International Student Career Guide...The University of Georgia Career Center 2nd Floor Clark Howell Hall 706‐542‐3375 International Student Career Guide * Supplement to the UGA

The University of Georgia Career Center ♦ 2nd Floor Clark Howell Hall ♦ 706‐542‐3375 ♦ www.career.uga.edu

International Student

Career Guide * Supplement to the UGA Career Guide

Adapted from the Beloit College Field and Career Services Career Guide

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TABLE OF CONTENTS UGA Career Center Services ……………………….……………….………………………. page 4 Office of International Education

Office for International Student, Scholar & Immigration Services……………………….………………….…………… page 5 Study Abroad Office ……………………….……………………………….. page 6

International Student Life ……………………….………………………………………….. page 7 Division of Academic Enhancement……………………….……………….…………….. page 8 Qualifying to Work in the U.S. ……………………….……………………………………. page 9 What Employers Are Looking For H1-B Visa……………………….………………………………………………………….………. page 9 Marketing Yourself ……………………….……………………………………………………. page 10 Cover Letter ……………………….…………………………………………… page 10

Curriculum Vitas vs. Resume ……………………….…………………...pages 10-12 Sample Curriculum Vita……………………….……………………………page 13

Networking ……………………….……………………………………………………………….. page 14 Do Your Research……………………….……………………………………………………….. page 14 Interviewing……………………….………………………………………………………………. page 15 Be Prepared to Work in the U.S. ……………………….………………………………….. page 15 How to Dress for Work American Work Culture……………………….………………………………………………. page 16 International Student Web Resources……………………….……………………………page 17 Resources for Researching International Opportunities in the Career Center Library ……………………….………………………………………………… page 18

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Committee Members: Career Center Christie Sanders, Career Consultant Shaistha Begum, Career Consultant Michelle Carter, Career Consultant Vassi Deltcheva, System Administrator International Student Life Office (ISL) Leigh Poole, Associate Director Jessica Wells, Assistant Director Office of International Education (OIE) Sarah Park, International Student & Scholar Advisor Lisa Ayala, International Student & Scholar Advisor Division of Academic Enhancement (DAE) Dr. Karen Braxley, English as a Second Language Specialist Rosemarie Goodrum, Instructor

Every student has a Career Consultant. To make an appointment to meet your

consultant, call: 706-542-3375

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THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA CAREER CENTER SERVICES

Welcome to a guide specifically for International Students studying at The University of Georgia!

This guide aims at answering questions and providing assistance for your internship and job searches. The Career Center offers a variety of other services for students and alumni. Please take advantage of these offerings and continue reading through this guide for career planning needs. DAWGlink To make the most of our resources, we recommend you start by registering with DAWGlink, the career management system we use to help students connect with career opportunities. Registrants have access to Career Center events, campus employment opportunities, internship listings, campus interviews, company information sessions, and receive our weekly e-mail update! *International students can now search jobs by Work Authorization type. Going Global Going Global Career Guides are the ultimate international job seeker's guide! Updated continually, this massive research tool contains more than 10,000 resources for finding employment at home and abroad. The Global Key Employer Directory contains corporate listings of leading local and multinational employers in 31 countries around the globe! Over 25,000 listings have been specially selected to reflect companies where professional opportunities are more likely to be available. Updated Daily! H1BVisa H1VisaJobs.com contains thousands of American firms, all over the US, in all disciplines, that offer or have offered H-1B jobs to international professionals. Use H1VisaJobs.com to start your job search with focus today.

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Office of International Education International Student and Scholar Immigration

Services

Bank of America Building, 110 E. Clayton Street (706) 425-3154

http://www.uga.edu/oie/ISSIS

The International Student and Scholar Immigration Services advisors in the Office of International Education assist in areas of immigration matters, financial concerns, health insurance, and related administrative details of international exchange. Questions about immigration matters should be addressed before making any changes in program of study/exchange visitor objective or before departing the United States.

OIE offers weekly programs to educate students about employment options, regular orientation programs for new scholars and staff, and also each semester on reading day, the OIE offers a program called “Signing Day” where students and scholars can get instant travel signatures, ask an advisor travel or other immigration questions, enjoy refreshments, and win door prizes.

ISSIS

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The Office of International Education Study Abroad Office

Bank of America Building, 3rd Floor

110 E. Clayton St Athens, GA. 30602

Tel: (706) 425-3274 Fax: (706) 425-3315

www.uga.edu/oie Email: [email protected]

Call to schedule an Options Abroad Session!

