Full-Time Jobs Guide for International Students

« International Students

Get general advice on job searching in the U.S. Understanding the necessary work authorization for international students to work in the United States is crucial. For F-1 visa students, Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work authorization that permits you to gain work experience in your field of study, typically after your academic program ends. Please visit the OIS website for detailed requirements and instructions for more information.

Allow adequate time in your job search, as securing a full-time job can start as early as two semesters before graduation. In addition to applying to jobs online, there are several resources you can take advantage of to help you throughout your job search:

  • AmCham China, or the American Chamber of Commerce in the People’s Republic of China (AmCham China), has developed an online job search platform to facilitate the connections between Chinese employers and Chinese students studying in the U.S. After creating your personalized AmCham China account, you can research Chinese employers and search for open positions through their new Jobs Market platform. The easy-to-use platform connects you directly with the largest companies in the world, such as Pfizer, IBM, HNA, and John Deere.
  • Career Forum is a website about internationally recognized job fairs for Japanese-English bilinguals. This website allows members to search for global job opportunities, apply to companies, and schedule interviews.
  • Contact TAIWAN is a website to engage overseas Chinese individuals to work in Taiwan. Contact TAIWAN actively links professionals to support the growth of Taiwan industries and offers talent-friendly service and information.
  • GoinGlobal is an online database with domestic and international job listings, job search resources, and more. Access the specialized “Remote Jobs” feature on the Job and Internship search pages to help capture results specific to remote, telework, and virtual opportunities. Additionally, view the H-1B section for a list of employers that have sponsored visas by each state and major metropolitan area. Obtain access through the “Resources” tab in connectSC.
  • Global University China Career Union (GUCCU) provides Chinese overseas students with the tools and resources to prepare for the Chinese job market after graduation. GUCCU offers comprehensive assistance through every step of the job search process. From monthly online classes designed to educate students on how to prepare application materials to post over 55,000 job openings from over 15,000 companies specifically targeting Chinese students who have pursued degrees abroad, GUCCU is a practical resource for students looking to be competitive in the Chinese job market.
  • GulfTalent is one of the leading job platforms in the Middle East. It is used by over 10,000 employers across all sectors and job categories and is a free resource for finding jobs with top employers across the region.
  • Interstride is an interactive career platform designed by international students for international students to enhance their career exploration and job-search experience.
  • LevelUp is a free platform providing events and resources that are mindful of international students’ cultural context, including mentorship and guidance. In addition to its Slack community, events, and resources, LevelUp also has a curated job board of 15,000+ job and internship listings from companies with a record of sponsoring H-1B visas.
  • Uniworld’s exclusive international business database provides information about companies’ headquarters, subsidiaries, and branches of multinational companies in over 200 countries and across 20,000 industries. Use this database to build and export lists of businesses and possible subsidiaries operating in the U.S. and abroad. This can help you find opportunities at companies overseas that you are eligible for, especially in your home countries, with the potential to be transferred to a U.S. branch or subsidiary later. Obtain access through the “Resources” tab in connectSC under “Uniworld.”