OCD - An International Student's Best Friend

OCD...Let's be honest, not exactly the greatest acronym, but definitely one of the best and key resources to finding an internship, particularly if you are an International student. (OCD = Office of Career Development) Not only do they offer up customized services for International students to allow them to, for example, get comfortable with networking scenarios typical of the US, or partner with embassies that provide guidance on employment authorization (and the general immigration strategies / futures of that particular country), but, they also involve the students. I have the pleasure of sitting in as the Canadian representative on the OCD International Student Committee. On this committee, we have the opportunity to provide feedback to OCD on the challenges and needs of our peers from our home country, work with OCD to address these issues, but also serve as a conduit for information back out the students. As a Canadian, I am particularly excited about working with fellow International students as many of them are looking to potentially locate, full-time, in Canada (particularly because of the differing immigration policies to that of the US).

That's not all! Do you want to learn how to make your LinkedIn profile sizzle? How about participating in a couple group mock interviews before the big interview? Ever thought of how you would pitch an internship to your dream employer? Just need an extra set of eyes on your resume? Well, you've come to the right place. OCD offers all of that. And, let's be honest, some people do not take as much advantage of these resources as they should. They are really your best advocate, support and partner in your internship search!

AND, she'll probably blush for me mentioning her name, but Leslie Mulder is a god-send. Not only is she fully dedicated to a large group of international students like myself, but is also all about helping non-traditional students like myself develop a vision for our internship search and clearly articulate what we bring to the table (whether we're an on-campus or off-campus "explorer").

I *heart* OCD......the Office of Career Development that is.

Getting Off the Ground

Taking longer than normal. Work authorization required. "Some" on-campus opportunities. Worried?

It is important that these expectations are set with International students. No, you won't have all of the same options as a US citizen, but that doesn't mean all is lost. Just check out the OCD Intl Student Career Resources to begin to see the vast list of companies that hired international students for US positions. Although, there are some work authorization hurdles to jump through when it comes to full-time positions, International students do bring different perspectives to any position, which consulting and finance companies (e.g., investment banks) recognize and respect. (That is probably why they hire the most International students of all the on-campus industries that visit our campus.)

However, what if you are not looking to rely on on-campus recruiting? Or, looking for more non-traditional internships and careers, like those in the field of sustainability (my personal interest)? Here are some helpful hints that seem to have worked out. Yes, it may have taken a bit more time than simply reacting to on-campus postings, the world seemed to open with just a bit of soul-searching and relatinoship building.

1. Informational Interviews: The role of "student" is like magic when you want to find something our about a company or position. Use it! I spoke to companies and people who would have passed over my e-mail or phone call when I was working.
2. Club Involvement: From Net Impact, to Revitalization & Business, to Design & Business, all of these clubs not only focused on my areas of interest but allowed me the opportunity to directly liaise with companies that were interested in connecting with students that were looking to find a career in areas like sustainabiltiy and design thinking. Find a club that aligns with your interests and helps build your skills to be marketable in the industry / position you want to work in, and the doors may quickly open!
3. Faculty relationships: Many think of professors and instructors as simply academics, but they know and work a lot with industry. Flex your academic muscle enough, take opportunities to participate and suppor their work / research, and you never know who the faculty might connect you with. My internship came directly from a faculty connection!
4. Support others and they'll support you: There is an incredible network among your fellow students. Understand your peers' goals / career aspirations, let them know yours, and you can work together in your job search that best aligns with your passions and values.
5. Capitalize on your resources: From the Office of Career Development's online website, their staff, and student counselors, these resources are there for you. Utilize these assets! They are free and the more you use them, the better off you are.

It is important that you focus on the positive as you kick-off and persist through your full-time / intern search. I have and am incredibly excited about the summer ahead!