Monday 3:35 p.m.- 4:25 p.m. Tuesday 3:30 p.m.- 4:20 p.m.

Thursday 2:00 p.m.- 2:50 p.m. Study, work, intern and volunteer abroad!

Go Beyond the Arch!!

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210 Memorial Hall Athens, GA 30605 706-542-5867

Programs and Activities

International Student Orientation Coffee Hour International Street Festival and World Fest International Education Week International Film Festivals Ethnic Nights July Pool Parties

Services for International Students

Housing and Off-Campus Living Assistance Non-Resident Tax Program Cultural Adjustment and Advising Global Friends Mentoring Program Professional and Leadership Development Workshops and Retreats

Professional and Career Development Opportunities

Resume writing & job interviewing workshops in cooperation with the Career Center Non-resident tax training and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) certification for

members for the International Tax Assistance Program Committee involvement and event planning experience opportunities for the

International Street Festival Conference travel opportunities for networking and professional development proposes

for student organization members Opportunity to join thirty student organizations to further leadership and personal

development Application opportunities to become an orientation leader to further leadership skills Opportunity to attend the Georgia International Leadership Conference (GILC)

The International Student Life (ISL) office offers a variety of services and programs to benefit the University of Georgia international student population. The ISL office works to incorporate opportunities for involvement on campus, personal and academic assistance, and professional and leadership development.

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Milledge Hall ♦ (706) 542-7575 ♦ http://www.uga.edu/dae/

Tutoring Our tutoring services are free and available to all graduate and undergraduate students at UGA. We provide tutoring by appointment, drop-in sessions, test reviews, and online tutoring. For student convenience, tutoring is available in Milledge Hall, Russell Academic Center, and SLC.

Writing Tutoring Our experienced professional writing tutors can help you learn to improve your writing. We provide expert editorial assistance with your class papers, theses, dissertations, personal statements, and application letters.

Conversational ESL Tutoring Our conversational writing tutors are friendly and experienced U.S. students who can help you improve your English conversation skills. Improving your English speaking skills is important not only everyday life in the U.S. but also for your participation in class discussion and your performance on tests like the iBT TOEFL test.

To make an appointment, please visit our website at http://www.uga.edu/dae and follow the directions under “make an appointment.”

To make an appointment, please go to Milledge Hall Academic Center to sign the appointment book.

Drop-in tutoring is also available in the Student Learning Center.

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QUALIFYING TO WORK IN THE U.S. What Employers Are Looking For This is a list of the top skills and qualities employers seek in job/ internship candidates:

• Communication Skills (Verbal and Written)

• Motivation/Initiative • Analytical Skills • Honesty/Integrity • Leadership Skills • Teamwork Skills • Computer Skills

• Strong Work Ethic • Self Confidence • Interpersonal Skills • Detailed-Oriented • Flexibility/Adaptability • Organizational Skills

Source: Planning JobChoices 2007, (2006). Bethlehem, PA: National Association of Colleges, p.15.

Note: For International Students without English as their native language, strong communication skills are essential for prospective employees.

• Demonstrate that you are proficient in speaking and writing proper English. • Employers are sometimes concerned international students will not be able to effectively

communicate with customers and other personnel. • Emphasize that you are bi-lingual or multi-lingual, a big bonus for many multi-national companies.

H1- B VISA An employment status for temporary employment in the U.S. allowing international citizens to work in specialty jobs which require skills and knowledge achieved through a baccalaureate or higher degree. If your employer would like to sponsor you for a H1B visa start the process as soon as possible. The number of available visas has been reduced considerably over the past few years. Resources for information on the H-1B: • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

http://www.uscis.gov • Foreign Labor Certification Data Center

http://www.flcdatacenter.com

• Path 2 USA http://www.path2usa.com/h1bcorner/index.htm

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MARKETING YOURSELF Cover Letters Another component of most U.S. job or internship applications is a cover letter. This should accompany your resume and have the same heading or letterhead as your resume. U.S. cover letters will generally be more informal, with fewer polite formal phrases, and will be directed more specifically to each employer. Create a new letter for each job or internship you are applying for and include only information that is relevant to what the employer is seeking in a candidate. For more information on resumes and cover letters, please refer to the UGA Career Guide, pages 24- 34. Resume Differences between Resume and Curriculum Vitae

1. Resumes are used when seeking employment 2. Resumes are brief in design and are usually only one page; 3. Resumes are targeted and only relevant information is listed; 4. Resumes never include references; the references are always listed on a separate document.

