This information is provided as a service to our International Students and is not intended to replace the information provided by the Center for International Education. Visit the CIE in the Student Hub or online if you have questions or need more information.
How do I get a job? (Easy as 1-2-3)
1. Start looking at available positions. Typically, over 500 jobs including part-time, full-time, internships, and on-campus jobs are advertised in the CDC’s online database, JOBS4U.
2. Update your resume. Work through the Resume Tutorial on the CDC website using the job description to help you describe your job skills. Have your resume critiqued during drop-in hours (schedule below)
3. Attend Career Development Center workshops to brush up on your job hunting skills. Workshops are offered all quarter; see the Workshop Calendar for upcoming topics.
For personalized assistance, come to drop-in hours (Monday through Thursday 10am-4pm and Friday 10am-2pm). A counselor can help you with your resume, cover letter, job search strategies, networking ideas, interviewing, and MORE!
How do I get a job on campus?
Click on JOBS4U. For Type of Job, select “On-campus” – this will give you the list of positions available.
Additionally, each department of business unit on campus has its own budget to hire student assistants. Ask the department manager or director if any student assistant positions are available. The Pioneer Bookstore, library, cafeteria, catering department, university union, and Foundation Office hire many student assistants.
How many hours may I work on campus?
While school is in session a student can work up to 20 hours per week, although during vacations the student can work full time (40 hours).
While the work must be "on campus," USCIS regulations allow work at some off-campus locations. This includes employment as part of a scholarship, assistantship, fellowship, post-doctoral appointment, etc. There are two primary situations when this is the case. If the workplace is "educationally affiliated" to the school, it is considered on campus. This covers situations in which the student is conducting research with a professor who has a research grant that does not come from the school. Contact CIE for more information.
What is the difference between “work- study” and “student assistant” positions?
Student Assistant positions are jobs that any student can apply for. Work study positions require students to have work-study money through financial aid.
Can I participate in on-campus interviews?
Yes! On-Campus Interviews (OCI) is a program that allows employers to conduct interviews in the CDC office for the convenience of the students and employers. First you must attend an orientation to the program and learn how to use the computer system. Orientation times can be found on the CDC website. If you cannot make it to one of these orientations, you can participate in the online orientation. Employers will state on the job description whether students are required to be a U.S. citizen or resident
Can I volunteer to work on or off campus?
Normally, if the position involves no form of compensation and is truly voluntary, students may volunteer without having to do any paperwork with the CIS. If, however, the internship provides a stipend or academic credit, students must obtain permission for practical training or academic training prior to starting their internship. Students should check with their employers and CIE to make sure the opportunity is truly voluntary.
What is an internship?
An internship is a short-term work experience that is related to your academic major. An internship is a great way to get experience. An internship can either be a paid experience or you can receive units/academic credit for the experience.
For official immigration purposes you can also find a part-time job that is related to your career goals and use this as an internship.
How do I get units for my internship?
You may receive units for completing an academically related internship, through Cooperative Education or an Independent Study. You can earn 1 -2 units for 10 to 25 hours of internship hours. First, go to the Center for International Education to get approval to work and fill out Cooperative Education forms at the Career Development Center or contact your academic major department for more information. For more information, go to http://wwwsa.csueastbay.edu/cdc/coop.shtml.
What is a Mock Interview?
A mock interview is a practice interview with a counselor. If you wish to practice your interviewing skills, you can be scheduled to be in a group of up to 5 students. Check with the CDC receptionist 510-885-3621 or our sign up for one of these daily sessions.
When do I tell an employer about my visa status?
Here is what employers have said: I think that you might as well be very upfront about having F-1 or any other visa status. If the company is unwilling to hire an F-1 candidate, then it is best to discover that right away. If the company discovers this fact later in the process and has a policy of not hiring F-1 candidates, then not only will the company recruiter or hiring manager feel that their time has been wasted, but you will have wasted your time as well.--Timothy Landhuis, Former HR Administrator, JSR Micro, Inc.
Right away! Don't wait for the interview. If a company cannot sponsor their employees, there is no point in conducting an interview. And if you mention it right away and the company is unable to sponsor, ask them if they have any recommendations of job openings elsewhere. It can't hurt!--Teresa Hendren, American Express Financial Advisors
As an employer, we appreciate it when a candidate tells us during the interview. It shouldn't have a bearing on the employer's decision to hire, but it's nice to know before the offer stage.--
Barbara Poole, Staffing Manager, Cell Genesys
What is CPT and OPT?
CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training and OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. Check with CIE for individual eligibility requirements, visa status, and paperwork.
