international student career workshop series

Fall & Spring Workshop Series Presentation

Fall Series- Resume Writing• The Resume Writing workshop will discuss the

main elements of the U.S. resume including:– Formatting & Appearance– Heading– Objective– Education– Professional Experience– And additional components including skills,

professional memberships, leadership activities, and honors

– Reference Page

Fall Series-Resume Writing

• Instructions will be given on items ranging from proper font size & style to the correct resume paper to use in the U.S. job market.

• Students will be shown how to highlight their skills such as foreign language, computer proficiencies and additional components like industry specific associations

• Students will receive resume critiques from employers and participating staff

Fall Series- Resume Writing

• International students will also receive a presentation from the mental health counselor on cultural awareness topics to help them when composing their resume such as:– Providing a frame of reference when writing– Emphasizing strong English skills– Ensuring their resume is free of grammatical and spelling errors– Avoiding the use of awkward language– Have final resume reviewed by Career Counselor and ask

for explanations about any changes

Fall Series- Resume Writing• Additional topics the mental health counselor will

discuss during cultural awareness segment• U.S. Resume vs. International CV• Resume: Chronological order, relevant jobs, education,

skills, accomplishments, generally 1-page in length, does NOT include personal information like age, marital status, religion, and less frequently includes military service

• CV: Explains academic, formal work experience, certifications, sometimes 2-pages + in length, often mentions military service

• Workshop planning in progress, content may change

Fall Series-Plan for the Interview

• Plan for the Interview workshop will discuss the main elements of the U.S interview like:– The Purpose of the Interview– Types of Interviews– Professional Attire for Men & Women– What to Avoid in General– During the Interview– Types of Questions– After the Interview– Resources

Fall Series-Plan for the Interview• Types of Interviews:

– Screening– Telephone– Individual– Panel/Committee– Lunch/Dinner

• Types of Questions:– Open-ended– Qualifications– Proven successes– Behavioral– Opinion– Off-beat


• In general, avoid:– Wrinkled, dirty or ill-fitting clothing– Revealing clothes (plunging necklines, exposed

midriffs, and skirts above the knee when sitting) – Excessive jewelry – Visible tattoos or piercings – Excessive cologne or perfume

Fall Series-Plan for the Interview• International students will also receive a

presentation from the mental health counselor on cultural awareness topics to help them when preparing for their U.S. interview:– Organization of thoughts first– Slowing down speaking speed– Don’t be embarrassed to ask the recruiter to repeat or

confirm the question– Practice rearticulating– Schedule a mock interview– Don’t offer information

Fall Series-Plan for the Interview• Additional topics the mental health counselor will

discuss during cultural awareness segment– Communication styles– Social interaction– U.S. interviews and concept of “Self-Promotion”– Keeping an open mind– Stress management– Time management (punctuality)– Maintaining good eye contact– Body language– Personal space


• What to expect on the U.S. interview…– Being late will be a problem– Eye contact shows interest and confidence– YOU will do most of the talking– Age, race, marital status and religion are illegal

questions and should not be discussed– Promote your skills and accomplishments– Research the employer ahead of time– Acceptable to ask when you will hear back from the

employer

Fall Series-”Employer Do’s & Don’ts”

• The “Employer Do’s & Don’ts” workshop will be broken down into three main segments:– 40 minute Employer Panel– 30-40 minute Open-Forum Student Q&A Session– Networking Session

• Fifteen employers, who hire international students, were invited to attend the workshop panel. An e-mail and follow-up phone call was made to ensure they were attending the event.

Fall Series-”Employer Do’s & Don’ts• Panel:– Recruiters from each employer will give real life

examples and “Do’s” and “Don’ts” tips from various categories pertaining to international students.

– There will be a power point with a general guide of the following areas:• Application Mistakes• Interview Mistakes• Resume/Cover Letter Mistakes• Miscellaneous including physical appearance, interpersonal

& communication skills• Career Fair & Networking

Fall Series-”Employer Do’s & Don’ts

• Open-Forum Q&A Session:– Students can ask specific questions regarding the

material presented– Staff will have a list of questions prepared by the

recruiters to ask to complement student questions


• Networking Session:– Tables and corresponding name tag will be set up

for each participating employer– Students will get the opportunity to practice what

they learned in all the workshops to this point– Students learn true networking skills by meeting

with real-life U.S. recruiters and making first impressions


• Participating Employers:– State Farm– Geico– Enterprise– 3D Consulting– Boeing– Disney

Fall Series- Employment Workshop

• The Employment Workshop will discuss these elements of U.S. immigration including:– What is Employment– Employment Options

• On Campus Employment• Off Campus Employment

– Curricular Optional Training (C.P.T.)– Economic Hardship– Optional Practical Training (O.P.T.)