1. CVs are used in educational and research settings and include information on research, publications, presentations, conferences, fellowships, and grants. 2. CVs are more detailed and are usually several pages in length. 3. CVs are intended to be complete records of professional work. 4. CVs may include references as the last category or references may be listed on a separate document.

Preparing Your Curriculum Vitae Curriculum vitas are used in educational and research settings and more detailed and are usually several pages in length. CV’s are intended to be complete records of academia and professional work. Curriculum Vitae’s in some countries are applicable for either employment or graduate schools.

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Typical vita categories or headings may include some or all of the following: 1. Personal/Contact Information Name, address, phone number and email address 2. Academic Background

• Postgraduate work • Graduate work/degree(s), major/minors • Undergraduate degree(s), majors/minors

Listing of academic degrees beginning with the degree in progress or most recently earned. Include: name of institution; city and state; degree type (B.A., B.S., M.A., etc.) and area of concentration; month and year degree was (will be) received. Note: If you are an undergraduate and your GPA is 3.5 or higher, it is appropriate to include it. You may also include “Relevant Coursework” under this heading. Include details on your final year project, i.e. dissertation, thesis and list any other major projects, field studies, training courses, etc. 3. Professional Licenses/Certifications 4. Academic/Teaching Experience

• Courses taught, courses introduced • Innovation in teaching • Teaching evaluations

5. Technical and Specialized Skills 6. Related/Other Experience Work Experience Listing of positions (part-time, full-time, temporary and permanent) related to the work sought. Include: department, firm, agency, or organization; complete name; city and state; job/position title; dates; also include a brief description of your activities/duties, using strong action verbs. List these in reverse chronological order starting with the most recent position first. Groupings of other experiences (including volunteer work and/or internships) can enhance your CV. Your experience can also be broken into other categories such as: Teaching, Counseling, Administration, Volunteer, Community, Internship, etc. Entries within each section should be in reverse chronological order. 7. Professional/Academic Honors and Awards

• Scholarships • Academic Awards • Special honors or distinctions

8. Professional Development (conferences/workshops attended, other activities) 9. Research/Scholarly Activities

• Journal articles • Conference proceedings • Books • Chapters in books

• Magazine articles • Papers presented/workshops • Work currently under submission • Work in progress

Give bibliographic citations (using the format appropriate to your particular academic discipline) for articles, pamphlets, chapters in books, research reports, or any other publications that you have authored or co-authored. In fine arts areas, this can include descriptions of recitals and art exhibits.

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10. Grants Include name of grant, name of granting agency, date received, title or purpose of research project, etc. 11. Service relating to academic, professional and community development 12. Academic/Research Interests 13. Presentations Give titles of professional presentations (using the format appropriate to your particular academic discipline), name of conference or event, and dates and location; if appropriate in your discipline, also include a brief description. Presentations should be listed in reverse chronological order. 14. Affiliations/Memberships Memberships in national, regional, state, and local professional organizations should be listed. Also list significant appointments to positions or committees in these associations. Student memberships in professional associations are appropriate. 15. Abilities/Skills

• Foreign Language: List your level of proficiency • Computing: General software applications, hardware, operating systems, databases, etc. • List your level of proficiency. • Additional Skills: Industry Knowledge, Technical, Commercial, Managerial

16. Consulting 17. Volunteer Work 18. Study Abroad 19. References Provide three professional references including name, title, agency, address, phone number and email address.

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Curriculum Vitae Sample

Mary Doe 58 University Dr. ▪ Athens, GA 30606

706-555-0000 ▪ [email protected] EDUCATION: The University of Georgia, Athens, GA Bachelor of Science in Psychology May 2006 Minor: Sociology GPA: 3.35/4.0 WORK EXPERIENCE: The University of Georgia Department of University Housing , Athens, GA Resident Assistant, August 2004 - Present • Develop educational and social programs for 100 first-year residents while ensuring a safe and healthy living environment Camp Gleason, Pine Mountain, GA Counselor, Summer 2003, 2004 • Provided guidance and supervision to 70+ boys and girls for a four week camp • Designed and facilitated educational and social activities RESEARCH EXPERIENCE The University of Georgia, Psychology Department, Athens, GA Research Assistant for Dr. Ann Smith , August 2004-Present • Administering surveys to UGA undergraduate students to determine the effects of school related stress on relationship

longevity • Analyzing data utilizing SPS to be presented as a poster at APA annual conference LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE UGA Student Alumni Association, Vice President, Athens, GA, September 2004-Present • Serve as a liaison between UGA alumni and current students in addition to planning networking events Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer, Athens, GA, September 2003 - May 2004 Chase Street Elementary School, Tutor, Athens, GA, January 2002-May 2004 HONORS & AWARDS • HOPE Scholarship, Recipient; • Dean’s List, 4 semesters; • Psi Chi Academic Scholarship, Recipient;

