Information for International Students
As an international student or scholar, there are two additional steps to your internship or job search process – properly securing legal work authorization and identifying and applying to employers that are willing and able to hire foreign nationals. Penn Career Services works very closely with International Student & Scholar Services, Penn’s campus experts on visas, legal work permissions and the proper documentation and processes you must follow. Current F-1 students, please see the ISSS page for “Work and Travel” information; J-1 students and other scholars, ISSS maintains additional resources and information unique to your visa type.
Should you wish to pursue a career in the United States beyond the time of your student/scholar visa, it is especially important to plan ahead and have a clear understanding of 1) how your current – or future – visa status will affect your legal ability to work, as well as 2) why – or why not – certain organizations will be interested and able to hire you, and perhaps eventually “sponsor” you for an H1-B or other work-related visa. This resource page, along with your Career Services advising team, will guide you through the information you need and how to develop effective strategies as an international candidate applying for U.S. based positions.
Should you wish to pursue a career outside the United States, Career Services can also support your global internship or job search, providing resources and expertise to help you develop application materials and interviewing skills most appropriate for the country/ies in which you wish to pursue work.
The #1 place international students get career, immigration, and networking support
Interstride is here to help you throughout your entire journey as an international student. Interstride has partnered with over 180 universities and has provided the foundational tools for your professional growth. Questions about your immigration journey, community building resources, and career opportunities? Click here to check out this growing platform for all and more!
International Student Career FAQs
You may have many questions as an international student when it comes to the job search. From when to disclose your visa status to identifying cultural differences that may affect your candidacy, it can feel overwhelming. Career Services has compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get to help you effectively navigate the internship & job search process.
International Student & Scholar Services
Please be sure to work closely and regularly with your advisor at Penn Global’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Our colleagues at ISSS are the campus experts on work permission, and provide up-to-date guidance on frequently changing immigration regulations. Career Services and ISSS work together to ensure that you understand how to pursue and accept opportunities while maintaining your legal status.
Networking
While it may seem intimidating at the start, all job seekers can benefit from networking! Through such conversations, you can learn about different types of jobs/industries, find people willing to serve as short- or long-term mentors, and perhaps even lead you to an opportunity you may not otherwise have known about! Penn has an incredible alumni network that spans the globe – through MyPenn, LinkedIn, or local, regional and international Penn alumni clubs you can identify people with whom you’d like to speak. Once you’ve found those professionals, be sure to check out our guide to help you conduct the most effective outreach and make the most of your opportunity for informational interviews.
Find Resources
We are pleased to offer Interstride, a truly comprehensive resource for international students needing assistance with their job search in the United States or abroad! You may also want to check out our list of U.S. employers who have hired Penn international students in recent years.
