International Student Guide 2019 - 2020

International Student Career Search Guide

2019 - 2020 Center for International Students and Scholars Undergraduate Career Services/Career Education & Outcomes

Contents Introduction to Your Offices of Support

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Cultural Differences in the Job Search Process

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U.S. Job/Internship Tips

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Internship Options

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Application Materials (Resume, Cover Letter)

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How to Talk with Employers at Bentley Events

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Searching for Opportunities Outside of Career Fairs

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Negotiating and Accepting Offers

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Visa Information Explaining Your Status to Potential Employers

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Types of Work Authorization “At A Glance”

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Terminology “At A Glance”

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FAQ’s

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Upcoming Events & Contact Information

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Your Centers of Support

Center for International Students & Scholars The Bentley Center for International Students & Scholars (CISS) enhances the academic experiences of international students and scholars by providing the highest levels of knowledge and expertise in advising, immigration services, advocacy, and programming to the Bentley University community.

The CISS office seeks to empower students with the knowledge they need to navigate their visa status, including seeking and obtaining the authorization to work. While it is the student’s responsibility to seek information on their authorization, the information in this guide will help explain the process to Bentley’s students.

Undergraduate Career Services/ Career Education & Outcomes Undergraduate Career Services/Career Education & Outcomes Office (UCEO) at Bentley University prepares students to make informed decisions about their futures and educates them on career pathing and job searching. It is imperative for all students to take personal initiative to achieve career success. It is important to remember that UCEO is NOT a placement service – we help you determine your strengths, skills and interests, evaluate career opportunities, develop your career development toolkit in CDI courses, facilitate connections with employer representatives, and educate you on how to identify and apply for opportunities. The goal of UCEO is to empower students to make positive career choices by providing comprehensive resources through targeted programs, specialized events, classroom learning and one-on-one meetings.

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Cultural Differences in the Job Search Process Employment in the U.S. is not guaranteed or promised to International students entering the country on a student visa. However, the first step in a successful job search is to understand the differences between the U.S. and home country job search processes.

Different cultures have different expectations, and you must become aware of the typical job search strategies, tendencies, and commonalities in the United States.

COMMON CULTURAL BARRIERS TO AN EFFECTIVE JOB SEARCH Expectations in the U.S. Self-Promotion

• Self Assurance/ Self Confidence • Confidence in openly discussing goals and accomplishments • Follow-up with employers (phone, text, inquiries, thank you notes)

Individual Responsibility in Finding Employment

• Using a wide variety of resources in identifying jobs (e.g., social networking resources, friends, family, contacts, associations, career services, academic mentors, etc.).

• Personal referrals can carry weight in evaluating a candidate’s potential.

Directness in Communication

• Open and direct responses to questions.

• Eye contact with interviewers, relaxed posture, and appropriate non-verbal behavior.

• Discussion of salary and benefits only when initiated by the interviewer or at time of job offer.

• The candidate asks questions about the job at the end of the interview.

Career SelfAwareness

• Demonstration of knowledge of self, career goals, and how they relate to the job.

• Discussion of long-range career plans.

• Ability to be self-directed in one’s career development.

Informality in the Interview Process

• Congenial interviewing environment that encourages openness, some joking, and exchange of information.

• Professionalism in all written materials is expected.

Punctuality

• Arrive 10-15 minutes before a scheduled interview.

Effective Letters of Application and Resumes

• One page, error-free, concise, and attractive outline of work experiences, skills, accomplishments, and academic credentials.

• Personalized to reflect each individual’s qualifications and professional interests; tailored to each job description.

Individual Equality

• It is illegal for race, sex, and age to affect the interview process.

• Politeness and respect are shown to all employees a candidate meets, from receptionist to CEO.

Preparation and Organization

• Obtain as much information as possible about the organization and the job before the interview.

• Demonstrate awareness of the organization in cover letter and during the interview.

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U.S. Job/Internship Search Tips It is important to understand the job search process in the U.S. as you seek CPT, OPT, and other employment opportunities. The search process may be very different than common practice in your home country. In the U.S., it is largely your responsibility to identify and pursue your own employment.

Here at Bentley, the busiest recruiting takes place in the fall semester. Although some employers recruit for summer interns in the spring semester, others begin looking for candidates in the fall. If you plan to seek full-time employment after graduation, having an internship in your sophomore or junior year is a prerequisite. In other words, obtaining a full-time position in the U.S. requires early engagement with employers.

Tip #1: TALK TO PEOPLE Submitting applications to online job boards or company websites is convenient, but is not an effective way to secure positions. Making in-person connections and developing an understanding of a company’s needs is much more effective.