• Presidential Scholarship, Recipient, • Psi Chi Academic Excellence Award, Recipient

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES • American Psychological Association, Student Member, August 2003-Present • Southeastern Psychological Association, Student Member, Participant, August 2003- Present • Southeastern Psychological Association, Poster Presentation: “Drug Abuse on Campuses”, July 2002 REFERENCES Dr. Ann Smith Dr. Barbara Lewis Dr. Tim Martin Associate Professor Associate Professor Assistant Professor UGA Psychology Dept. UGA Sociology Dept. UGA Psychology Dept. Athens, GA 30602 Athens, GA 30602 Athens, GA 30602 705-542-1000 706-542-1001 706-542-1003 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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NETWORKING Networking is the systematic development and cultivation of informal interpersonal contacts and relationships for three purposes:

1. To compile information that helps with focusing your job/internship search objectives, learning about trends, events or facts relevant to your search, and, possibly hearing about existing job or internship openings;

2. To gain as much exposure as possible in the job market;

3. To gather more names and referrals so that you can continue to expand your network, gain more information sources, get more exposure, obtain still more referrals, etc.

Networking has proven to be one of the most effective means for students and graduates to explore and enter careers. This relationship building process often leads to more educated decisions on major and career selection and serves as a useful strategy in “opening doors” for students seeking internships, job shadowing experiences, and full-time jobs. You can also network with individuals that have gone on specific work-permit programs that you may be interested in. Contact the organization you are interested in participating in and request a list of names of who has participated in the program in the past. Reputable programs should be willing to share names and contact information with you.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

As part of the process of finding the right places for employment it is to your advantage to practice your liberal arts researching skills by locating companies or organizations. Many international students decide to find internships and jobs in the US. The UGA Career Center suggests searching for foreign companies with operations in the US. These companies may be more open to hiring diverse candidate. Recommended internet sites for locating foreign company information: • Hoovers Online at http://www.hoovers.com • Foreign companies registered with the US Securities and Exchange

http://www.sec.gov/divisions/corpfin/internatl/geographic.htm • Standards & Poors- Search the top global companies at

http://www.standardandpoors.com

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INTERVIEWING Interview Tips for International Students • Study commonly asked interview questions; write answers to those questions; and practice your

responses in front of a mirror as well as with friends.

• Schedule a mock interview to receive feedback on the interview. • Be prepared with questions to ask the employer. The interview should be just

as much a time for you decide if this is where you want to work as it is a time for the employer to know if you are right for their organization.

• Don’t forget to follow-up with a thank-you note!

BE PREPARED TO WORK IN THE U.S.

Challenges International Students may face

• Hiring Complexities: After international students complete the optional one year of practical training, employers must sponsor them to obtain an H1-B visa to continue employment. Hiring an international student is a more complex and often less familiar process to many U.S. employers than hiring an American. Research the H1-B visa sponsorship requirements so you may help educate employers.

• Commitment: Some employers fear international employees will return to their home country after the employer has invested time and money, hiring, training, and possibly sponsoring the international student. Show that you may be sponsored for a career with the company. Demonstrate how you are an asset to the company’s overseas locations and operations.

• Animosity: Some Americans feel that by hiring an international student they are taking jobs away from United States citizens. Be able to demonstrate how your skills and knowledge will be an asset to the company. Also, research diversity and its benefits in the workplace, and target companies that have a record of valuing diversity.

How to Dress for Work The dress code at jobs and internships in the U.S. can be confusing. Ask your supervisor for details on what is appropriate to wear to work. For more information about what to wear to an interview or at work, see the UGA Career Guide, pages 42-43.

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AMERICAN WORK CULTURE Common Characteristics you may find • The average American worker gets only two weeks paid holiday a year. As a result, he or she works

around 350 hours more each year than the average European. • Thirty percent of all American workers never take a lunch break. • In many jobs, days off for sickness are sometimes deducted from holiday entitlement. • American work culture involves a lot of meetings. These meetings need not deal with big decisions,

but are more like discussions, and are centered on the analyzing, planning and review of any project. Opinions and ideas are shared, and objections are made.