• O.P.T. Extenstion• H1B Cap Gap• Career Related Resources Available


• For immigration purposes employment is:– Work performed in exchange for money, tuition,

books, fees or other benefits like room and board– Volunteer work is now included in the definition of

employment

• Types of employment: • On Campus • Off Campus• C.P.T., Severe Economic Hardship, O.P.T.


• On-Campus Employment– Who is Eligible to Work?– Number of hours– Location– Not related to major– No Authorization– F/T enrollment


• Off Campus employment– Definition of C.P.T., Application Process, Summer/Fall Start Dates

• Internships, Co-op, Work Study, Practicum

– Eligibility– Number of Hours– Location– Related to Major– Authorization– F/T Enrollment– Cost/Credit Hours– Students Currently Employed


• C.P.T. is comparable to Experiential Learning• Emphasize the importance of Experiential

learning by providing important facts– 21,000 students participated last year– Service-Learning 11,000 +– Co-ops ($$) 3,300 +– Internships ($) 6,700 +– Students with experience are 3 times more successful at

entering their chosen profession!


• Experiential learning:– Directions to Apply– Eligibility Requirements– Meet with Experiential Coordinator– Office Locations


• Off Campus Employment• Resources to find positions:– Experiential learning– Internship Coordinators– Self-Search


• Severe Economic Hardship– Eligibility – Number of Hours– Location– Major can be unrelated– Authorization (DHS)– Restrictions– $340 Cost– Need Employment Authorization Card


• Optional Practical Training (O.P.T.)– What is O.P.T. – Eligibility– Number of Hours– Location– Related to the Major– Authorization– P/T or F/T Enrollment– $340 Cost– Time limits


• O.P.T. Overview– Required Items to Apply– Application Process– Summer/Fall Start Dates– Necessary Items While on O.P.T. – Reporting Requirements While on O.P.T.– Limited Period of Unemployment While on O.P.T.– 60 Days After O.P.T.– Concerns While on O.P.T.– 17 Month O.P.T. Extension


• Review of E-Verify System– Internet-based computer application system used to verify

new employees• Review of O.P.T. extension process & reporting requirements

while on O.P.T.• Discussion of “H1B Cap Gap”- There is a time limit or gap on

time worked for a student considering all these variables: – H1B and F1 Visa– Authorization Needed– Qualifying Criteria– Expiration Date– Graduation Date


• Additional Student Resources:– International Services Center– Experiential learning– Career Websites

Spring Series-Job Search Strategies

• The Job Search Strategies workshop will discuss strategies for finding a job in the U.S including:– Know Thy Self– Job Market• Hidden vs. Open

– Job Search Strategies– Research – Networking


• Networking Strategies:– Co-op, Part Time Jobs, Internships, Volunteer, Service

learning, Job Shadowing

• Develop a list of contacts & maintain regular contact with them

• Additional Networking Opportunities:– Career Fair, On-Campus Recruitment, Employment

Prep Conference, Practice Interview Program, Professional Associations, Student Groups, Targeted Phone Calls/E-mails


• International students will also receive a presentation from the mental health counselor on cultural awareness topics to help them when job searching such as:– Knowing immigration laws– Understanding your employment eligibility– Clarifying duration of employment seeking– Knowing available resources for international

students


• Additional cultural awareness issues include:– Firm handshake– Good eye contact with recruiter/interviewer– Maintain a positive attitude throughout– Be flexible when searching– Be assertive and discuss your accomplishments

openly– Direct communication– Individual equality in race, sex, religion and age

Spring Series-U.S. Career Fair

• The U.S. Career Fair workshop will discuss strategies for working a U.S career fair like:

• Before the Career Fair:– Identify which employers you will speak to– Apply to any positions you are interested in ahead of

time show you are proactive & interested– Research the company– Prepare your resume and bring several copies– Practice your “60 Second Elevator Speech”– Prepare your professional business attire


• During the Career Fair:– Do not walk in a group with friends.; walk independently to look

more serious to recruiters– Make a good first impression Smile, firm handshake and good

eye contact– Use the “60 Second Elevator Speech” to introduce yourself– Tell the recruiter you applied to the position and ask specific

questions– Obtain a business card and write notes on back– Use your research to demonstrate your knowledge of the

company– Quiet or turn off your cell phone


• After the Career Fair:– Organize all business cards obtained– Send a brief thank you e-mail or card within 24

hours If you applied to a position inquire about the status of your application

– Apply to any additional job openings you found


• International students will also receive a presentation from the mental health counselor on cultural awareness topics to help them during the U.S. career fair such as:– Know VISA status and do not initiate VISA status during

introduction– Focus on skills, education, experience and interest in the

company– Discover if certain companies do/do not hire international

students (non-U.S. citizens)