To make actual connections with individuals within your target companies, make use of events, such as company information sessions, company-led career development workshops, tech talks, department seminars, talks by visiting alumni, company visits, job shadow programs, externships, case competitions, and other professional networking events.

Another tool that is often underutilized is informational interviews. Informational interviews are conversations you have with individuals where you seek to learn more about a particular industry or company. The purpose of an informational interview is NOT to ask for a job, but is meant to help you build the resources for your own career path.

Tip #2: DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF TO THE U.S. JOB MARKET Each year, the U.S. Federal government allocates 65,000 H1B visas for the hire of temporary International talent, plus an additional 20,000 for Master’s and Doctoral degrees. Over the last few years, this quota has been met within the first week of applications being accepted. With over 1,000,000 international students in the U.S. each year, some employers face a challenge to secure H-1B visas for International talent. Consequently, many employers are not willing to risk hiring international students for fear of not getting a return on their investment, where they have trained a new hire only to have them not be approved for the H-1B visa.

Besides visa quotas, some companies are limited to hiring only U.S. citizens because these companies receive funding from the Federal government and/or are involved in security-related projects. That said, the percentage of employers indicating that they are willing to hire international students for 2018 is 23.4% (NACE Job Outlook 2019).

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Another trend we have been observing is an increasing number of U.S. companies who are growing their operations in Asia. As a result of this business need, these companies are looking for talent who can serve as a bridge between the U.S. and Asia. In addition to technical skills, these employers are looking for candidates with proficiency in both English as well as an Asian language (most commonly Mandarin). These companies also want students who have familiarity with U.S. and Asian cultures. As a result, these companies are looking to recruit international students studying in the U.S. for home country placements. Some of these companies seek to groom such new talent into future managerial roles within companies. If you take a long-term view of your career, this is an excellent option to accelerate your career path.

Whether you choose to remain in the U.S. or work overseas or in your home country, it is important to be proactive and utilize the resources available to you here on campus.

Tip #3: TARGET COMPANIES & CONDUCT DIRECT OUTREACH •

Identify companies that hire international students, and target these companies. Interstride supports

international students in their job search and career readiness for opportunities in the U.S. or elsewhere.

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Reach out to and connect with international and domestic alumni for career advice specific to your needs and skill set, and information about opportunities with their companies.

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Participate in job shadow, leadership program, or community volunteer opportunities that could lead to an internship.

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Utilize job boards to identify and apply to opportunities with unfamiliar employers. Start with BentleyLink.

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Conduct your search for both U.S.-based and overseas positions simultaneously, so you don’t miss application deadlines.

CRITICAL RESOURCES • Interstride online resource which includes job listings, real-time hiring needs, employer information, cultural difference guidance, networking strategies and more.

To receive log in credentials to Interstride, contact gcs@bentley.edu

• Center for International Students and Scholars office provides information and advice on the OPT/CPT process. They can answer all questions regarding your legal employment eligibility

• MyVisaJobs.com offers a job board for international students as well as information about the H1B visa. This site also contains a searchable database of H1B-sponsoring employers

• U.S. Department of Labor Office of Foreign Labor maintains statistics on employers who have petitioned for H-1B visas in the past

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Internship Options

REMINDER: An internship search can and will be more challenging for international students if you limit your search to only well-known companies or only certain geographic regions. Remember, you can apply for positions both in the U.S. and in your home country (or perhaps a third country too). Explore where your education and experiences can best be applied and be open to options you previously hadn’t considered!

It is essential for international students to understand when and how they can start working off campus in the U.S. Students should also be able to articulate their student visa work authorization options and their employment visa options for those employers who may not be as experienced in hiring international employees.

IMPORTANT: If you have received an offer for an internship through an employer off-campus in the U.S., you MUST complete it for CREDIT – here are your options:

OPTION A - Academic Three-Credit Internship (THROUGH ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS) Student Eligibility • Junior-level or senior-level standing - see department guidelines for specific course prerequisites • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (except for Finance which requires 2.7 and IDCC which requires 3.3) • Approval of departmental internship coordinator prior to acceptance of internship Course requirements They vary by department, but usually include weekly journals, a term paper, and meetings with the internship coordinator. Minimum work hours are established by individual departments, ranging from a minimum of 12 hours per week for 12 weeks, to 35 hours per week for Fall, Spring, or Summer sessions. Internships last for one semester or through the entire summer academic session (Sessions I and II) and end when the semester or sessions end. This will count for three academic credits and goes towards your graduation requirements. For more information, visit www.bentley.edu/academic-three-credit-internship-undergraduate.

