Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of employment authorization available to F-1 international students that allows them to participate in internships, practicums, cooperative education experiences, or other employment directly related to their major field of study. To qualify, the employment must either be required by the degree program or earn academic credit as part of the student’s curriculum.

Fostering Connections Through Belonging Blueprint: Linda Graves’ Student Success Story 

As students, faculty, and community members moved between project displays at the 2026 UConn Hartford micro-internship showcase, Linda Graves ‘27 (SSW) presented her project, titled Belonging Blueptrint, culminating weeks of work with faculty and community …

Dr. Clara Ramirez earned her BSE in Mechanical Engineering and BA in German Studies in 2020, followed by a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from UConn in 2024. She now works as a Lead Model-Based Systems Engineer at Johnson Space Center. She encourages students to be intentional, embrace challenges as learning opportunities, and stay curious as they navigate their careers.

Aayushi Verma, a second-year PhD student in UConn’s School of Computing, who is growing as both a researcher and a leader. Through her work with the John Lof Leadership Academy and the GradLife Committee, she exemplifies how leadership can drive personal and professional growth in graduate education.

During his doctoral journey at the University of Connecticut, Alaa Selim, PhD embraced far more than technical research. Through the development of communication skills, and entrepreneurial exploration, Alaa transformed his time as a PhD student into a steppingstone for long-term professional growth.

How his Graduate Assistantship has contributed to PhD student, Timothy Brown’s, career readiness.

Starting your graduate program is an exciting time, and it’s essential to begin preparing for your future career from the very first semester. Don’t leave your career readiness to chance—take proactive steps early in your degree program to set yourself up for success. Read along for eight actions you can take to enhance your career preparation!

Sylvia Pu, PhD ‘20 in Sociology, shares her insights into starting her consulting business and offers advice for current graduate students interested in entrepreneurship.

What does leadership really mean? To Mayowa Oladele, it means respecting different opinions, keeping an open mind, and making difficult decisions. Learn more about Mayowa’s experience as President of Student Association of Graduate Engineers (SAGE) and his advice for others.