PART TIME JOBS SCENARIO FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN USA

Taking up a part time job in USA, while studying in USA, can be a smart way to manage your personal expenses .Before you think about applying for a part-time job, you might want to know why it could work to your advantage to have one, alongside your studies. Here are a few why’s…

·         Part-time work can help you go a long way in paying a few extra bills or funding some other activity that exceeds your student budget. You can start paying back your student loan earlier and have less financial burden post graduation.

·         You can develop stronger language skills during the process of working part-time.

·         You will integrate yourself into a foreign culture more easily.

·         You can add this as experience in your resume to impress your future employer.

·         On a less serious note, you will socialize and make new friends.

·         You can travel or pursue a few leisure activities with the money you make. After all, all work and no play make Jack a dull boy, doesn’t it?

Taking up a part time job in USA, while studying in USA, can be a smart way to manage your personal expenses. To put it in simple terms there are two types of jobs a student can go for.

To put it in simple terms there are two types of jobs a student can go for:

On-campus jobs

An on-campus job, as it suggests, is the work that you take up within the university campus and is also legal for full-time foreign students on F1 visa. Jobs like working in library shelving books, in computer labs taking care of printers, terminals, etc. can be taken up by the students enrolled for a full-time course. As per the immigration rules, an international student on F1 visa can work only for 20 hrs a week. You will be paid somewhere around $ 7 as per the state minimum wages.

Ways to find on-campus    jobs
Preparing a resume highlighting your strengths and skills can fetch you a better job. Mentioning your undergraduate GPA along with the projects undertaken can make your employment opportunities better. In case, you have any prior work experience do mention it .List all your accomplishments like being a class or college topper, scholarships, etc.

Other ways you can get on-campus jobs         are:
• To ask your seniors. Most of the jobs are given or passed on by this way.
• You can also get in touch with the career center on campus and look for the on campus        postings.
• A quicker way to get on campus job is to join a bunch of student organizations and network with people. Ask them where they work on campus and get networked.

 

Off-campus jobs

An off-campus job is the one you take out of university campus. However, many international students would do such jobs as you can earn better. Jobs like working in a gas station as a cashier, working in a motel as a front desk person to handle customers, working in different stores in malls etc. can be categorized under this segment. You can earn up to $ 10 or more.

Ways to find off-campus    jobs
International students with a valid F-1 immigration can work off-campus provided they are enrolled for Optional Practical Training (OPT) during and after completion of their degree. Rules established by the USA. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) govern the implementation of OPT. It is mandatory to fulfill all OPT requirements in order to have a prior authorization from USCIS and from your school’s International Student Office. International students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months, but working without your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS it is illegal.

A good job for international students should:

·         Fit a student’s lifestyle (part-time jobs that leave enough time for your course and studying or provide flexible working hours).

·         Enable a student to develop stronger language skills (very important for international students who are not native speakers).

·         Help a student integrate quickly into a new culture and meet new friends.

·         Ideally, offer some good work experience and open future opportunities.

You may already have an idea of what you want to do, but if not, we’ve put together a list of some of the best part-time jobs for international students.

Work at the University

Working on campus is one of the most popular options for international students. In some countries, such as the USA, this is the only work available to international students. There are many different jobs offered on campus though, from working in the cafeteria, to computer centres. Another on-campus opportunity is working for a students’ union. This is a good opportunity to get involved in current issues and to help other students at the university. Depending on the union and their mission, you might be able to help other international students and make their experiences at the university better.

 

Restaurants and Bars

There are many jobs offered at the bars, restaurants and cafes in the surrounding towns and cities, and this might be the easiest way for you to find employment. Restaurants are always looking for more help, so chances are that you will be able to find a job relatively easily. You could work as a waiter, bar staff or even in the kitchen, depending on your experience and skills.

Call Centres

Some international students find employment at call centres. This is a good choice for those who are communicative, friendly and wish to develop their language skills. Unlike many other part-time job opportunities for international students, call centre jobs can be well paid. This is important if you seek a job that can significantly contribute to your budget. Also, call centre jobs are not physically demanding, so they are a good choice if you prefer or need an office environment.

 

Internship

It may be possible for you to find an internship with a company relevant to your field of study. Being an intern gives you some much-needed experience and it opens numerous opportunities .In any case, an internship will give you a lot of experience relevant for your field of study, so you can see it both as a job opportunity and gaining some valuable experience in your field. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible for you to receive payment for your internship.

Volunteering

There are numerous volunteering opportunities international students can use to gain experience and meet new people. Being a volunteer is one of the more rewarding and interesting work opportunities and one of the biggest advantages of volunteering is the wide range of positions available. Volunteering also opens up a host of opportunities for international students and it gives you both a work experience and a more varied CV.

You can take help from Top Overseas Education Consultant in Mumbai who will assist you with the admission and visa processes. They also help you find the right course and university for you .Hope this blog provides you with all the information needed.