Get Involved: iCareer
Overview
iCareer is a series of informative discussions, presentations and strategies meant to address the unique needs/issues faced by international students as they are preparing for their academic/career path beyond James Madison University.
It is never too early to start thinking, planning, searching, and applying for your next step in your academic/career path after you graduate from JMU whether you will remain in the US or not. To help those who are just starting, as well as those who of you who are more prepared, refer yourself to the level type found near each offered sessions and strategies:
Level 1 & 2: Focus- What is Your Career Strategy?
- Did you choose the right major? Did you know that the type of jobs/internship need to be directly connected to your major? Did you know that if you major in certain fields, you will benefit from a 24-months extension?
- Do you know your academic strengths? How does your personality affect the type of job you are looking for? Take advantage of FOCUS: a series of self-assessment tests. [Watch this videoclip]
- Do you have a resume? Is it updated? Whether you are looking for jobs/internships on or off-campus you will need a resume. Attend a workshop obtain some tips and advice.
- Working on-campus- knowing where to start and how to proceed is simple, as long as you how to proceed, and what is expected. [Watch this videoclip]
- Working off-campus- Off-campus employment must be approved by either USCIS or ISSS before you are legally allowed to work. Find out what your options are and how to proceed. [Watch this videoclip]
Level 3 & 4: Develop Your Career Strategy to the Next Level
- OPT & the Work Visa – What will happen after you graduate when you remain in the US? You need to know your options and the process and how this may play out with the work visa. [Watch this videoclip]
- Are you ready to address and deal with the common cultural barriers in the job market?
- Do you market your international experience? Your international experience sets you apart.
- Can you articulate/express how you possess the required qualities and experiences for the job? How would answer the “death interview question” for international students? [Watch this videoclip]
- Are you seeking the companies that are looking for short-term employees and who will hire individuals on OPT? Communicate that you want to work with them for the period of your OPT. Be upfront about it.
- What can you learn from rejections? Negative news does hurt but don’t let it discourage you. Take the rejection as a learning opportunity.
- Have you considered pursuing a master’s degree? Did you know that chances of acquiring a H-1B visa after you obtain a Master’s degree (or higher) are greater than if you only have a Bachelor’s degree? Did you know that Graduate Assistantships cover your tuition and some incidentals?
Resources
- Career DISCO Forum Resources [for Japanese citizens & Japanese speakers].
- FOCUS is a great resource to conduct some self-evaluation tests. Assess your career planning readiness, and your personal characteristics to find the most relevant major and job for you.
- Guide to Hiring Foreign Graduates- Many employers are not necessarily familiar with terminologies like CPT and OPT nor with the process of sponsoring someone for a work visa. This guide can assist them in understanding your immigration situation better.
- GoinGlobal is the one resource for you, whether you decide to go back to your home country, go to an entirely new country, and/or stay in the US. Look for jobs anywhere in the world, understand different ways of conducting business, find local or country specific information, networking opportunities as well as US business and companies that have previously sponsored individuals for work visas. [Watch this videoclip].
- Handshake is the university career center’s platform. You can look for jobs and use filters to see if employers “whether or not an employer requires US work authorization” or “accepts OPT/CPT.” This will particularly helpful when attending a career fair. [Watch this videoclip]
- Join the JMU International Dukes LinkedIn group- This group is a platform for JMU international students and alumni to network with one another and to share career development opportunities.
- Lockin U Career Resources [for Chinese citizens & Mandarin speakers]
- University Career Center is your number one place to seek assistance for your job search. The office is located on the 3rd floor of the Student Success Center | (540) 568-6555 | cap@jmu.edu |
- CGE- International Student Scholar Services for iCareer & Immigration related information and resources specific to students on an F-1 visa. The office is located on the 2nd floor of Madison Hall | (540) 568-6119 | isss@jmu.edu |
International Alumni Showcase:
What are some the companies that JMU international students have worked for in 2018-9?
China Telecom Americas Corporation | Cvent | Deloitte & Touche LLP | Duke University School of Medicine | Ernst and Young, US, LLP | Fairfax County Public Schools | Hilton | L'Oreal Travel Retail Americas | Kate Spade & Company | KPMG LLP | MCI USA | Meridian International Center | PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP | Rosetta Stone | Sodexo | The Bank of New York Mellon | The Capital District Psychiatric Center | The Rockwell Financial Group | The World Bank Group | WillowTree | The World Bank
What are they doing?
Weiwei ’14 - Kenny ’19 – Linn ‘11 – Nam ’14 – Erika ’10 - Oumar ’14
Contact Information
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Thomas Lavenir (540) 568-7314.
