UConn’s Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills hosted a panel discussion on Navigating the U.S. Job and Internship Search for international students. The panelists, an international student and an alumna, shared their successes and challenges faced while searching for jobs in the U.S.
Panelists
Srijana Dasgupta is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemistry at UConn, who is preparing to defend her dissertation this December. In summer 2024, she completed a research internship with AstraZeneca in Maryland, where she gained experience applying her scientific expertise in an industry setting.
Tasnim Zaman earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from UConn in spring 2025 and is currently a postdoctoral researcher at UConn’s Eversource Energy Center. During her graduate studies, she completed two internships, one with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and another with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).
Application Timeline & Procedure:
Many international students mistakenly believe that the application deadlines for summer internships fall during the spring semester. In reality, most preliminary deadlines occur in the fall semester, followed by interview and selection rounds in late fall. Tasnim shared that she applied for her summer 2023 internship in October 2022. Therefore, it is essential to understand unique timelines so you can avoid missing deadlines. She suggested starting to research at the beginning of your fall semester so that you can decide which company you want to apply to and submit your applications on time.
Importance of Networking
Both panelists emphasized the importance of networking in securing their internships. Srijana highlighted how she found a friend working at one of the companies she wanted to intern with. She reached out, shared her interests and skills, and that connection helped her get an interview with the company. On the other hand, Tasnim shared how attending various conferences in her field allowed her to connect with professionals, which ultimately helped her secure an internship opportunity.
Additionally, both panelists noted that reaching out to school alums on LinkedIn can be highly beneficial. Try to find UConn alums working in the industry or company you’re applying to, connect with them on LinkedIn before submitting your application, and ask for referrals. This can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.
Experience with CPT
Both panelists used CPT (Curricular Practical Training) for their internships. CPT approval typically takes at least 2–4 weeks, so applying on time is crucial to ensure you can start your internship as scheduled. Importantly, you must attend one of the in-person CPT workshops before applying, as it is a prerequisite for the program. The workshop dates can be found on the Center for International Students and Scholars website.
Tasnim added that for graduate students, it is essential to pay close attention to the end date of their Graduate Assistantship (GAship), which usually extends slightly beyond the end of the semester. You can only begin your full-time CPT once your GAship has officially ended. If the dates are incorrect, your application may be rejected, causing unnecessary delays. If you are ever unsure about any part of the process, please visit the Center for International Students and Scholars, where the advisors will be happy to assist you.
To apply for CPT, you need to have an offer letter that clearly states your job title, work responsibilities, and expected working hours. Srijana added that if you plan to do a part-time CPT, it is essential to ensure that your workplace is conveniently located near the university. Your total working hours, including any on-campus jobs, must not exceed 40 hours per week. It is manageable, but you must carefully follow the rules and regulations to maintain your F-1 visa status.
Role of the Career Center
Both panelists expressed their appreciation for the support they received from the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills throughout their job search and application process. Srijana shared that she received valuable guidance from career coaches, who helped her redo her LinkedIn profile, provided detailed feedback on her CV and cover letter, and offered insightful advice to strengthen her job search strategy. When Srijana was invited for an interview, the Center arranged a practice interview on short notice to help her prepare. Srijana shared that the practice interview was beneficial, as it helped her learn key techniques and strategies for confidently answering interview questions and leaving a strong impression.
Useful tips and resources
At the end of the session, both panelists shared personal tips and resources that helped them during their job search journey. Srijana highlighted that for graduate students, preparing a short presentation about their research and studies to share during interviews can make a strong impression as it demonstrates passion, confidence, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Tasnim, on the other hand, recommended several job and internship search websites, including HigherEd Jobs for those pursuing academic or lecturer positions, and MyVisaJobs.com for opportunities in all fields.
Additionally, the International Students Affinity Community page on the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills website can be a valuable resource to help you navigate the job and internship search process. It offers a wide range of materials, including blogs and guides tailored for international students. The Career Center has also partnered with Interstride, a job and internship platform designed specifically for international students, to support their job/internship search journey further.
It is through engagement, action, and understanding that international students can best be prepared to pursue internships and future employment.