OPTION B - One-Credit Internship CDI 102 (THROUGH CAREER SERVICES) International students who cannot do an academic three credit internship due to ineligibility have the ability to do a NON-ACADEMIC CREDIT internship through the CDI 102 Internship program through the UCEO. Students Eligibility (CDI 102) • Satisfactory completion of the Career Development Introduction Seminar (CDI 101) • Students must be in good academic standing in any class year • Approval of the internship by UCEO prior to acceptance of the internship Course requirements Students must complete appropriate paperwork, final project, evaluations and a thank you note to the employer. A student is expected to spend a minimum of 15 hours per week for a minimum of eight weeks to enroll. Registration is done through BentleyLink and it does NOT count as academic credit but does go on your transcript as 8 satisfactory/unsatisfactory. For more information, contact Kristine Vidic in the UCEO at 781-891-2375.

Internship Companies

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Application Materials MYTH: The MORE JOBS I apply for, the more likely I am to obtain interviews.

FACT: The BETTER my application materials, the more likely I am to obtain interviews.

Career Services staff frequently meet with students who state they have applied for hundreds of jobs but have not received interviews. The biggest mistake these students have made is NOT CUSTOMIZING their application materials. It is better for a student to spend time crafting a customized resume and cover letter for 25 jobs than it is to apply for 100 jobs with generic documents. It may seem counter-intuitive because the common thought is that the more applications students have out, the more likely they are to get a job; however, students must change their mindset to focus on QUALITY over quantity in the application process.

RESUMES

Generally speaking, there are major differences between U.S. resumes and resume formats from other countries. These differences do not apply to all countries and do not account for individual differences. For assistance on developing international resumes/CVs by country, visit https://careeredge.bentley.edu/resources/going-global/

U.S. Resumes

International Resumes

Concise, visually attractive marketing tool used to summarize skills, academic training, and relevant work experience.

Lengthy document chronologically detailing all past skills, academic training, and work experience.

1 page

Sometimes 2+ pages.

Do not include age, marital status, race, visa status, family background, or religion.

Sometimes include age, marital status, race, visa status, family background, and/or religion.

Do not contain the applicant’s photo.

May contain the applicant’s photo.

Do not typically list high school/secondary school information if an applicant is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

May include high school/secondary school information and also provide detailed exam results information.

Demonstrate work experience through detailed, action-driven bullet points.

May provide a bulleted career profile at the beginning of the resume that provides a broad overview of an applicant’s career history.

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COVER LETTERS

Cover letters are an absolute necessity in the job search process. In a pool of applicants with similar technical skills and professional experiences, cover letters are a way to make you stand out. You have the opportunity to demonstrate familiarity with an organization’s culture and mission, and you can highlight skills and talents that fit with the posted job. Unless a job posting specifically asks for only a resume, you should ALWAYS include a cover letter.

Do

Don’t

Use the same contact information and layout from resume to cover letter.

Skip writing a cover letter unless an employer’s posting specifically states to only upload a resume.

Write your letter to a specific person, doing research as needed to locate the appropriate party.

Have your cover letter to flow onto a second page. One page is the maximum length for a cover letter.

Create an individualized cover letter for each application.

Use generic cover letters, including mail merge type documents.

Include an introductory paragraph that includes the specific job for which you are applying and how you learned about the position.

Forget to proofread your cover letter for typos, grammar, and unclear content.

Include 1-2 paragraphs outlining how your skills, education, and experience are relevant to the position and the organization.

Apologize for your shortcomings. Cover letters should draw attention to your strengths, not your weaknesses.

Include a closing paragraph that reiterates your interest, thanks the employer for their time, and provides your contact information.

Simply repeat the information on your resume.

Instead, use this time to further explain your relevant skills and experiences.

Mirror the language of the organization and job posting in your letter to show that you have researched both the position and the company.

Skip writing a cover letter (yes, again!). Cover letters can be key in getting an interview.

Don’t neglect this important step!

The Resume Writing and Cover Letter Guides in the UCEO provide an in-depth, step-bystep guide to drafting resumes and cover letters. They also provide tips on formatting, strengthening job duties, and tailoring materials to best fit your strengths. Use these resources for more advice and sample documents.

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What can I do to make myself a more attractive candidate?  Have your resumes and cover letters reviewed by a UCEO Career Coach.  Become thoroughly familiar with immigration regulations and benefits attached to your visa status.  Research the employers and positions in which you are interested.  Participate in a mock interview and adjust your interviewing based on the feedback you receive.  Practice speaking confidently about your skills, interests, and career goals.  Improve your English skills by speaking in class, making presentations, and expanding your circle of native English-speaking friends.

