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International Student Career Week

This series of workshops will provide information catered to international undergraduate and graduate student career development. Register for one or more sessions covering important topics tailored to international student career development, including the job search process and immigration topics. You will benefit from this program whether you just started your academic program at VT, are starting the search for a summer off-campus experience (internship), or are graduating and starting your full-time job search.

Fall 2023 Schedule

Monday, September 18

3-3:30 p.m. - Introduction to F-1 employment options

  • An introduction to different types of on and off-campus F-1 introduction.  Learn about on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT work authorization.
  • Register for Zoom webinar

4-5 p.m. - Curricular Practical Training (CPT) workshop

  • An introduction to the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorization, including when and how to apply. CPT is used to legally accept and undertake an internship or work experience during one's studies (i.e., before graduation).
  • Register for Zoom webinar

Tuesday, September 19

4-4:30 p.m. - Introduction to STEM OPT

  • Come learn about STEM OPT. 24 month extension of OPT for those who graduate with a Department of Homeland Security Designated STEM degree. Is your degree STEM? When are you eligible to apply for STEM OPT. what can of employment do you need.
  • Register for Zoom webinar
  • Register for in-person session (limited space)

4:30-6 p.m. - Immigration Options in Academia

  • Join the session to learn about different immigration visa status sponsored by U.S. universities, including J-1, H1B and Permanent Residence. For those looking to work at U.S. universities in teaching or administrative roles.
  • * Registration by invitation

Wednesday, September 20

3:30-4:30 p.m. - Job searching in the U.S.

  • Learn the typical process to finding a job in the U.S. after graduation in this session led by Career and Professional Development. A career advisor will answer any questions you have regarding the U.S. job search process and share resources available to you to help you find a job, including how to search for employer sponsorship history.
  • Register for Zoom webinar
  • Register for in-person session (limited space)

5-6:30 p.m. - H-1B (Work Visa) and Permanent Residency (Green Card) Options Workshop

  • During this workshop presented by immigration attorneys, you will get the chance to learn more about the H-1B work visa and employment-based permanent residency options.
  • It is important to note that Cranwell International Center is not able to advise students regarding the H-1B work visa or permanent residency - you should always seek the guidance of an experienced immigration attorney.
  • Register for Zoom webinar
  • Register for in-person session (limited space)

Thursday, September 21

3-4 p.m. - Interviewing in the U.S.

  • Have an upcoming job interview? Join this session to learn more about how to prepare for an interview, what you can expect in the U.S. interview process, the differences in virtual/phone/in-person interviews, and much more.
  • Register for Zoom webinar
  • Register for in-person session (limited space)

Friday, September 22

4-5 p.m. - OPT workshop

  • You will learn more about the Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization rules and application process.
  • Register for Zoom webinar