Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
International Student
Internship Search
Anne Scammon, GW Center for Career Services
go.gwu.edu/careerservices
Learning Outcomes
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Define Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Define internships & cooperative education (Co-op)
Identify learning opportunities in internships or Co-op
Review intern and Co-op search resources
Learn about resumes, networking, interviews
Practice introductory pitch to employers
Expand knowledge of interviews and interview attire
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What is CPT?
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is the work
authorization noted on your visa to be eligible to be
employed off campus.
• Intern or Co-op: Refers to a student who works off
campus in a position related to his/her academic
studies for a wage or no wage (volunteer)
• International students must apply for CPT through ISO
to “intern” off campus.
• Must work 20 hours or less weekly in a position related
to academic studies
• U.S. regulations, application procedures, registering for
Cooperative Education (co-op) will follow in ISO
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What is an internship?
• An opportunity to learn
– An internship is a short-term work experience in which you
receive training and gain experience in a specific field or career
area. An internship can be paid or unpaid and can vary in hours
and length.
• A structured learning experience
– Defined beginning and end
– Includes a position description with relevant and clearly defined
learning objectives
– Provides for supervision/feedback from a professional w/
expertise and background in that field
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Why do an internship?
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Experience the U.S. workplace
Increase your marketability to U.S. employers
Build personal and professional confidence
Gain practical experience and transferable skills
Apply classroom knowledge to develop workplace skills
Build English proficiency and develop relationships
Explore career paths and specific industries and fields
Receive feedback from supervisor
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Applying for CPT with ISO
• Complete ISO’s application requirements
– Register (apply) for Cooperative Education (Co-op)
• US regulations state that you must be registered for an academic
course to be approved for CPT
– Requirements:
• GPA graduate students: 3.0; GPS undergrad: 2.5
• Internship relate to academic studies
• Minimum 10 weeks/100 hours between first and last day of
classes
• Offer on letterhead (for the Co-op/Internship) from employer
• Complete GW Co-op Student Application, GW Co-op Student
Learning Agreement, and Co-op Student Learning Reflection
• Ensure that the employer completes the GW Co-op Employer
Agreement and completes the GW Co-op Student Evaluation
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Clarify your goals/Create a plan
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What are your career goals?
Why are you interested in working in the U.S.?
Will working in US advance your career goals?
What do you want to accomplish?
– Be able to discuss your goals with employers
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Intern Search
Culture and Language
• Cultural differences
– Promote yourself: interview, network, pitch
– Don’t include personal information (photo, birthdate)
• Market your international experience
– Languages, flexibility, tolerance, new experiences
• Cultural values are reflected in intern search and
workplace
• Language is a demonstration of cultural understanding
• English language proficiency
• Describe visa status and CPT eligibility
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Employers ???
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Is it legal to hire international students without a “green card”?
– Yes. Federal regulations permit employment of international F-1 students for
Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Does it cost money and involve a lot of paperwork to hire an F-1 student?
– No. The only employer cost is the time/effort to interview and select the best
candidate to fill the position. The ISO handles the paperwork for CPT
How long can international students work in the US with their student visa?
– F-1: Eligible for CPT before completing their studies.
Do international students need work authorization before they can be hired?
– No. International students must have authorization before they can begin
work, but not before they are offered employment. For CPT a job offer
required to obtain authorization
go.gwu.edu/careerservices
Intern Search
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Skills, Interests, Values: Goals
Top Skills US Employers Seek
Networking/Research/Target employer
Resources
Resumes
Introduction/Interviews
Professional Attire
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Top 10 Skills Sought by U.S.
Employers*
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Ability to verbally communicate with persons inside/outside organization
Ability to work in a team structure
Ability to make decisions and solve problems
Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work
Ability to obtain and process information
Ability to analyze quantitative data
Technical knowledge related to the job
Proficiency with computer software programs
Ability to create and/or edit written reports
Ability to sell or influence others
* National Association of College and Employers, Annual Survey of Employers, December 2013
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What is NETWORKING?
The process through which you CONNECT
and BUILD relationships with others who
can help ADVANCE your career.
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Networking
• 80% of U.S. jobs are never advertised/listed online
• Online: Employer websites, social media, databases, information
LinkedIn
• People: Friends and friends of friends and friends of friends of
friends, Family, Roommates, Dry Cleaner, ISO, CCS, GW Staff . . . .
• Organizations: Student, professional, religiou
• Community: Neighbors, Volunteer wor
• GW: Professors, fellow students, faculty offices, alumni
• International connections
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U.S. companies active in your language/region/ doing business in home country
Others from home country who are officers/ company owners/have U.S. jobs
GW international alumni with US jobs
Smaller companies with need for targeted skills
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Networking
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Meet anywhere
Casual
Engage
Smile
Listen
Respect
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Networking via LinkedIn
Access to professional networks not on Facebook
Research companies, industries, and grad programs
Explore opportunities
Add connections with ‘warm’ contacts and alumni
Learn professional networking etiquette
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International student
intern resources
www.gwork.gwu.edu, GWork
www.h1base.com/visa/work
www.idealist.org
www.myvisajobs.com
www.GoingGlobal.org, via GWork subscription
www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov
www.nypl.org/collections/articlesdatabases/directory-foreign-firms-operatingunited-states
go.gwu.edu/careerservices
Research/Target Employers
• Develop a list of U.S. companies/organizations
who hire foreign nationals
– Apply directly to employers
– Apply for positions available to foreign visa status
• Avoid U.S. federal, state or local governments
– Foreign nationals cannot work for governments,
or for private employers with government
contracts, e.g., the U.S. Department of Defense
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Before: Resume Basics*
• Sections: Identification, Education,
Experience, Skills
• Language: Perfect English
• Experience Descriptions: Focus on your
• Center Services: 48-hour Resume Critique,
Drop In Consulting 11am to 2pm, M-F.
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Structure of the Resume
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Contact Information
Education
Experience
Optional Sections:
Objective
Research
Activities
Volunteer
Skills and/or Technical Skills
Relevant Coursework/Projects
Leadership
Awards
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30-Second Pitch and Practice:
INTRODUCTION
IDENTIFY SELLING
POINTS & CREATE
30-SECOND PITCH
CLOSING
• Name
• Class year
• Major
• What are you interested in? (specific position, learn about field or
company, identify summer internships?)
• Top skills and where you have demonstrated skills
• Top accomplishments
• Top leadership activities
• Class projects
• What do I want to request?
• Confirm next steps
• Request business card
• Thank you.
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• Before
Interviews
– Research employer
– Identify location and visit before/Arrive early
– Practice – out loud – answering questions
• During
– Breathe, handshake, smile, eye contact, speak
– Answer questions
• Situation, task, action, results
• Employ stress relievers
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Before: Professional Attire
• Suit
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Well fitted, conservative presentation
Clean and pressed (ironed)
Men: Dark suit, shoes, socks; White button-down shirt, tie
Women: Dark suit, shoes; Hose, Blouse
• Accessories
– Shoes: Low heels
– Jewelry: Conservative, limited
• Portfolio (Avoid backpack)
– Resume copies
– Store employer information
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