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Sample Resume NAME 302 Moody Street, Waltham, MA 02452 / (781) 555-5555 / fname_lname@Bentley.edu EDUCATION Bentley University, Waltham, MA Candidate for Bachelor of Science, Managerial Economics and Liberal Studies, May 20xx Concentrations: Marketing and Global Perspectives Major GPA: 3.6; Overall GPA: 3.5 Academic Honors: President’s List, Honors Program, Omicron Delta Epsilon Honor Society University of Pune, India Transferred 30 credit hours towards Bachelor of Science GPA: 7.8/10.0 RESEARCH PROJECT The Economic Impact of WIA Youth Funding on Juvenile Crime, High School Education, and Delinquent Health Behaviors • Analyzed the Workforce Investment Act’s provisions for disadvantaged youth employment and education programs as an honors capstone research project • Performed a literature review, applied economic theory to the question, assembled data and variables, constructed and estimated econometric models, and discussed the implications of the results ACHIEVEMENTS • Recipient of the 20xx Wall Street Journal Award given to a student who the Economics Department considers to be the most outstanding • Business plan competition, 1st Place recipient of the Hartnett Family Business Award for Mamas Move Integrated Business Plan • Recognized as member of Bentley Honor Society, a prestigious distinction for students in top 8% of the Junior Class • Published in Bentley University’s 20xx literary magazine, Piecework RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Travelers, Hartford, CT May 20xx – August 20xx Market Research Summer Analyst • Conducted thorough research by investigating multiple, appropriate sources and then synthesized and reconciled competing information • Created quantitative analytical output that is accurate, appropriate, and actionable for internal clients • Developed comprehensive recommendations, sometimes intended for senior management, based on internal and external research, demonstrating insight, creativity, and neutrality • Collaborated with departments including: sales, product development, enterprise underwriting, actuarial, and claims • Provided professional-level customer service to internal clients Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Wellesley, MA May 20xx – August 20xx Compliance Intern • Maintained records, contacted financial representatives and surveyed clients for the compliance officer • Prepared historical insurance fact sheets in a transition to digital record keeping for the assistant to the managing partner The Peace Abbey Foundation, Sherborn, MA May 20xx – August 20xx Intern • Restructured and digitally cataloged the Peace Library consisting of over 3,000+ books, videos, and reference material that promote peace and nonviolence • Assembled J. K. Moore remembrance packets used to establish a conscientious objectors memorial in Cherry Valley, 13 NY

Sample Cover Letter August 10, 20xx Ms. Karen Sample Director of Talent Management Dream Company 123 Forest Street Boston, MA 02181 Dear Ms. Sample: I am delighted to express my interest in the analyst position with Dream Company. As a senior studying finance at Bentley University, my educational background has equipped me with the analytical skills and modeling experience needed for this position. With Dream Company’s values of growth, innovation, and community, I am excited about applying my experience to a leader in the Boston financial field.

My past experiences have all involved me taking information and making it accessible to others.

As an analyst intern at Zander Company, I took large sets of data and analyzed them in order to help attorneys make real-world decisions. I gained practical knowledge in data mining and strengthened my written and verbal communication skills by presenting findings to those with little technical background. Prior to my internship at Zander Company, I worked at Eze Castle Corporation. Throughout my time at Eze, I gained increasing levels of responsibility and became familiar with quality assurance processes. I believe my work experiences enhances my ability to contribute to your goals.

Throughout my time at Bentley University, I have taken challenging coursework in order to grow as a finance professional. One of my favorite projects involved analysis of Bentley University’s bus routes. The project required that I develop statistical forecasting tools, and leverage large sets of data to make strategic decisions. From this experience, I have learned I am a self starter who has the drive and ingenuity needed to be successful in this field.

I am confident my previous education and experiences make me an excellent candidate for the analyst position with Dream Company. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you. I can be reached by email at joshshn@bentley.edu or by phone at (781) 5555555.

Best,

Sunil Josh Sunil Ravil Josh Attachment

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Bentley Career Fairs & Networking Events

The Bentley Career Fair occurs early in the fall and spring semesters and provides students with the

opportunity to have face-to-face interactions with employers. In past years, roughly less than a quarter of attending employers have been open to sponsoring international students for internships and/or full-time positions. UCEO staff understand that having sponsorship-friendly employers is very important to international students, and continuous efforts are made to develop strong relationships with such employers.

Researching Employers

The “How to ‘Work’ a Career Fair” Guide includes information about how to get ready for the Career Fair. With fewer employers to research, international students have the opportunity to be better prepared for the Career Fair than their domestic counterparts.

You can delve into a company’s website to learn more about the organization. When reviewing the website, try to find out information about: • The company’s mission and culture • The location(s) of the company • What the company does—both the industry it is in and who the company serves • The types of positions posted and what those positions typically do • New developments in the company, including any emerging markets

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Talking with Employers Elevator Pitch An “elevator pitch” is a concise speech that describes who you are, what skills you have, and why you are interested in a position. When delivered verbally, you should be able to give your pitch in 30 seconds or less. A good elevator pitch takes practice and planning but should also feel natural and adapt to situations and audiences.

