The Career & Employment Hub serves as an invaluable resource for International and New Mainer students, aiding them in the exploration of majors, careers, and the pursuit of jobs and internships. We know there are specific needs around internships and employment opportunities and offer a variety of resources and support. By offering these services, the Career & Employment Hub plays a pivotal role in empowering International and New Mainer students to navigate their academic and professional journeys successfully.
Career advising is an essential component of all student’s academic journey, offering tailored guidance to navigate the unique challenges they may encounter in pursuing their professional aspirations. Career advisors provide direct one-on-one appointments to support students in exploring career paths, understanding local employment landscapes, and developing strategies for successful job searches and internships.
A paid internship program hosted by the Career & Employment Hub, that allows students to directly apply their classroom learning and build on-the-job skills in a professional setting. University of Southern Maine student interns gain valuable workplace experience and make connections in their field.
The job search process for international students involves unique considerations and challenges. Firstly, understanding and adhering to visa regulations and work authorization requirements is crucial, as these factors impact the types of employment opportunities available to international students.
Building a network within the university and the local job market is crucial for finding job opportunities and learning about industry practices. Additionally, staying updated on industries with international job opportunities and seeking internships can boost practical experience and make the job search more competitive.
Here are great resources to support your search:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- CPT allows international students authorization to gain employment training and to work in paid internship positions while in college.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- A benefit available to international students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in, or completing, a degree program in the United States.
- International Students & Employment
- If you would like to study as a full-time student in the United States, you will generally need a student visa.
- Understanding Nonimmigrant Work in the United States
- A summary of employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant visa classifications and other categories of noncitizens who are eligible for employment authorization.
- H-1B Professional Work Visa
- A temporary (nonimmigrant) visa category that allows employers to petition for highly educated foreign professionals to work in “specialty occupations” that require at least a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent.
- H-1B Employers in Maine
- A list of Maine employers who have sponsored H-1B Visa
- GoinGlobal
- Helps new and experienced job seekers find opportunities both at home and abroad.
New Mainer students learn how to apply for jobs in the U.S., make local connections, and highlight their skills on resumes. They gain valuable experience through internships and volunteering to help them transition into local jobs.
Here are great resources to support your search:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- A federal agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States.
- FAME Can Help New Mainers with Higher Education
- Helps lead the creation of good-paying jobs for Maine people by working at the nexus of economic and workforce development.
- Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships For New Americans
- Honors the contributions of immigrants and children of immigrants to the United States. Each year, they invest in the graduate education of 30 New Americans—immigrants and children of immigrants—who are poised to make significant contributions to US society, culture, or their academic field.
- Foreign Credentialing and Skills Recognition Grant Program
- Provides small grants to assist eligible immigrants living in Maine who are not yet eligible to work in the United States to prepare for entry into the workforce.
- iGrad Financial Literacy
- A wide array of personalized tools engineered to boost your financial wellness.
Portland Professional Connections matches foreign-trained professionals with established business people and community leaders. This informal networking program is as simple as having a cup of coffee and a chat, and then Connectors share three contacts from their networks by making meaningful introductions for Connectees.