S.
The common F-1 Visa allows you to complete internships and off-campus employment with CPT or OPT (after one year). Meet with an ISSS Advisor (located in Laurel Hall) to learn more about your visa rules. Being confident of your requirements/eligibility will help you talk to employers, and potentially alleviate their concerns regarding sponsorship. CSU ISSS Employment for F-1 Information
Many of the graduate programs in the College of Business meet federal STEM eligibility requirements. If you are unsure, confirm with your program or advisor whether you have this benefit.
Understand U.S. Hiring Processes
In the U.S., individuals conduct their own internship and job search. Your opportunity might come from any of the following avenues:
Companies recruit students throughout the school year by posting openings (Handshake), attending career fairs, and hosting information sessions. These are typically a segment of companies with roles suited to candidates completing a degree. Recruitment for these positions might take place 1-2 semesters prior to the role.
Employment opportunities exist with companies worldwide. Large job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn can be helpful for finding openings. Many find success building a list of companies that match your interests, and geographic or industry preferences. Use your list to track career opportunities on
company websites. Recruitment for these positions might take place anywhere from 1-6 months before an anticipated start date.
Referrals carry value in U.S. hiring. Begin with conversations to build relationships. These could turn into referrals or recommendations. It can be beneficial to begin meeting professionals working in the field you are pursuing. Begin with informational conversations about their career. You might uncover suggested positions/companies, develop a mentor, or get referred in the future. Start early – this process can take 2-4 semesters.
Helpful Resources
A variety of resources exist that are particularly helpful for College of Business international students in achieving their career pursuits. Access these resources early and often.
The primary source for CSU students to find on-campus employment, internships, jobs, and employer recruiting events. Login with NetID and password.
Handshake Tip: Use [All Filters] to search jobs/internships based on Work Authorization (CPT/OPT)
Find additional tips, tools, company lists, and guidance in this expanded library of resources.
The International Advantage by Marcelo Barros
Power Ties: The International Student’s Guide to Finding a Job in the United States by Dan Beaudry
Clarify Your Abilities and Future Job Options
The odds of securing a position increase when you can articulate the value you bring to an employer. An international profile can be a great asset! You may bring global experience, language skills, and attributes such as determination and resilience.
Marcelo Barros, author of The International Advantage, suggest creating an inventory of your talents and experiences:
- INTERESTS: What business issues, problems, projects, or industries excite you?
- SKILLS: What talents do you bring? Technology expertise? Business processes practiced?
- EXPERIENCE: What is your experience prior to studying in the U.S.? What experience do you have in the U.S.? Accomplishments? Projects completed?
- LANGUAGES: What languages are you proficient in? These can benefit a company doing business globally.
Testing things out (or “prototyping”) gives you a chance to take steps forward, either through experiences or conversations. Find opportunities that take little time or risk yet give you valuable information or skills to grow.
For example: create a project to practice a new skill, complete a virtual job simulation on The Forage, take a LinkedIn Learning course, talk with faculty/mentors/professionals in your area of interest.
Doing a few of these things can help you understand the types of problems you like to solve and projects you want to work on in your job.
Get Connected
Expanding your network with employers, professionals, alumni, peers, and faculty can enhance your chances of meeting your career goals. Utilize these opportunities for connection throughout your time as a student.
Employer events happen throughout the year and are easy opportunities to speak directly to company recruiters. They may feel uncomfortable at first but remember: companies invest money to come to campus to meet students.
EVENT TIP: When attending, avoid asking the question: “Do you sponsor international students?” Focus instead on having a productive conversation about the company and your experience and interests. Examples of events you will encounter:
Employer representatives come to these events each semester (September and February). This is an opportunity to learn about companies, jobs, and internships, as well as network with the recruiters. Check Handshake for event dates and a list of companies attending.
IMPORTANT: Research companies and their openings BEFORE arriving at the fair.
Professional attire is recommended.
Check Career Fairs in Handshake.
Smaller events take place throughout the year with specific focus (ex. Recruiter Resume Revisions, finance mixers, technology mixers, etc.). These events may host professionals to network or share their experience in various types of careers. These can be valuable for networking and learning.
Business casual attire is appropriate.
Check In-Person Events in Handshake.
Companies host tables in the foyer of Rockwell West throughout the year. If you are between classes and notice a company, you are encouraged to stop by and talk with them about their organization and opportunities. Prep is not required.
Casual attire is appropriate.
Check In-Person Events in Handshake.
Companies host individual information sessions on Handshake throughout the year. RSVP may be required. Check Virtual Events in Handshake.
Networking (meeting new people) is one of the most effective ways people find out about positions and get hired.
- Talk with faculty about their industry connections.
- Chat with employers at events.
- Participate in the Mentoring Programs.
- Connect with alumni from your program.
The best way to get a step closer to the position you want is to talk to someone who is doing, or who has done that position. Ask for advice as an aspiring professional in their field.
Stretch yourself and consider joining a student club or professional association. You will meet new people, exercise your communication skills, and gain experience by taking on leadership or committee roles. The College of Business has over 20 business-focused student clubs. Most industries also have professional associations, which are great for networking, conferences and events, training, and industry news. To find a relevant professional association, Google “Professional Associations” + “[insert your career field]” (example: “Professional Associations Finance”).
Prepare To Be Hired
A resume (internationally referred to as a C.V.) is a document that highlights your fit for the positions you are seeking. Your U.S. resume may include jobs, internships, descriptions of relevant courses, class projects, involvement in student organizations, technical skills, and volunteer experiences. A clean format, free of grammar and spelling errors, is critical.
A cover letter is a business professional letter, customized to a potential employer, and should concisely share
the most important qualifications that match you to the position.
Jobs and internships will both entail interview, sometimes multiple, of varying formats and intensity. Prepare in advance to improve your skills and confidence with interviews.
These practice sessions take you through the experience of an interview in a comfortable setting and provide an
opportunity to receive feedback to improve.
This online platform is used to practice your interview skills from the comfort of home. View tutorials to increase interview skills. Gain access to interview questions by industry, including behavioral and technical questions. Record your responses and see how you did. Continue to practice!
Think Globally
Business is a global language and an expertise that is needed around the world. You have so much to offer employers through your skills, education, and multicultural abilities. Remember to broaden your job search to include countries outside the United States as well as your home country.