Work Placement
Get Hired in the U.S.
EduConnect USA helps international students navigate the process of getting hired by U.S. employers, providing the support you need to start your career. Our goal is to make your job search easier and more effective, connecting you with the right opportunities.
Start working towards your future today
We guide international students toward work opportunities in their chosen field, helping you kickstart your professional journey in the U.S. With our assistance, you can confidently step into a role that matches your skills and career aspirations.
Practical Training
Embrace the transformative experience of participating in a dynamic practical training program. The curriculum structure allows students to gain practical work experience in their field of study while pursuing their American education, providing a valuable pathway for professional development. EduConnect USA will conduct an evaluative interview, wherein our work placement director will examine the student’s background, engaging in a comprehensive assessment. This encompassing evaluation entails meaningful discussions about the student’s department of interest, accompanied by a detailed review of their resume, ensuring a thorough examination of their qualifications for our work-study programs.
Career Services
We believe that practical training and real-world experience are crucial for success in today’s job market. That’s why we have a personalized career service department to find you the right practical training opportunity and gain hands-on experience in your chosen field of study. We work one-on-one with our educational consultants to provide you hiring support with our partner organizations by evaluating your goals, setting up placement interviews, and guiding you through the work authorization process. Our ultimate goal is to empower our students to achieve their dreams of a successful career in the United States.
Our Step-by-Step Approach
1. Evaluation Interview
Conduct an evaluative interview, wherein the career service coordinators meticulously examines the student’s background, engaging in a comprehensive assessment. This encompassing evaluation entails meaningful discussions about the student’s department of interest, accompanied by a meticulous review of their resume, ensuring a thorough examination of their qualifications and experiences for our work-study programs.
2. Complete Search Form
Students are then required to complete an online search form that helps gather additional information about their preferences and career goals. This work placement form serves as a valuable tool in aligning the student’s work and study aspirations with suitable opportunities. Student’s are also asked to upload their finalized resume, which allows the career service coordinator to have a comprehensive understanding of their qualifications and experiences, further enhancing the matching process for student internships.
3. Placement Interviews
Once the resume and search form have been submitted, the placement coordinator diligently works towards setting up work placement interviews with potential companies. Leveraging their network and established partnerships, the coordinators identify possible work opportunities aligned with the student’s interests and forwards the relevant information to both parties. Through effective communication and coordination, the coordinator ensures that interview arrangements are promptly made, facilitating a smooth and seamless process for the student.
4. Hiring Support
In the event that a student secures a job offer, the placement coordinator extends invaluable assistance during the hiring and work placement authorization process. The coordinator acts as a liaison between the student and the university, guiding them through the necessary paperwork and procedures for student internships. This includes providing support in obtaining the required work and study authorization documentation and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular practical training refers to various work/study options such as internships, cooperative education, and required internships or practicums offered by employers in cooperation with the school. To be eligible for practical training, an F-1 student must have been enrolled full-time for one academic year in a college, university, conservatory, or seminary approved by the U.S. Graduate students who need to engage in curricular practical training immediately as part of their studies may be exempt from the one-year requirement. The student must request authorization for curricular practical training from the DSO and can only commence the training after receiving an endorsed Form I-20.
What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) refers to temporary employment that directly corresponds to the major field of study pursued by an F-1 student. Students who meet the criteria can apply to obtain employment authorization for a maximum of 12 months, either prior to completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). It’s important to note that any duration of pre-completion OPT will be subtracted from the total period of post-completion OPT available to the student.
What is the difference between part-time and full-time CPT?
Part-Time Training
When you are enrolled in classes and work for 20 hours or less per week, it falls under the category of “part-time” curricular practical training. Consequently, the authorization on your I-20 form should clearly indicate permission for “part-time” training, and it is crucial to ensure that your work hours do not exceed 20 hours per week.
Full-Time Training
Engaging in employment exceeding 20 hours per week is classified as “full-time” curricular practical training, and accordingly, the employment authorization noted on your I-20 form should explicitly state permission for “full-time” training. There is no set duration limit for participating in full-time curricular practical training. However, if you engage in it for twelve months or longer, you will become ineligible for any form of optional practical training, including post-completion practical training.
Please be aware that if your program lacks a specific practicum course or does not offer it during the semester/term for which you seek employment authorization, you will not qualify for Curricular Practical Training. However, you may still qualify for Optional Practical Training.
While immigration regulations present several opportunities for practical training during your time in F-1 status, it is crucial to adhere to proper procedures and obtain authorization. Working improperly or without authorization is a severe violation of your immigration status. The Department of Homeland Security strictly prohibits the issuance of Curricular Practical Training authorization primarily for the purpose of facilitating employment.