Guide to Internships in USA for international students

Internships are the very basis of a person’s career. Internships in a student’s resume can help them become a more preferred candidate as a fresher and stand out from the crowd. An internship in usa for international students is beneficial and mandatory for students studying in the USA. However, many students may struggle to find the right internship away from their home country. To make the hunt easier and internships more accessible, here’s the ultimate guide to internships in USA for international students. 

Student VISA types and Internships 

The employment you get in the USA largely depends on your VISA type. Since the employment rules also apply to internships, the type of student visa you have obtained will impact what kind of internship you can apply to. So, the first step towards finding an internship in USA for international students is understanding what your visa allows you to do. Here are the types of student visas and their employment conditions: 

1. F-1 Student VISA

International students who intend to move to a new country focused on completing a degree are eligible for an F-1 student visa. The visa allows you to apply for internships through your university. Internships are a part of the university curriculums across the USA, so it might even be mandatory for an F-1 visa holder to do an internship during their academics. With an F-1 student visa, you can apply for OPT (optional practical training) for 18 months. If you are enrolled in a STEM course, the OPT can extend for two more years! 

2. J-1 Student VISA 

Unlike an F-1 visa focusing on a degree course, J-1 visas are for students enrolling in work-or-study exchange programs. The visa is helpful for international students who wish to intern in the USA without enrolling in a degree program. This visa only allows students to look for internships in the USA if they are backed by a sponsor, usually an institution or a non-profit organisation. J-1 permits don’t allow students to apply for OPT, but they can apply for AT (additional training) and extend their stay to 18 months.

Perks of Internships in USA

Internships in the USA offer numerous benefits to students and recent graduates. These opportunities can provide valuable experiences that can help shape a successful career. Here are some of the perks of internships in the USA.

1. Professional Experience: Internships provide hands-on experience in a real-world work environment. This practical experience is highly valuable and can help you apply what you've learned in the classroom to actual job tasks.

2. Networking: Internships offer the chance to build a professional network. You can connect with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals who can provide guidance, advice, and potential job leads in the future.

3. Skill Development: Internships allow you to develop and refine your skills, both technical and soft skills. You can learn new tools, software, and technologies while also improving communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

4. Resume Enhancement: A solid internship on your resume can make you stand out to potential employers. It demonstrates that you have practical experience in your field, making you a more attractive candidate.

5. Exploration: Internships can help you explore different career paths within your field of study. This can be especially helpful if you're unsure about your long-term career goals.

Preparing To Find Internship Opportunities

The first phase of finding an internship in USA is for international students to start the pre-hunting preparations. Keeping everything ready and polished, from a resume to a cover letter, can make the internship-hunting process easier and quicker. Here’s what you need to take care of during this phase: 

1. Set realistic expectations 

While looking for internships, it is natural to have high expectations and hopes. However, you must also be prepared for the ups and downs as a student. Looking for an internship in USA can get overwhelming. You may even face rejection from multiple places. The internships you look through may only match some of your criteria for a great internship. So, set more realistic expectations and be flexible while looking for the perfect internship for yourself. 

2. Make your action plan 

As you have already understood what and how much to expect, it’s time to plan your actions carefully. To make the best out of your time and energy, it is essential to make an action plan. This plan will help you have a sense of direction while looking for opportunities. The action plan will also help you understand your weaknesses and strengths so that you can navigate accordingly while hunting for an internship in USA.

3. Creating the perfect resume 

With an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, the next step is creating the perfect resume.

Since the USA has standard guidelines for resumes, look out for the policies while designing your resume. For example, resumes to find a job in the USA must not have photographs or marital status, while the length of the resume should only be up to a full page or less. Make sure to research such guidelines well before creating your resume since sticking to the guidelines can increase your chances of getting hired for an internship in USA. Just a little tip—nowadays, you can simplify resume creation with an AI resume builder like Kickresume. It offers an ATS-friendly resume checker, a LinkedIn-to-resume feature, and a cover letter builder—all in one place.

4. Crafting your cover letter 

Cover letters are essential while applying for internships in USA for international students.

A cover letter is an additional document that is submitted along with the resume. The cover letter has detailed information and a thorough introduction about the applicant. The letter should also highlight the skills and achievements of the applicant.

Remember, cover letters are also supposed to be crafted especially for a given job role. So, it is essential to tweak your letter for every opportunity you are applying for. Prepare a cover letter that supports your resume and helps you stand out.  