In a Career Fair setting, an elevator pitch should include: • An introduction, including your name and degree or major • The focus of your search • Relevant skills and experiences that you have to offer • What differentiates you from your peers • A call for response

Sample ELEVATOR PITCHES Nice to meet you. I’m Deeksha Agarwal, a sophomore majoring in computer information systems. I am looking for an internship position that allows me to use my strong programming skills. Prior to Bentley, I assisted in designing software applications for a consulting company in Mumbai. Through my work experience and education, I’ve learned that I thrive in environments where I can work behind the scenes with a team of programmers. The position you have listed at the Bentley Career Fair seems like a perfect fit for someone with my skills and experience, and I’d like to hear more about the type of project teams at your company.

Hi, my name is Yue Zhang, and I am a junior majoring in data analytics and am from China. In the past year, I’ve strengthened my consulting skills by competing in case competitions and being involved in the Bentley Consulting Group. I am looking for an internship position that will allow me to mesh my love for technology and passion for business. Can you tell me how someone with my experience may fit into your company?

Hello, I’m Jingyi Song and I am a first-year student in Marketing. In my home country of Brazil, I worked for a graphic designer and web developer for a small start-up travel agency in São Paulo. I was able to combine my love for design and entrepreneurship, and this passion led me to the U.S. to study to be a user experience designer. I read on your company’s website that you are expanding to South America, and I believe that my global perspective and skills are a good match for your organization. What additional skills do you look for in a candidate?

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Questions to Ask Employers You will have a brief amount of time to ask the representatives questions about the position. Be sure to introduce yourself before jumping into your questions and thank them at the end of the conversation. Do not ask questions that could be easily answered by the company’s website.

Sample questions include: • (After you describe your academic and work experience) What are typical entry-level positions for someone with my major, skills, and experience?

• What type of previous work experience do you look for in candidates?

• What skills do you look for in candidates?

• What is the best way to apply to your organization, and how long does the hiring process usually take?

• Will you be on campus to interview?

• What qualities do you think make your company stand out from the competition?

• What is the best way to follow-up with you about opportunities with your organization?

It is perfectly acceptable to let an employer know that you are an international student at the Career Fair, but questions about the SPONSORSHIP PROCESS should be saved for a FUTURE meeting.

Questions You May Be Asked Be sure to prepare responses to typical interview questions: • What kind of position are you looking for?

• Why are you interested in working in the field you described?

• Why are you interested in this company?

After the Career Fair/Networking Event • • • •

Be sure to apply for open positions via BentleyLink. If employers are holding on-campus interviews during the semester, applying through BentleyLink is the first step in the interview process. You must remember to apply by the resume submission deadline. Some deadlines will be the day of the fair.

Write a thank you email and send it the next day to the address on the employer’s business card. Be sure to thank the employer for his or her time and restate your interest in and qualifications for the position.

If the employer indicated that they would be hosting next-day interviews, make sure you have your phone with you that evening or the next day, and check your voicemail promptly. Return all calls immediately.

Follow up! Within one week of the fair, make contact with the representatives you spoke to, unless you have already discussed an alternative arrangement, such as an interview. Employers may leave the fair with hundreds of resumes, and fewer than 5% of students follow up after the fair. This simple step can give you a significant advantage.

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Searching Outside of the Career Fairs MYTH: If an employer ISN’T AT THE CAREER FAIR OR DOESN’T HAVE ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEWS, they are not interested in Bentley students.

FACT: Employers have DIFFERENT RECRUITING STRATEGIES, and some employers choose not to attend career fairs.

Many companies around the U.S. hire Bentley students despite having never attended a Career Fair. Different organizations have different recruiting styles, and you should not be discouraged if your dream company is not at the Career Fair. UCEO staff have connections with employers from around the globe, and you are encouraged to meet with your dedicated Career Coach to discuss ways to connect with employers outside of the Career Fair setting.

WHERE TO SEARCH FOR OPPORTUNITIES

BentleyLink should be your first place to search for internships and full-time positions. Employers who list jobs through this database have specifically expressed interest in Bentley students. You can apply for as many positions as you like but remember the importance of customized materials outlined in the “Application Materials” section. Detailed information about how to utilize BentleyLink can be found on CareerEdge.Bentley.edu.

Outside of BentleyLink, we recommend looking for postings through LinkedIn, Vault, Glassdoor, GoinGlobal and Indeed and CONTACTING employers of interest DIRECTLY; however, do note that postings through these organizations are open to the public and therefore are likely to have a large amount of applicants. Due to this large applicant pool, you will most likely submit many more applications than you will receive calls for interviews. If you are using tailored application materials and still not receiving calls, please meet with your Career Coach to discuss job search strategies.

