International Students
Support for International Students
The Career Development Center offers services and programs that meet the diverse needs of international students at St. Thomas. Whether you're preparing for a job search in the US, heading back home, or seeking your next adventure, we're here for you.
Getting Started
Know what you want.
Research is an essential part of any internship or job search – domestic or global. Use the career and major exploration resources on our Resources Page to start learning more about industries, jobs, locations and organizations.
Create a Plan
As an international student, if you’re here on a temporary visa it’s essential to connect with the Office of International Students and Scholars to learn about your work and visa options. They will help you understand Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), on-campus jobs, visas, and other legal requirements.
It won’t be the same.
Knowing about cultural differences can help in securing employment and will help you adjust to life in the U.S. Learn and explore the geography, interests, common sports and cuisines of the U.S. This will be helpful in striking up conversation with the people you meet. GoinGlobal has country guides which can be a helpful tool in learning the U.S. office culture.
Do Your Research
Know what you want.
Research is an essential part of any internship or job search – domestic or global. Use the career and major exploration resources on our Resources Page to start learning more about industries, jobs, locations and organizations.
Connect with OISS
Create a Plan
As an international student, if you’re here on a temporary visa it’s essential to connect with the Office of International Students and Scholars to learn about your work and visa options. They will help you understand Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), on-campus jobs, visas, and other legal requirements.
Cultural Differences
It won’t be the same.
Knowing about cultural differences can help in securing employment and will help you adjust to life in the U.S. Learn and explore the geography, interests, common sports and cuisines of the U.S. This will be helpful in striking up conversation with the people you meet. GoinGlobal has country guides which can be a helpful tool in learning the U.S. office culture.
Tips from International Alumni
Watch this video to learn about the job search experiences of St. Thomas international alumni – from adjusting to U.S. culture to receiving a job offer.
Job and Internship Searches
Navigating the System
Searching for an internship or job sometimes feels like a job itself! It’s always a good idea to explore options and opportunities early on and create a career plan (or several plans). The Career Development Center has resources and staff to support you as you navigate the process.
Explore Your Options
Something to consider as you evaluate your post-graduation plans is whether you want to stay in the U.S., go back home, or explore a career in another country altogether! Don’t forget to use our subscription to GoinGlobal, a database designed to help you understand job searches and careers in countries all over the world – it even has an amazing job board!
Opportunity Awaits
St. Thomas uses Handshake for job and internship postings, events, job fairs, employer information sessions, and more. It’s your one-stop-career-shop! If you’re a current student, you already have an account – just log in using your St. Thomas username and password!
Leave a Paper Trail
The documents you use to apply for positions in the U.S. are probably going to look a little different than what you might use at home. We’ve put together some resources for you as you plan to navigate a job search here in America.
In the U.S.
Navigating the System
Searching for an internship or job sometimes feels like a job itself! It’s always a good idea to explore options and opportunities early on and create a career plan (or several plans). The Career Development Center has resources and staff to support you as you navigate the process.
Global
Explore Your Options
Something to consider as you evaluate your post-graduation plans is whether you want to stay in the U.S., go back home, or explore a career in another country altogether! Don’t forget to use our subscription to GoinGlobal, a database designed to help you understand job searches and careers in countries all over the world – it even has an amazing job board!
Using Handshake
Opportunity Awaits
St. Thomas uses Handshake for job and internship postings, events, job fairs, employer information sessions, and more. It’s your one-stop-career-shop! If you’re a current student, you already have an account – just log in using your St. Thomas username and password!
Resumes and Cover Letters
Leave a Paper Trail
The documents you use to apply for positions in the U.S. are probably going to look a little different than what you might use at home. We’ve put together some resources for you as you plan to navigate a job search here in America.
Interviewing and Networking
Embrace your uniqueness
Identify your skills and the value you can bring to an employer, and then tell them about it! Review our interviewing resources, craft your elevator pitch, and do a mock interview to prepare yourself.
People hire People.
Networking and alumni support are extremely helpful in a job search. From informational interviews to mentoring and professional relationships, building your network is essential to a successful internship or job search. Not only can your network support you in your searches, but you’ll learn how to be the best candidate possible.
Keep in touch.
Make sure you have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile and join the Career Development Center’s Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) group. Connect with people you already know and explore the opportunity to grow your network in meaningful ways with Tommie Alumni.
Meet More Tommies
If you’re looking to connect with more St. Thomas alumni, St. Thomas Connect is a great place to start. Nearly 3,000 alumni are on the platform and ready to support you with everything from career exploration, to interviewing and networking to balancing work and life.
Interviewing in the US
Embrace your uniqueness
Identify your skills and the value you can bring to an employer, and then tell them about it! Review our interviewing resources, craft your elevator pitch, and do a mock interview to prepare yourself.
Networking is Key
People hire People.
Networking and alumni support are extremely helpful in a job search. From informational interviews to mentoring and professional relationships, building your network is essential to a successful internship or job search. Not only can your network support you in your searches, but you’ll learn how to be the best candidate possible.
LinkedIn
Keep in touch.
Make sure you have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile and join the Career Development Center’s Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) group. Connect with people you already know and explore the opportunity to grow your network in meaningful ways with Tommie Alumni.
St. Thomas Connect
Meet More Tommies
If you’re looking to connect with more St. Thomas alumni, St. Thomas Connect is a great place to start. Nearly 3,000 alumni are on the platform and ready to support you with everything from career exploration, to interviewing and networking to balancing work and life.