Career Resources for International Students

Are you a UW international student looking for a job or internship? The BCC has constructed this guide to provide you with detailed information surrounding the career planning process, work authorization, and additional resources to help you locate open positions worldwide!

Which path are you thinking of following?

Some important questions to consider prior to beginning your internship/job search:

• Do you plan to live in the US temporarily or permanently?
• Are you looking for jobs/internships in the US, your home country, or abroad?
• Is your main goal to gain experience or to establish contact for future reference?
• Do you hope to gain experience so that you can contribute to the needs of your home country when you return?
• Are you interested in public or private companies or owning your own business?

Job Search Strategies and Resources

International students who have been accepted into the School of Business generally hold an F-1 or J-1 visa. All paperwork is handled by the student, the International Student Services Office, and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Also, there are no fees associated with hiring a student for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Academic Training, or Optional Practical Training (OPT).

• Do you currently hold an F-1 visa?
  • If so, you are eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is frequently used for summer internships. After completion of your studies, you are eligible for employment in a temporary status referred to as Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT status is valid for 12 months following graduation.
• Do you currently hold a J-1 visa?
  • If so, you are authorized for 18 months of Academic Training employment which may be used toward summer internships and full-time employment as long as it falls within your field of study.
• Do you hope to remain in the US after OPT or Academic Training?
  • If so, you will have to seek approval of a new visa type from USCIS. The most common of these is the H-1B visa. These visas are very limited in number and are most often obtained through your full-time employer.

School of Business CPT and OPT policies:

The School of Business offers international students opportunities to gain experience in the industry through CPT and OPT.

Undergrads: Gen Bus 450 is the only acceptable CPT course for undergrads; your application must be signed by Jo Meier, Undergraduate Programs Office, 2020 Grainger.

MBAs: Gen Bus 750 is the only acceptable CPT course for MBA students; your application must be signed by Marc Matosian, MBA Programs Office, 3150 Grainger.

MS/PhDs: If enrolling in Gen Bus 750, your application should be signed by Phil Miller, 2266 Grainger.

Undergrads, visit the Business Career Center website to learn more about international student job search resources and to access a list of companies that recruit international students for internships and full-time employment each year at www.bus.wisc.edu/career/

Work Authorization Resources

Visit these sites for more information regarding full-time employment in the US

• US Citizenship and Immigration Services
• US Immigration, Visa, and Employment Center
• International Practical Training
• UW-Madison International Student Services
• American Immigration Network
• US Department of Labor
• US Department of State

Examples of Companies That Hire International Students

Login to BuckyNet for a complete list of companies and position postings!