THE IMPORTANCE OF NETWORKING

International students are urged to begin strategic networking early. Remember that networking is about building and maintaining professional references and is not casually handing out your information. As a result of networking, you will build a strong base of contacts who will serve as a resource throughout your professional career. To expand your network while still in school, make connections with professors, staff, classmates, peers, and professional organizations.

Students are also encouraged to build connections outside of campus. Once you identify a few companies of interest, you can visit linkedin.com/alumni in order to search for Bentley alumni who work in those organizations. Reaching out to alumni is an excellent way to network, particularly if the alum graduated from your specific program, as they will be familiar with your academic preparation and your experiences.

When requesting an informational interview, you should remember that the purpose of the interview is to build connections and not to ask for a job. Once you have developed a connection, you can ask someone if he or she would be willing to connect you with other colleagues in the field.

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Negotiating and Accepting Offers NEGOTIATING OFFERS The job offer process in the U.S. occurs in stages. Once you reach the job offer stage, there are several things to consider before accepting an offer. These considerations include satisfaction with: • • • • • •

Overall impression of the company Start date Company location Salary Professional development opportunities Benefits, including vacation time

If you are not comfortable with one of these points, consider negotiating with the employer to find an offer that better fits your needs. Negotiations need to be grounded in research and fact, and you should have specific and actionable steps in your negotiation response. You are strongly encouraged to speak with your dedicated Career Coach as you navigate the negotiation process. Whether it be that you want to ask for a higher salary, an extension on your offer, or you are balancing multiple job offers, your dedicated Career Coach can help you make sound, professional decisions.

MYTH: It is okay to accept a job offer and continue looking for other, more appealing offers.

FACT: Once you ACCEPT A JOB OFFER, YOU HAVE MADE A COMMITMENT. Backing out of that commitment is highly unprofessional and damages your reputation in the industry.

Do NOT Renege on Offers

Once you accept an offer, you should withdraw all pending applications, cancel any scheduled interviews, and stop searching for new positions. Formally accepting a position is a commitment and, if you do not intend to honor that commitment, you are being dishonest and unethical. Reneging, or going back on your word, damages your reputation, the reputation of your program and Bentley, and such action will result in loss of all rights and privileges with the UCEO. Bentley Career Services is continually working to bring in more international friendly hiring companies, but it is vital that students behave ethically in the job acceptance process in order to maintain a positive reputation of Bentley graduates.

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Visa Information Explaining Your Status to Potential Employers A Guide for F-1 Students DO I NEED SPONSORSHIP?

Students on optional practical training do not need sponsorship. Depending on whether your degree is in the STEM field, you may be eligible for 1-3 years of work authorization per degree level post-graduation without sponsorship.

Work eligibility during studies is noted on page 2 of the Form I-20. Work authorization post-graduation is also noted on page 2 of the I-20, but must also be accompanied by a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card).

After allotted periods of practical training, an employer may wish to submit an H1B petition on the employee’s behalf, in which case approved petitions can allow for an additional three to six years of work authorization.

HOW CAN A STUDENT WORK WITHOUT A “WORK VISA?”

Students who come to the U.S. to study have the primary intention of completing a program of study in the U.S. During the academic year, this generally means that they are enrolled in a full-time course load of classes. However, as a part of the student’s academic program, the F-1 visa status allows for students to apply for specific types of work authorization to complement their studies. During your studies, this often comes in the form of an internship.

After completion of studies, students are eligible for up to 12 months of experiential education obtained through working in your field of study. As long as students apply for, and are granted, these employment benefits are incidental to your F-1 status. These are benefits of the F-1 visa and not additional visa types (see chart).

WHAT IS THE EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITY?

There isn’t any additional paperwork required for an employer who hires a student on an F-1 visa aside from the tax and intake related forms that are filed for all new hires. All additional paperwork related to authorization is handled by the students, the international office at the school and, after graduation, by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Students who apply for the STEM extension (see below) will need a qualifying employer willing to monitor a mutually agreed upon training plan based on the objectives of the employment experience, but employer involvement is minimal. Furthermore, American employers are not required to document that a citizen of another country did not take a job from a qualified American if that person is working under an F-1 visa, unlike the green card (permanent residency) process.

DO I NEED WORK AUTHORIZATION BEFORE BEING HIRED?

No. You must have work authorization before you actually begin employment, but not before you are offered employment. Many F-1 students will be in the process of obtaining work authorization while they are interviewing for employment. It is important for you to know the general process of applying for authorization, as well as a timeline of the process, so that you can give employers a reasonable estimate of when you may begin working. In the case of OPT authorization, receipt notices are useful as proof of application for authorization.

