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International Students

Department: 
Graduate Student Career Development (GSCD)
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FINDING EMPLOYMENT
Whether you’re hoping to secure a part time job on campus, an internship or volunteer opportunity off campus, or a full time job after graduation, it is essential that you fully understand your eligibility to work under your student visa. Check with the Columbia International Students & Scholars Office to learn about your unique status before starting any search, and review the Working in Student Status PowerPoint under the Orientation Material. 

ON-CAMPUS CASUAL EMPLOYMENT
Full time F-1 and J-1 students are eligible for “casual” employment on campus, which means you are paid by Columbia University or working at a University location with an employer that is providing services to students. This does NOT include work study positions (employment for US citizens who qualify for help in financing their education). On-campus work is limited by immigration regulations to part-time (maximum of 20 hours /week), except during official school vacation periods. See our Tip Sheet for help with your search.

LionSHARE is a full service on-line recruiting system encompassing job and internship postings, on-campus recruiting opportunities, and events such as employer information sessions and career fairs. The system is for the exclusive use of Columbia students and alumni. Please familiarize yourself with the policies and expectations for using LionSHARE and the On Campus Recruiting Program.

OFF-CAMPUS JOBS
Students who have been in F-1 status for one academic year and who are experiencing extreme financial difficulties due to unforeseen changes that severely affect their financial resources may apply for work permission. Authorization is given by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with the recommendation of the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) or International Affairs Office (IAO).

Before working in any position off campus, you must get work authorization. Please check information about Optional Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), H1B and other types of Visas. Information for Canadian and Mexican citizens can be found here. Other useful links:

OFF-CAMPUS INTERNSHIPS AND VOLUNTEERING
Interning and volunteering offer opportunities to gain experience, build your skills, and strengthen your resume, though visa restrictions apply. Generally, F1 students are eligible only after two semesters of being registered full time in student immigration status, and J1 students are eligible after one semester. Students in F-1 status are also eligible to apply for permission to work for international organizations. Authorization is granted by the DHS with the recommendation of the ISSO or IAO.

Looking for an off campus internship or volunteer opportunity? Start by using these tools:

INTERNATIONAL JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS
Please find volunteer, full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities on the Center for Career Education’s International Opportunities Resources page.

FELLOWSHIPS & SCHOLARSHIPS

NETWORKING AND INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING
Networking – or building professional relationships with people in your field of interest - is essential to jumpstarting your job search and gathering information from industry insiders.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES
Columbia Resources

Other Resources (Columbia does not promote or sponsor these organizations)

CENTER FOR CAREER EDUCATION (CCE) EVENTS
CCE holds a number of events and workshops throughout the year, designed to help students and alumni identify and pursue their career goals. Please regularly check the CCE Calendar of Events for specific international student programs.

  • Career Workshop for International Students with ISSO

Fall 2011:
Workshop I:Job Search Skills for International Students : Applying for on-campus, full-time and Internships in the US - Tuesday, September 20, 2011, 10 am -12pm
Workshop II: Interviewing Skills for International Students: Thought Framing and Articulation - Thursday, November 3, 2011, 2-4 pm

Spring 2012:
Workshop III: Informal Networking Skills for International Students: How to Make Small Talk - Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 2-4 pm
Workshop IV: Transition from School to Work Place: American Business Culture & Etiquette - Tuesday, April 3, 2012, 2-4 pm

International students are also encouraged to attend specialized workshops and information sessions offered through the Columbia International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). Please visit ISSO's Calendar of Events for 2011-2012. ISSO also provides the Peer Adviser Program where peer advisers will answer questions you may have about the Columbia experience—about your program, about Columbia, or about life in New York City.

CCE SERVICES
We have compiled a list of resources as a starting point for your core career skills. These skills can create a foundation for a successful job search. Please call Center for Career Education at 212-854-5609 for more information about our services, including:

  • Walk-ins are 10 minute appointments available Monday thru Friday from 1pm-4pm during the academic year.
  • Career Counseling Sessions are 30 minute appointments.
  • Mock Interviews are appointments to practice job interview skills.
  • Dossier Service is useful for Ph.D. students to file letters of recommendation for academic positions.
  • Clothing Closet provides suits for interviews, career fairs, or professional networking events.

CCE RESOURCES
On the CCE website you will find a variety of online resources providing everything from career exploration and industry research to international job listings. For access, use your Columbia UNI and network password.

  • Vault provides comprehensive industry guides, job postings, and career management services.
  • Wetfeet posts trends, markets, major players, and jobs in leading industries.
  • Going Global lists international jobs and internships.
  • Versatile PhD discusses careers outside academia.
  • Uniworld provides a directory of US firms in foreign countries and foreign firms in the US.

CCE serves students and alumni of: The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia College, School of General Studies, School of Continuing Education (Master of Science Programs and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs), Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, School of the Arts, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES