Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills

In the early days of the pandemic, many UConn engineering graduate students logged into virtual classes feeling uncertain, isolated, and unsure of where to find career support. For Dr. Faye, this moment became a catalyst. Now an Assistant Professor in Residence and Director of Engineering Education Initiatives, she is transforming how graduate students engage with career readiness.

UConn’s Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills hosted a panel featuring two international scholars who shared their strategies, challenges, and insights on navigating the U.S. job and internship search. The discussion highlighted early application timelines, the power of networking, and key resources, including CPT guidance and Career Center support, that help international students succeed.

As an international student, it is essential to understand the expectations hiring managers have for U.S. résumés, as each country has its own individual recommendations. Developing an effective document that not only highlights your education and experiences but also meets the guidelines of what American …

Forage is a free online platform designed to help students explore career paths, participate in realistic job simulations, and gain firsthand experience with leading employers. For students coming from different educational or cultural backgrounds, it can be difficult to know what to expect from the U.S. job market. That’s where Forage shines, providing insight into U.S. workplace culture, day-to-day responsibilities, and industry expectations—all without needing a visa or work authorization. By simulating real-world tasks from top companies, Forage empowers students to build practical skills and make informed career choices, no matter where they’re starting from. 

The Interstride platform provides a range of resources and information for international students in the United States and students looking to work abroad.

Hear from international student alums who shared their successes and challenges faced while searching for jobs in the U.S.!

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. 

Explore these tips to develop your networking skills to connect with industry professionals!

References and letters of recommendation are often the last thing that job candidates think about when assembling their application materials. Yet these supporting documents and contacts need to be cultivated throughout one’s graduate program. Not everyone has the same extent …

We know it can be difficult to navigate finding a job or internship in the U.S. as an international student, so here’s some advice from other international students who have found success and ways you can too!