The International Student Guide To Internships
As an international student from New Zealand studying at Temple University, I know firsthand how exciting and challenging it can be to gain work experience and internships in the U.S. Let’s dive into the biggest tips that have helped me and can help you succeed in building your career here.
Know Who You Are
Who are you? This may sound like a terrifying question, but it is more simple than you can imagine. One of my favourite Temple Professors, Cheldin Rumer, once told my class, “If you don’t know who you are, what you want and why you deserve it, then what are you even doing here?” It was definitely an intimidating question, and it lead me to a lot of introspection and learning more about myself.
Understanding who you are is the foundation for everything else—from choosing your major to landing your dream internship. Here’s how to clarify it: start by listing three things you love to do, three things you’re really good at, and three things you don’t enjoy as much. For example, you might realize you love creating videos, you’re great at storytelling, but you’re not a fan of working with spreadsheets. This simple exercise can reveal a lot about your strengths, passions, and areas to avoid, guiding you toward opportunities that truly excite you.
Once you’ve outlined your likes and dislikes, think about what you want and why you deserve it. What makes you unique? What value can you bring to a team or company? When you understand these things, you’ll have the confidence to pursue internships and work experiences that align with your goals and stand out to potential employers.
Understand Your Visa Requirements and Limitations
First things first: know your visa!
As an F-1 visa holder, you have three main options for employment:
- On-campus opportunities: This the most flexible and often the easiest to obtain.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This allows you to work off-campus while still studying, but it must be tied to a course or program requirement.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): This is usually reserved for post-graduation and lets you work in your field of study for up to 12 months (or longer if you’re in a STEM field).
Pro Tip: Visit Temple University’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) early and often to stay on top of the rules and ensure you maintain your visa status while working.
Seek Expert Advice
Temple University offers a wealth of resources to help you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the following:
- International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS): They’ll help you navigate work authorization processes like CPT and OPT.
- Advisors and professors: Share your career goals with them; they can provide advice, connections, and opportunities.
- Career Center workshops: These sessions can teach you how to craft resumes, write cover letters, and ace interviews.
- Student leaders: They’ve likely been in your shoes and can share their experiences and tips.
Join Clubs and Organizations
Joining student clubs or organizations in your area of study is an excellent way to build your network and learn more about your field. For example, as an advertising major, I joined the Temple Advertising Club. Clubs often host events like guest speaker sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities—all of which can help you stand out.
Pro Tip: Don’t just join—get involved! Volunteer to help organize events or take on a leadership role. These experiences look great on your resume and help you make meaningful connections.
Create and Showcase Your Work
Employers want to see what you can do, so use every opportunity to create and showcase your skills. Whether it’s a class project, club activity, or volunteer work, document your achievements. For instance:
- Include class assignments, like marketing plans or graphic designs, in your portfolio.
- Share your work on LinkedIn, your personal website, or social media platforms.
Pro Tip: Keep a running list of your accomplishments so you’re ready to update your resume or portfolio anytime.
Build Your Personal Brand Online
Social media can be your secret weapon for career growth. A polished LinkedIn profile is non-negotiable. Here’s how to make the most of your online presence:
- Create a personal website or portfolio to showcase your work.
- Share posts about your projects, industry insights, or events you attend.
- Keep your resume clean, easy to read, and linked to your social platforms.
Research Real People
Find inspiration from people who are already doing what you aspire to do. Whether it’s classmates, professors, alumni, or influencers, look into their career paths and skills. Reach out to them for advice—most people are happy to help if you ask politely.
Pro Tip: Use LinkedIn to explore profiles, connect with professionals, and learn about the qualifications you’ll need to succeed.
Leverage Your Network
Once you’ve built relationships and created work to showcase, it’s time to reach out. Let people in your network know what you’re looking for. For example:
“Hi [Name], I’m looking for an internship in [your field]. Do you know of any opportunities or companies I should check out?”
Connections often lead to opportunities. My first internship came through a professor who emailed me a lead after I shared my goals with them.
Perfect Your Application
When it’s time to apply, make sure your application is as polished as possible. Here’s how:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to each role.
- Use Temple’s Career Center, professors, or AI tools to refine your materials.
- Highlight your unique skills and experiences confidently.
Follow Up
After applying, send a follow-up email to the company or recruiter. This shows professionalism and enthusiasm. Keep it short and express your interest in the position.
Prepare for Interviews
Congratulations—you’ve landed an interview! Use Temple’s resources to prepare:
- Practice interviews: Schedule a mock interview at the Career Center.
- Research the company: Understand their mission, values, and recent projects.
- Show your passion: Be bold and confident. You’ve worked hard to get here, so let your excitement shine.
Pro Tip: Book a quiet space on campus to ensure a professional setting for virtual interviews.
Build on Your Success
You nailed the interview and got the internship—congratulations! Now, use this experience to keep growing:
- Document what you learn and accomplish during the internship.
- Update your resume and portfolio with your new skills and projects.
- Repeat this process to find more opportunities and build your career.
Final Thoughts
As an international student, the journey to gaining work experience and internships might seem daunting, but it’s absolutely doable with the right mindset and strategies. Remember to leverage your visa options, build connections, showcase your skills, and take full advantage of the resources Temple University offers. You’ve already come this far—be bold, stay persistent, and keep reaching for your goals.
