International Student Resources

As an international student, you face some unique challenges in transitioning from the classroom to the workplace, but by being proactive while attending the University of Washington Jackson School of International Studies (UW JSIS), you can make your career dreams a reality. Start early, know your options, and network often!

Start Early

The #1 trait that employers are looking for is work experience. Whether you want to work in your home country or work in the U.S., it’s important to gain real-world skills and work experiences throughout your time at JSIS. Start early!

Before you begin your job or internship search, you’ll want to ask yourself, what are my career goals? Not sure? It’s okay. Many students don’t know what their career goals are until they’ve gained enough work experience to understand what they like to do and what they don’t like to do. Internships are one of the best ways to figure this out. Visit our Internships page to learn how to get started.

Please know that searching for an internship or job can be a long process for many job seekers, not just international students. Sending out loads of applications isn’t a measure of success, instead, apply with intention and focus on quality over quantity.

Know Your Options

As an international student, you want to get to know the UW International Student Services (ISS) office inside and out. The ISS will help you learn about when and where you are allowed to work in the U.S., visa status, how to get a Social Security Number, and more.

Most off-campus jobs, internships, and professional training programs require you to have completed one academic year (three quarters) to be eligible to apply for work authorization. When it comes to employment, know your options. Take time to read the ISS site and learn about on-campus employment, CPT: Curricular Practical Training, OPT: Optional Practical Training, H-1B employment visas, and more.

To find open positions, login to Handshake and Interstride. Interstride was made for international students! It’s got loads of jobs and internship opportunities along with helpful webinars and data on which companies host visas and for what jobs.

NOTE: International students must be registered for at least two (2) JSIS 497: Internship credits to be able to qualify for CPT. Also, if you’re a graduate student and do not have JSIS funding for the quarter in which you’re working at an internship, you will need to pay for those course credits out of pocket.

Network Often

Networking is a crucial part of your experience at UW…and in life. We all network. Networking helps us build community and connections, and helps us to both receive and give help.

While the purpose of networking is to connect with other individuals, networking is also one of the best ways to hear about jobs and internships. By networking with faculty, staff, mentors, and classmates, you may find out about jobs that aren’t publicly posted; learn about organizations you didn’t know about; and receive helpful tips for the workplace and your life.

Connect with JSIS alumni and employers through career events hosted throughout the year.

Connect with JSIS Faculty to learn more about the topical areas and research they do, and make connections with alumni and experts in the field.

Connect with the UW Career & Internship Center (C&IC) and take their workshops to learn how to find an internship, search for a job, write a resume and cover letter, create a LinkedIn profile, interview, and more. Meet with their career coaches to review your resume. You can even take a headshot photo and shop for an interview outfit.

Connect with JSIS Career Services when you’re ready for a targeted job search and want to take your application skills to the next level.

Connect with JSIS Academic Advisers for questions about balancing class loads, academic planning, succeeding in the classroom, and applying for graduation.

Connect with the JSIS/POL S/LSJ/GWSS Writing Center, for help with reviewing and revising essays, research papers, and other written communication.

Connect with JSIS student organizations and UW student organizations/clubs such as CIRCLE (Center for International Relations & Cultural Leadership Exchange) and FIUTS (Foundation for International Understanding Through Students) to meet people, develop friendships, have fun, and network about all kinds of interests.

Be proactive during your time at UW and at JSIS and you can and will make your career dreams come true. Remember to start early, know your options, and network often!