WHEN CAN I BEGIN WORKING?

If you have applied for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and are enrolled in an internship course for credit, you may begin working as soon as you receive the CPT-authorized I-20. You should show this I-20 to your employer. If you have applied for OPT, you must have your EAD card in hand, and the start date on the card must have already passed. You should show your EAD card and I-20 to your employer.

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Visa Information (Continued) MY EMPLOYER WOULD LIKE ME TO BEGIN MY JOB/INTERNSHIP IMMEDIATELY. CAN I BEGIN WORKING/VOLUNTEERING/INTERNING UNPAID WHILE WAITING FOR AUTHORIZATION?

No. There are specific rules regarding volunteer work. Please see CISS for clarification. Employment and internships, paid or unpaid, in your field of study must be authorized prior to beginning any type of work. If you have applied for OPT, remind your future employer that the process is handled by USCIS, and that it takes a minimum of 90 days.

There is no way for the employer or the CISS to expedite the process.

MY DEGREE IS STEM ELIGIBLE. HOW DO I EXPLAIN MY STEM ELIGIBILITY?

If you have completed a degree in the Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math fields (as determined by the “CIP” code on your form I-20), you may be eligible for a 24-month extension of your OPT. You should explain to employers that, because your degree was assigned this code, you will be able to apply for a 24-month extension of your OPT after the 12 month period has finished. You will first be granted the standard 12 months of OPT (or remaining time) and then, before the expiration on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card), you will apply for the extension. STEM OPT regulations are similar to standard 12-month OPT, with a few additional requirements from the student and employer. Still, no sponsorship is required, and employer involvement is minimal. The international office will still be responsible for helping you to maintain your F-1 status during this period.

MY EMPLOYER IS ASKING FOR MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. I DO NOT HAVE ONE YET. WHAT DO I DO?

You are eligible to apply for a SSN only after you receive proof of work authorization (EAD card for OPT or I-20 for CPT), which is why some students may not have one during the job application process. Once you have proof of authorization, you can apply for a number via the Social Security Administration and receive a card within 10 days (receipt available immediately). Some employers will allow you to begin working prior to receipt of the SSN as long as you have shown them proof of work authorization and the SSN receipt notice. You should discuss this with your employer if you do not have a SSN to avoid any delays in your employment or misunderstandings about your start date. You will eventually need to provide them with your SSN in order to process your payroll.

WHERE DO I PUT MY VISA STATUS ON EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS?

Generally, visa status is not something that job-seekers include on their resumes. Hiring managers and companies will ask the appropriate questions during the recruitment process.* Many times, companies will filter out applications that indicate a need for sponsorship during the initial stages of the job search. It is important for you to clearly state that you do not need immediate sponsorship on a student visa however, you should never lie about your visa status or future need for sponsorship. Being able to clearly and concisely explain your ability to work in the U.S. is important before applying for a position or attending an interview. Employers, HR managers, and even attorneys for companies are not always knowledgeable about the authorization process for international students, especially if it is their first time hiring a non-citizen, and the ability to clearly and concisely explain the general process will both help your employer and demonstrate that you are a responsible applicant. *It is illegal for an employer to directly ask you your visa type or nationality. However, they may ask whether you are legally authorized to work in the U.S., and whether you now or in the future require sponsorship, at which point it is important to disclose and explain your work authorization.

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Visa Information (Continued) I WANT TO WORK/INTERN AT A COMPANY, BUT THEY SPECIFICALLY STATE THAT THEY DO NOT TAKE INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS.

Unfortunately, some U.S. employers do not want to take on the responsibility of taking on an international applicant, despite minimal employer responsibility. If you have a Human Resources or other contact at the company, you may wish to inquire as to whether this applies to international students, as you do not need immediate sponsorship. Knowing how to explain your potential work authorization is key for eliminating any misunderstandings the employer may have about hiring you as an international student. Unfortunately, for some companies, this is a strict policy. We recommend that you first reach out to companies with experience hiring international students.

MY EMPLOYER WANTS MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MY AUTHORIZATION.

Due to regulation, CISS cannot disclose information about your visa or work authorization status to your employer without prior consent from you. If your employer has further questions about the process that you are unable to answer, you may wish to refer them to our Guide for Employers, located in the “OPT” section of the CISS website.

CISS cannot answer questions regarding hiring or tax paperwork, nor the H1B petition process. We can, however, provide a list of local attorneys with experience in international student visa regulation. Please contact GA_CISS@bentley.edu for more information.

