International Career Tools

Want an internship or job in the United States?  Start with these special resources for international students. Learn more about U.S. culture, work authorization and how to search.   

Understanding U.S. Culture

In the U.S., it is important for you to be able to identify your individual contributions to an organization. International students have talents that can easily be “sold” to an employer in a cover letter or interview. Some of these characteristics include:

  • multilingual skills
  • geographic flexibility
  • proven work ethic
  • motivation
  • thirst for continual learning
  • adaptability to new environments
  • knowledge of global business practices

Capitalize on these talents, in addition to the other skills your education, past experience and extracurricular activities have given you.

Challenges

Often, international students experience challenges in landing jobs in the U.S. because they are competing in an environment that is completely different than the one in which you were raised. Not only can written and verbal communication skills present difficulties in attempting to translate thoughts into a non-native language, but business cultures, customs and expectations vary greatly in other countries.

Improving English Language Skills

U.S. employers consistently rate communication skills as one of the most desired qualities in both new hires and seasoned executives. How well you communicate will set you apart, both in the hiring process and later as you advance in your career. Below are a list of tips for improving your English language at home and on campus.

On this page:

Interstride is a tool for international students that offers U.S. visa insights, foundational work-related immigration and visa information, and webinars on how to execute a successful job search in the U.S. and abroad. You can investigate if a specific company has petitioned for an H-1B before, or conduct research on top prospects based on city, industry, etc.

Dreambridge Partners is a leadership training and career-development coaching firm, which has videos on:

  • U.S. culture
  • Cultural expectations
  • Small talk
  • Interviewing
  • Job search

CPT and OPT Basics

As an international student, it is important that you understand the regulations associated with your visa. Explanations of work eligibility (whether it be on or off campus) for students studying with a F-1, J-1 or H-4 visa can change depending on what curriculum you are taking within a university. Therefore, attending workshops and reading guides provided by UB’s International Student Services (ISS) and attending workshops provided by the School of Management will arm you with the necessary information about your eligibility to work or intern on or off campus.

Employment Visa FAQs

See answers to the most frequently asked questions about working in the United States including how to answer employment questions when you apply for jobs and internships. Learn more.

The U.S. Job Search

Generally the job search for new graduates, both domestic or international, is very self-directed. The school’s involvement includes planning career events, organizing on-campus recruitment and résumé drops, connecting you with alumni at your request, and preparing students for the job search through educational seminars and one-on-one advisement. However, as a student (or new graduate), your responsibilities include selecting career and industry areas, perfecting your correspondences so they are ready when the time comes, staying abreast of events and opportunities, attending activities, meeting people who can help in your career advancement, searching for companies in industries or geographic regions that interest you, sending applications, following up appropriately, preparing for interviews and more.

Identify Employers Who Hire International Students

Helpful Resources

Immigration

UB Library Resources

These directories are available in Lockwood Library on UB's North Campus.

  • Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries
  • Directory of Foreign Firms Operating in the United States