Welcome to Northwest Missouri State University! International students aspiring to work in the United States should develop an internship or job search strategic plan with an understanding of the intended market as well as regulations regarding visa status, U.S. job search practices, and cultural differences. And, we’re here to help!
United States law provides several ways for employers to hire international college graduates. It is each candidate’s responsibility to understand/comply with the parameters of visa status. Not only is this essential information to have as you determine goals for employment, but you will have to clearly and accurately explain your status to most employers during the search or interview process. For more information contact the Office of International Programs.
Explore your career interests and clarify your goals:
Career Services provide students with a platform to develop career-related decision-making processes through events, web resources, videos, and services. It is important to create and organize your individual job/internship search. Additionally, you should create a “back up” plan to be used if necessary as a contingency plan.
CPT = curricular practical training which is integral to your major and the experience must be part of your program of study.
OPT = optional practical training and must relate to your major or course of study.
You can find much more information on CPT and OPT and what your options are on the U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE) website.
Career Services makes every effort to check the validity and accuracy of employers and job/internship postings on Hire A Bearcat, however, we cannot guarantee that every employer or posting is legitimate. Candidates are urged to thoroughly review postings and use caution and common sense when applying.
Several scams target international students, so you need to be extra cautious. Here are some tips to avoid being scammed.
Scammers advertise jobs in the same places legitimate employers do, here’s how to tell whether a job lead may be a scam:
Employers and employment firms shouldn’t ask you to pay for the promise of a job.
Don't give out your credit card or bank account information over the phone to a company unless you're familiar with them and have agreed to pay for something. Anyone who has your account information can use it.
If a job sounds too perfect, it is likely a scam. It is always best to delete/avoid unsolicited job emails.
If you’ve been the victim a job scam, file a complaint with the FTC.
Job Listings & Employer Contact Information
See where other graduates of your academic program have gone to complete internships and full-time employment on our Post-Graduation Data page.
International students should contact the Office of International Programs before seeking any form of employment (paid or unpaid) whether as a student or in preparation for graduation so that you are aware and knowledgeable of all applicable visa restrictions, requirements, and deadlines. Remember it is your responsibility to connect with International Programs to obtain the most current information as the rules are constantly changing.