• Additional career fair tips for international students:– Know the latest immigration rules– Professional dress– Hygiene & clean, neat appearance– Avoid salary or benefits questions– If asked an illegal question, politely refuse or redirect back

to the recruiter– Self-disclose– Self-promote

Spring Series-Mock Interviews

• The Mock Interviews workshop will discuss how to prepare for a mock interview such as:– Sign-Up Process– What Type of Mock Interview?– Location– Check-in Process– Mock Interview

• What to Expect• Duration• Feedback• Cancellations/Late Arrivals• How to Prepare


• Types of Mock Interviews:– Face-to-Face Employer:

• Volunteer employers come in during the spring series workshop and give instant feedback to the student on how to improve for the actual interview

– Face-to-Face Career Counselors:• Counselors are available throughout the academic year to provide

student’s instant feedback on how to prepare for the actual interview

– Virtual Mock Interview:• Interactive tool that uses audio and video to save and record

student responses.


• International students will also receive a presentation from the mental health counselor on cultural awareness topics to help them during the mock interview such as:– Punctuality– Professional Business Attire– Demonstration of Self & Career Goals– Effective U.S. Resume– Speak Slowly and Don’t Hesitate to ask Recruiter to Repeat

Themselves


• Additional tips for international students on mock interviews:– Research the organization prior to the mock interview– Express interest in the position and thank the interviewer

before leaving– Collect business card(s) for each interviewer if possible– Know the most recent immigration laws– Know what illegal questions are and do not answer them– State the length of time for which you are seeking

employment

Spring Series-International Alumni Panel & Networking

• The International Alumni Panel & Networking workshop will discuss:– How the Alumni Panel is Composed– Purpose & Panel Topics– Methods of Contacting Panel Members

• Networking in the United States– Why it is Necessary– Different Methods*workshop is still in progress-outline is tentative


• How the Alumni Panel is Composed• International alumni are tracked in a computer database at

the Barbara Ying Center• Surveys will be mailed out to alumni regarding their

current employment status• International alumni must have employment in the U.S.• Contact will be made using either e-mail, letter of phone

call to ask employed alumni if they are interested in participating in the international alumni panel

• Confirmation letter will be sent with date of workshop and agenda


• Purpose & Panel Topics– The purpose of the international alumni panel is to

help international students start building their networks, foster relationships with fellow alumni and learn through the experiences of other international students.

– Topics include networking ideas, job search strategies, when and how to tell your employer you are an international student, and going from C.P.T./O.P.T. to H1 VISA status.


• Methods of Contacting Panel Members:– Should international students wish to contact

international alumni after the workshop there will be two methods of obtaining their information:• Each international alumni will have their name,

telephone number and e-mail address listed on the International Services Center website under the group name “International Alumni Panel”.• Upon completion of the workshop each alumnus will

provide a copy of their business card to whomever requests it.


• Networking in the United States:– Why is it Necessary?• It is the primary way to get professional positions• Hidden Job Market vs. Open Job Market

– Hidden Job Market These are jobs both directly and indirectly known to you.

– For example: A friend, boss, volunteering, alumni, referrals– Open Job Market These are jobs that anyone can apply to– For example: Careerbuilder.com, Career Fairs, KnightLink– 60-80% of jobs are found through the hidden job market– Only 15% of job seekers find a job in the open market


• Different Methods of Building a Network:– UCF Alumni Association– International Services Center– International Services Association– Friends, colleagues, academic departments– Professional Organizations– UCF Student Organizations– Faculty members & professors– Conferences– Family & friends back home


• Other forms of networking:– Informational Interviewing– On Campus Workshops– Career Fairs– Chamber of Commerce– Career Resource Center– International Companies– Employment Agencies


• Networking tips for international students:– Companies to avoid

• Defense Contractors• Government Related• Anywhere that security clearance is needed

– Market yourself positively– Consider internships or co-ops– Explore fields in need of international students

• Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Business Administration/Management

– Be flexible and be creative


• Questions?

international student career workshop series

Documents

interview plan

interview workshop

resume writing workshop

interview types of questions

s interview

interview resources

interview additional

resume critiques