5. Beginning The Internship Hunt 

With a polished resume and a carefully crafted cover letter, you are ready for the next phase. As the hunt for internships begins, it’s time to understand what kind of internships you should seek. Here’s a comparison between paid and unpaid internships for your understanding: 

Types of internships: Paid Vs. Unpaid Internships 

In the USA, paid and unpaid internships are offered to international students. The paid and unpaid internships can vary depending on the company offering the internship, the industry, and the nature of the work. For example, if the industry you have chosen has a lot of competition, companies might offer unpaid internships. Similarly, if the company is a non-profit organisation, the internships offered may be unpaid or with a minimal stipend for international students. 

Regarding exposure and experience, paid and unpaid internships can be great if you are an international student. The internship can expose you to how things work in the USA profession scenario. However, paid internships are more specific when it comes to job responsibilities. So, a paid internship might have more scope for growth within that particular field than an unpaid one that gives you a broader perspective. Both types of internships allow international students to contribute 20 hours of work per week. 

Finding an Internship in the United States

While trying to find an internship, let your friends and family know so they can refer you to opportunities they might know of. But with little to no contacts in a new country, this method may not be feasible for international students. 

One of the best ways to find internships in USA for international students is through internship sites. With the world's digitisation, many companies post their internship and job opportunities on such sites to reach a wide range of candidates. Thus, these reliable and best internship sites can be a great way to go about your internship hunt. As you start finding internships that match your expectations, you may begin applying for them. Make sure to apply for plenty of opportunities and tweak your cover letter and resume if you are applying to different industries. Here is a list of some of the platforms where you can find an internship in USA for international students.

1. LinkedIn
2. Internships.com
3. Indeed
4. SimplyHired
5. Internmatch.com
6. Glassdoor
7. Chegg Internships
8. LetsIntern

Facing The Interviews Better 

After you have applied and your application has been accepted, the next step is an interview with the hiring manager. Interviews may be virtual or even face-to-face. The idea of giving an interview for the first time may seem scary. However, there are certain things you can do to make the process easier and be the most confident version of yourself. Here are some preparation tips to face your internship interviews better: 

1. Research the most common interview questions. Google is an excellent tool for compiling a list of questions you might get during the interview. 

2. Keep your questions ready. Note down some important questions that you can ask the hiring manager. The questions can be about the role, the company culture and job responsibilities. 

3. Practice, practice, practice. Prepare a fun little mock interview and take the help of your family or friends to carry it out. 

4. Prepare to wear professional clothes. Presentable and appropriate clothing can give you the confidence to ace the interview. 

What To Do Next?

After the interview, if you still haven’t heard from the employers for more than two weeks, it is acceptable to take a polite follow-up. Keep it short and re-express your interest in the role. The follow-up can help you be clear about the status of your application. However, in case of a rejection, make sure to write a ‘thank you note.’ Do not get discouraged since it is only the start of your career. Make a note of your mistakes and apply for more internship opportunities.  

What to Expect Working in the USA?

While work culture can change from company to company, the primary work culture in the USA is majorly based on socialisation and collaboration. Thus, it is natural that you find yourself in the middle of many networking opportunities in your new company. American professionals value passion, professionalism, and enthusiasm. The culture in an average American workplace may differ from that in your home country. As an intern, observe how professional interactions happen in your workplace. Take notes of the big and small unsaid etiquettes you need to learn. Adapting to the culture without losing your essence and values is the key to fitting into the USA workplace culture.

1. Workplace Culture

American workplaces are often diverse, with people from various cultural backgrounds. While looking for an internship in USA for international students, you need to expect professionalism in the workplace. The workplace culture in the U.S. is generally professional and emphasises punctuality, respect for hierarchy, and adherence to company policies. While work is important, Americans also value a work-life balance. Most internship for students have set hours, and it's crucial to respect these boundaries.

2. Social Life

While interning at an internship in USA for international students, networking is very important. Americans often engage in social activities outside of work. These can include happy hours, sports events, dinners, and weekend outings. Participating can help you build relationships. Some Americans are actively involved in community service or volunteer work. This can be a great way to make friends and give back to the community.

3. Legal and Administrative Aspects

When you are at an internship in USA for international students, you need to adhere to the US work visa requirements, rules and regulations. You also need to get acquainted with the taxation policies and know your tax obligations as an intern.

Internships are a great way to expand your knowledge, skills, and etiquette. Since most courses in the USA require an internship to complete the degree, they also become mandatory for students. With this guide to international student internships in the USA, we hope to aid you in finding the perfect internship for yourself and unlock a world full of opportunities! Also, check out this blog to know the online internships opportunities for students.