International Students
International students are eligible for all career services available through the Stuckert Career Center, including on-campus recruiting. It can be challenging to find a "sponsor-friendly" employer, so you need to begin the process early!
Location
Stuckert Career Center
408 Rose St., Lexington, KY 40506
Virtual and In-person
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
International Students
Looking for assistance or guidance?
All appointments offered by the career center can be tailored to the unique requirements of international students, which may differ from the career assistance needs of individuals within the United States.
Interstride
The primary online resource and knowledge base for international students and recent graduates who are seeking employment sponsorship and related work eligibility information. Interstride is also an expansive resource for all students and alumni who have an interest in international career opportunities.
Employment Before & After Graduation
Employment options prior to graduation, such as internships, are limited due to restrictive immigration regulations. However, this can be a wonderful opportunity to show off your skills for students who are required to complete an internship.
Most students will be eligible to apply for some type of practical training shortly before or immediately after all academic program requirements have been met. Visit the ISSS website for more information about student employment options for F-1 and J-1 visa holders after graduation.
Students should also plan to attend at least one employment-based workshop offered by ISSS each fall and spring semester. Watch for dates/times in your emails from ISSS, our Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact ISSS staff in Bradley Hall.
General tips to get you started:
- Become an expert on visa and work options available to you, as you may need to educate prospective employers.
- Schedule some time in your semester regularly, for focusing on your job search.
- Attend workshops (especially ones that emphasize US business culture and etiquette).
- Be sure to prepare a concise resume that includes your language skills beyond English.
- Practice interviewing. Focus on selling the skills you have that are of value to employers.
- Some employers will not sponsor international students for various reasons. Move on to employers who are "sponsor-friendly".
Support:
- Guidance Regarding Foreign Influence in University Research
- U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration
- Companies that have filed labor condition applications (an application that precedes the H-1B filing) has already been disclosed
- Handshake
- Talk to recent grads, do an advanced search in Handshake—many ways to find employers that hire international students!