Career exploration and preparation can be a lengthy process, especially for international students who may face additional requirements. Therefore, it is important to start early and establish clear career exploration and development goals for each semester to ensure you can stay on track. Read along to get a better understanding of the key steps to guide you through this journey.
Potential Steps
- Self-Exploration
Having so many opportunities to explore in college can be a daunting and overwhelming task, however this can become a much more manageable process if you ask yourself the right questions:
- Which kinds of activities and environments engage me most?
- Which topics or ideas intrigue me?
- What kinds of activities give or drain my energy?
- Which types of populations and social issues resonate with me the most?
Knowing more about these aspects of yourself will help you find a future path that best aligns with your personality and interests. Asking yourself these questions can be a valuable exercise as you progress with your learning inside and outside of the classroom.
- Develop and Continuously Update your Résumé
A college résumé is the snapshot of all your achievements, interests, work experience, community service, and leadership skills that you will use to portray yourself professionally to employers for internships and jobs. Look for ways to continuously add relevant experience to your résumé throughout your time at UConn, and check out our website, especially the Write a Resume, CV, or Cover Letter section to get more in-depth tips on how to maximize your résumé. If you’ve written your résumé, but need some advice, visit our partner Quinncia for a free AI based critique within minutes!
- Get involved
There are more than 700 student organizations at UConn. Make the most of this opportunity by getting involved with student organizations that align with your career field or that help you develop skills valued by future employers. You will also find senior students in these organizations who share the same interests as you and can provide support and guidance. For more information check out this blog, as well as UConntact for a list of clubs available.
- Secure an internship
Internships can give you an opportunity to make professional contacts in your industry and sharpen your skills before entering the workforce. Companies often select interns with the possibility of these individuals taking a future full-time role. Since many employers look for entry-level employees with internship experience, adding your internship experience to your résumé can make you stand out against other job applicants. You can learn more about securing an internship by checking our website or scheduling an appointment with one of our career coaches!
- Make Connections
Networking is building strong connections with instructors, peers, employers, professionals, and anyone else in your field with common interests. According to a recent research study announced by Consumer News and Business Channel (CNBC), 70% of all jobs are not published publicly and 80% of jobs are filled through personal and professional contacts. This highlights how important it is to know people in your field so that you can get access to a wealth of resources in your field.
As a college student, you have numerous opportunities to build your network. These include:
- Career Fairs
- Conferences
- Alumni Meet and Greet Events
- Office Hours with Faculty
- Interstride
Interstride, like LinkedIn, helps students find jobs and internships, network with other international and globally minded students, and find immigration and career support.
Understanding OPT/CPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are F-1 visa benefits. OPT allows students to work or train in a job or internship related to one’s academic major, while CPT allows students to participate in off campus internship, work, clinical placement, or other experiential learning that is part of their academic program and related to their academic major. To understand the application timelines, make sure to attend OPT workshops and meet with an advisor at CISS, and check out the CPT/OPT workshop calendar.
It is important to start your career exploration as early as possible, keeping the components outlined above in mind. Depending on your current stage in this process, consider dedicating time each week to your exploration. You can utilize the resources available through the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills by visiting career.uconn.edu. You can also schedule an appointment with a professional career coach through Handshake. Taking these steps will be integral in helping you identify and pursue careers and jobs that best suit your aspirations.