• U.S. companies often offer benefits such as health, dental and life insurance. In addition, the benefits can often include the employee's family as well.

Work Hours

• Normal work hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm. With a 40-hour work week being considered full-time. • Most Americans have their weekends pre-planned, and value their privacy. • The common retirement age is roughly 65, with many retiring either earlier or later, depending on

their personal finances and their job satisfaction. • Compared to most European systems, work culture in the U.S. seems to be much harder for

employees. For example, there is less paid vacation, paid sick days, maternity leave and benefits for parents.

Office Environment In the United States, the work environment is both professional and casual as well. • Don’t be surprised if you see people bring their

pets to work! • It is not rare to find an office environment which

is informal, and there is no apparent hierarchy between managers and their staff. Employees are often treated as equals, and independent views are welcomed.

• Water, aerated drinks, tea, coffee and vending machines are available at most offices. Large companies may even have a full scale cafeteria on site.

Source: “Office Environment.” Pathway2USA.com. 20 December 2006 <http://www.path2usa.com/lifestyle/culture/works_culture.htm>

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WEB RESOURCES

Seeking employment in the United States

H1VisaJobs.com, http://www.h1visajobs.com Contains a database of American firms, all over the US, in all disciplines, who have known openings, are willing to, and actually offered H-1B jobs to international professionals. There is a fee to gain access to the database.

U.S. Department of Labor’s Certification Data Disclosure, http://www.flcdatacenter.com (click on FLC Case Data)- This site will help you find out which companies applied for H-1B visas for one or more new employees in the past few years. This will give you some ideas of employers open to having international employees working for them. Please note that you can search by year, employer and/or state.

International Affairs Resources, http://www2.etown.edu/vl/ Comprehensive guide to resources, contacts and other information relevant to International Affairs on the Internet. Includes career related resources and new positions. The Foreign MBA, http://www.foreignmba.com/ The site includes a listing of employers that have a history of hiring foreign MBAs. The site also offers a guide, "Getting a Job in the U.S. - a Guide for International MBA Students," which can be purchased online. InternationalStudent.com - Started by a group of international students living in New York City with the goal of helping other students deal with American immigration authorities and education system. Y-Axis.com - Jobsite for international IT professionals looking in the US. Foreign Embassies of Washington D.C., http://www.embassy.org/embassies Complete list of foreign embassies in the United States. Link to the country for which you desire to work to learn about their Visa process. Actions Without Borders, http://www.idealist.org Over 29,000 nonprofit and community organizations in 153 countries, which you can search or browse by name, location or mission.

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RESOURCES FOR RESEARCHING INTERNATIONAL OPPORUNITIES IN THE CAREER CENTER LIBRARY These resources are available at The Career Center during office hours. Books or reference texts must remain in the office and cannot be loaned. American Institute for Foreign Study: 2005 Summer Abroad AIFS

American Institute for Foreign Study: 2005-2006 Academic Year & Semester Study Abroad

AIFS

At Home in the World Peace Corps

Careers in Internationa Affairs, 7th Edition Carland, Maria Pinto

Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries Volume 1

Uniworld Business Publications, Inc.

Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries, Volume 2


Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries, Volume 3


Directory of Foreign Firms Operating in the United States Uniworld Business Publications, Inc.

Going Global Country Career Guide Thompson, Mary Anne

Great Jobs Abroad Bell, Arthur H.

How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas Collins, Joseph, DeZeega, Stefano & Zaharatleckscher

International Job Finder: Where Jobs are Worldwide Lauber, Daniel with Rice, Kraig

International Job Finder: Where the Jobs are Worldwide Luaber, Daniel

International Jobs: Where They Are, How to Get Them Segal, Nina & Kocher, Eric

Job Surfing: Working Abroad Olson, Erik & Blau, Jim

Opportunities in Overseas Careers Camenson, Blythe

Study Abroad: The Foreign Study Standard Peterson

The Great Adventure Peace Corps



To Touch the World: The Peace Corps Experience Peace Corps

Vacation Works International Directory of Voluntary Work Whetter, Louise

Work Abroad Hubbs, Clay

Work Worldwide: International Career Strategies for the Adventurous Job Seeker

Mueller, Nancy

Work Your Way Around the World Griffith, Susan

Documents

International Student Career Guide...The University of Georgia Career Center 2nd Floor Clark Howell Hall 706‐542‐3375 International Student Career Guide * Supplement to the UGA