Career resources for international students

Explore the CSE Career Services website for guidance on topics such as resume writing, interviewing, major and career exploration, and more.

Many strategies exist for obtaining positions. Find resources on the Job, Internship and Co-op Search webpage. For additional resources specific to international students, review the information below and read the International Student Job and Internship Search Guide.

• Handshake - Handshake is the University of Minnesota’s online database of internships, full-time jobs, and volunteer opportunities. You can upload your resume, search and apply for current opportunities, connect with potential employers, and view upcoming career events.

  • Use the “Work Authorization” filter in the Jobs section to select “Open to Optional Practical Training (OPT)” for full-time positions or “Open to Curricular Practical Training (CPT)” for internships and co-ops.

  • For more information, see the Handshake User’s Guide (PDF).

• GoinGlobal - GoinGlobal is a helpful resource within Handshake for international students seeking information or work opportunities in the U.S. Use it to search the H-1B database, explore employer directories, and review city guides.

  • To access it, go to “Career Center” in Handshake, select “Resources,” and choose “GoinGlobal.” Then select the “H-1B/OPT” tab to view a list of top OPT employers.
    Watch the Introduction to GoinGlobal video on YouTube for tips on how to use GoinGlobal effectively.

• Global search - Exploring opportunities in your home country or abroad is entirely possible. In addition to using GoinGlobal, resources on the University of Minnesota Career Services website are available to help you find positions outside the United States.

Tools like MyVisaJobs and the USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub can help you research employers with a history of sponsoring H-1B visas. These resources are useful for identifying trends and employers that may be open to hiring international candidates. However, past sponsorship does not guarantee future sponsorship, as employer needs and hiring policies can change.

• MyVisaJobs.com allows you to search for companies by job title, industry, location or employer name to see who has filed H-1B petitions in the past. You can also explore annual reports and job listings to identify potential opportunities.

• The USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub provides official government data on employers that have submitted H-1B petitions, including approval rates, job locations and the number of filings by year.

This list of agencies is not exhaustive, but depending on the position, they may be open to working with international candidates:

• Aerotek
• Apex Systems
• Brooksource
• Kelly 
• Apex Talent Solutions

Policies can vary by location and client company, so outreach is recommended:

• Be upfront about your visa status and work authorization (CPT, STEM OPT).
• Emphasize your technical skills and your ability to work legally for up to three years (STEM OPT).
• Look for contract-to-hire or project-based roles, which are often more flexible with visa holders.

Employers commonly ask about work authorization when hiring interns or full-time employees. As an international student, discussing sponsorship and work eligibility can be challenging. For online applications, answer questions truthfully and indicate if you may require sponsorship in the future.

Here are some suggested responses to questions like “Do you need sponsorship?” or “Do you need work authorization?”:

• “My education visa covers me for internships. I don’t need any authorization or sponsorship from an employer unless we decide to extend my work for more than three years* after graduation.”
  *Three years applies to STEM majors/fields only.

• “My education visa covers me for X months, during which I do not need authorization or sponsorship from my employer. After that, I would need my employer to file for a work visa, but I expect by that time to have demonstrated my value and fit for your company.”

• “I would not require sponsorship or any additional paperwork or expense to work for you as an intern. If, as I hope, I do such a great job that you want to retain me full time, then I would ultimately need sponsorship after three years.”

At career fairs or networking events, consider how you interact with employers. Below are some suggested ways to rephrase your language:

Attend events to expand your network

• Career fairs, employer panels, and info sessions - These events offer opportunities to connect with professionals and learn about different organizations and industries.

• Handshake - Use Handshake to view and register for upcoming networking events and employer sessions.

• Organization meetings - Attend organization meetings to find professionals who can help you navigate the world of work. 

  • Visit CSE Career Services' "What Can I Do With a Major In…" webpage to find organizations relevant to your major.

  • Search online using keywords such as "International Engineers Professional Association."

Virtually connect with alumni and professionals

• Maroon and Gold Network - The Maroon and Gold Network is the University of Minnesota’s alumni database that helps students and alumni connect for career conversations and informational interviews.

  • Use the “Help Topic” filter “Sharing My Experience as a Former International Student” to identify international alumni who can share relevant insights.

• LinkedIn - LinkedIn is a professional networking platform where you can connect with professionals, explore their career paths, and reach out for informational interviews.

  • Use the LinkedIn Alumni tool (search for the University of Minnesota school page and select “Alumni”) to view career-related data on UMN alumni. Keep in mind that LinkedIn users have chosen to be on a networking platform, so it’s appropriate to contact people you don’t know—just be sure to explain why you want to connect and keep all communication professional.

  • Always include a brief message when connecting, explaining who you are and why you’re reaching out. Keep your communication professional.

  • See CSE’s LinkedIn guides for help getting started.

Explore mentorship opportunities

• CSE Mentorship Program - Mentorship is a valuable way to develop professionally through one-on-one guidance. Learn more and apply for a mentor through the CSE Mentorship Program.

Connecting with peers at the University of Minnesota is just as important as connecting with professionals. Joining student groups related to your professional goals is a great way to network with fellow students. Many groups also invite professionals in the field to speak with members.

• CSE Student Groups
• U of M Student Groups

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – CPT is a type of work authorization that allows international students to work in a job, internship, or co-op directly related to their major area of study before completing their degree.

  • CPT authorization is provided by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and can typically be granted within seven business days of submitting an application.

  • The internship must be for academic credit and part of your academic program.

• Optional Practical Training (OPT) – OPT is a type of work authorization that allows international students to work in a job directly related to their major area of study, either before or after completing their degree.

  • OPT authorization is provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is usually granted within two to three months after the student submits an application.

  • Most students use OPT to work after graduation.

• H-1B Visa – The H-1B visa is the primary U.S. work visa available to international professionals.

  • To obtain an H-1B visa, you must first secure a job offer from a U.S. employer that is willing to sponsor you. The employer then files an H-1B petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on your behalf.

  • Sponsorship is at the discretion of the employer.

CSE Career Services and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) both support students and offer one-on-one appointments to discuss career paths and employment-related concerns. While both units share a similar purpose, they focus on different aspects of student support. The following table outlines their primary functions and services.

As an international student, you may have concerns about experiencing discrimination during your job search or career and how to handle it if it arises. Below are some resources to help you understand your rights if you encounter discrimination in a job interview or in the workplace.

• If you experience discrimination while on the job, review tips and information about employment discrimination on the FindLaw website.

• You can also bring concerns to the University of Minnesota’s Student Legal Service on campus.

• Learn what constitutes an illegal interview question and how to respond appropriately.