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Visa Information (Continued)

TYPES OF WORK AUTHORIZATION “AT A GLANCE” F-1 Work Authorization

Eligibility

Timeline

CPT

-Two semesters of full time study -Enrolled in an internship course for credit

3-5 business days following submission of application to CISS

Part Time (<20) or Full Time (>20) During semester dates

OPT (post completion)

-Two semesters of full time study -Completion of studies -Remaining practical training time at degree level

~90 days from receipt of application

by USCIS

Full Time (>20 hrs) for up to 12 months

STEM OPT

On-Campus Employment

Dates / Hours

Job requirements

Must be related to degree, for credit, and accompany other coursework

Document

Student Responsibility

“CPT” authorization on Page 2 of I-20

-Obtain permission from academic department -Enroll in Internship Course -Complete required assignments

None

-Report Employment Information to International Office

None

-Report employment and any changes to International Office -Complete training plan evaluations and validation reports with International Office

-Help student complete training plan and monitor progress -Report to International Office if student leaves position

“EAD” Card Must be related to degree

Completion of a STEM-eligible program

~90 days from receipt of application

by USCIS (may work while pending)

Full Time (>20 hrs) for up to 24 months

-Must be related to degree -Employer must be E-Verified -Must not be contract or 3rd party agreement

Enrolled in classes (except summer)

-Automatic -No application required

Part Time (<20) during academic year, Full Time (>20) during summer or vacation period

-Must be on campus -Doesn’t have to be related to degree

“OPT” authorizati-on on Page 2 of I-20

STEM “EAD” Card “STEM OPT” authorization on Page 2 of I-20

No prior authorization required

Complete university hiring paperwork

Employer Responsibility

None

*This guide is intended as a quick reference.

For complete information about requirements and processes, please see Bentley.edu/CISS

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Visa Information Terminology “At A Glance” Employers may not always know all of the terminology associated with F-1 visas. You should be familiar with the terms related to your visa status, and should be prepared to share with your employer. Limit the use of acronyms (e.g. “CPT” or “OPT”) and be prepared to explain documents that may not be familiar to them (e.g. “EAD card”) until you are certain that they are familiar with the term.

F-1: Non-immigrant student category.

Form I-20: Immigration document with information regarding student status.

Work authorization information is located on the second page.

Visa: Stamp in your passport for re-entry to the U.S. in a certain visa category (F-1).

SEVIS: Student and Exchange Visitor Information System database.

We are required to update this with student information, including employer and work authorization-related information.

Designated School Official (DSO): Advisor at the university authorized to make changes to your immigration record. This is your point of contact at the university for F-1 visa-related and work authorization questions.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Work permission granted for class credit/program requirements during the academic year/summers approved by an academic advisor and authorized by a DSO. Optional Practical Training (OPT): Work authorization either pre or post-completion granted by the government.

STEM Extension: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math degrees are permitted an extension of work authorization (24 months).

Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card): A special document issued by the U.S. government that authorizes students to work off-campus. This is not a visa.

I797c/a: Receipt and approval notices after applying for Optional Practical Training. These serve as confirmation, but do not grant work authorization.

Validation Reports (for STEM Extension only): Reports submitted to CISS by student validating employment every six months.

I-983 (for STEM Extension only): Training plan for STEM OPT students.

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Frequently Asked Questions When in the hiring process do I reveal that I’m an international student?

This is a very sensitive question which needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Although some employers adhere to very strict policies against hiring International students, others may prefer to hire U.S. citizens but can be open to hiring international students. Therefore, it should be your goal to get past the initial screening measures to the interview. On the other hand, you should probably broach the subject before the employer has spent a significant amount of time and money trying to recruit you. It is usually recommended that students address the issue of their work status during the screening or first interview. Either way, never lie about your status when asked at any time during the process.

If a company says that they do not hire international students, should I even apply?

Maybe. It is recommended that you first target organizations with a history of hiring employees with a work visa. Please note that in BentleyLink you will be unable to apply for opportunities for which you do not qualify. It is possible that when an employer says that they do not hire international students, it means that they haven’t hired international students in the past. You may be the first! In order to convince these prospective employers, it is your responsibility to educate them about the process of hiring an International students. Be mindful that they may still not hire you, and this can become frustrating.

How do I find employers that hire international students?

• • •

Seek out companies that have a history of hiring international students. Use the GoinGlobal resource found in CareerEdge.Bentley.edu to start this process. Also, make connections with other international students and alumni to find out for what companies they have worked.

Consider both small and large companies for potential employment—do not limit your job opportunities by only looking at one type of company.

Keep in mind that many jobs with the U.S. federal government, U.S. state and local government entities, and private employers who receive government contracts require the employee to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

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Contact Us Center for International Students and Scholars Student Center 310 781-891-2829 GA_CISS@bentley.edu Undergraduate Career Services/Career Education & Outcomes LaCava Campus Center 225 781-891-2375 GA_UCS@bentley.edu International Student Association GA_ISA@bentley.edu

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