How to find a job while studying in the United States

1. Make full use of CPT/OPT

The so-called CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical

Training) are commonly known as "internship permits" , available to all undergraduates, masters, and doctoral students. In other words, the U.S. government recognizes your application with the Immigration Bureau. After approval, you can find an internship with a company. The difference between the two is that CPT is used during the study period, and its length can be close to one year, but it cannot be full; OPT is used after graduation. In the past few years, you could arrange the whole year at your own discretion, but now it requires one year. Unemployment status cannot exceed 90 days, but it can be extended to 36 months if the company joins the USCIS Personal Identity Verification System for one of the STEM majors.

2. Network of interpersonal relationships

You need to have connections to do things in China. Without the help of acquaintances, some things may be difficult to do. If someone has connections, even the most difficult things may be given the green light all the way. In the United States, it actually depends on the relationship. It’s just that Americans pay more attention to personal abilities, because talented and capable people will have more opportunities and a better environment to achieve results. Moreover, American "guanxi" usually recommends opportunities or helps you after understanding your abilities or character, which is different from the taste of "guanxi" in China.

Of course, American companies need to advertise or go through headhunting companies, which costs a lot of money. Therefore, employees will be encouraged to recommend talents, and cash rewards will be given to recommenders. Driven by interests, there will definitely be people who are willing to " "Introduction" to help you. Of course, you must also be capable, otherwise no one will be willing to help you even if there is a referral bonus, because they may have to wipe your ass and ruin their reputation in the company.

3. Experience is king and internship is indispensable

This is actually normal. Whether it is domestic or the United States, no employer does not like experienced people. On the one hand, you can Get started directly and create value; on the other hand, it also saves the time and money cost of training. In the U.S. job market, the most popular engineers are those who have several years of work experience, can work independently, and their salary requirements are not as high as those of senior engineers. Such people have a relatively large salary increase space and are expected to earn a lot. A job

offer, which greatly increases the salary.

Chinese students generally lack work experience. If finding a job is not successful, you can look for an internship first. Internships are not only found after graduation. Most schools stipulate that as long as you have completed two semesters of homework, you can use CPT to do internships. Start early and don't cram it before graduation, not to mention that it's not something you can apply for if you want to.