International Student Career Steps for a summer of COVID-19

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This post is especially for those international students who are social isolating here in the US, but is really applicable to all students in all years.  Summer is a great time to be developing skills and competencies that complement your studies at Maryville College.

Yes - I know - there are work restrictions that you face that U.S. students don't , but really there are only a few things to remember about this for summer employment:
  1. You can work on campus FULL-TIME in the summers if you are not studying (and 20 hours/week otherwise)
  2. After your first year on campus (Fall+Spring or Spring + Summer) you are eligible for CPT (work off-campus, directly related to your major)  FULL-TIME or PART-TIME
  3. Volunteering: Volunteering is a great way to “make a difference,” to help people where there is need and participate in your community. (see below) 
There are so many ways you can use your summer to be prepared for a future career.
Here are just a few:

Summer School


1. Did you know that summer credits are more affordable than semester credits? 
2. What I see across international students is that generally taking a summer course helps your GPA.  [note that I can't guarantee the grades YOU earn...] 
3. You can either get ahead in your degree (that means less classes each semester.)  or take a class that you are just interested in, or builds a competency you don't get in your major! 
 Learn More  about options at MC.

Also - did you know that Ivy League schools often offer summer programs for their students as well as visitors from other colleges and universities. Check out Harvard, Cornell or Yale summer programs.  Note that you need to have permission from the CIE BEFORE you enroll in a summer class elsewhere.
Rule of thumb - always talk to Kirsten Sheppard first before you start anything new (work, study, volunteer) this summer.

Internships

 As mentioned above, summer internships must be directly related to your MAJOR field of study (sorry, minors do not count).  

A summer internship will make you a more competitive applicant for future internships and employment, graduate school and professional careers. Aside from serving as a resume booster, a summer internship will also provide you with relevant experiences to reflect upon when pursuing new endeavors.

Check out this short post with 6 reasons to do a summer internship  My favorite was :"A Summer Internship Can Help Establish Your Career Path and Goals"  It gives you a chance to see if you will really love the field that you have chosen as your major.  

Truthfully - if you do not do internships, you will be behind in when it comes time to graduate!

Volunteering 

As an F student, you may volunteer while you study in the United States, but you must maintain your nonimmigrant student status by complying with Department of Homeland Security rules and regulations.  Here are some important reminders if you plan on volunteering:
          •   You cannot receive any form of taxable income or in-kind benefits (e.g. food or lodging in return for service)  from your volunteer activity.
      •   If the volunteer position is one for which an employer would otherwise officially hire someone, you may work there only with all necessary employment authorization. (talk to me first in this case)

Need experience?  Want to build your network?  Want to "Do good on the largest possible scale".  Six ways volunteering can boost your career.

Normally I would add "Study Abroad" in here...but I'll save that for a future post given the current travel restrictions!

Yeah, but....COVID-19...


Image by chiplanay from Pixabay 
Our Director of Career Services, Christy McDonald, says, "During this crisis, we have seen the unemployment rate skyrocket. Organizations have cut hiring budgets. The truth is, we cannot determine when and if some organizations will bounce back. The downturn is a bummer, but it allows you to use your liberal arts training to investigate jobs and career opportunities beyond the surface. One excellent resource is LinkedIn Jobs. Start your search there and look beyond the posting title. Read the description of the role. Research the company mission. Dig deep and determine the path that resonates most with you."

I get it.  Right now does not feel like the ideal time to get an internship or job.  But the truth is that can easily turn into an excuse for not trying.  Here are some good reasons to get yourselves focused and make a solid plan for your summer.

  1. Courses are being offered online. This might not be your favorite way to learn, but there is no reason to do nothing this summer.  Apply for MC Cares funding if you need help funding summer courses.
  2. Many organizations are starting to open up.  For example, Second Harvest Food Bank is accepting volunteers to feed the hungry.  Others may have virtual positions.
  3. Many companies are hiring and thriving during this outbreak through virtual opportunities, internships and micro-internships.  Here are some examples:
Don't want to work?  Take this time to set yourself up for the future.  Do industry research. See what is out there for the future.  Are there online certifications that you could take to make yourself more marketable?  Don't be stagnant, be proactive.  Check out Handshake  or Schedule an appointment with the Career Center to talk through your next steps!