While the classroom experience is integral in learning about subjects and the theories behind ideas, students in the U.S. have increasingly supplemented their classwork with out of class experiences in order to be competitive in the skilled workforce. For international students who must secure a visa in order to remain in the U.S. for work, internships and work experience are particularly important for several reasons:
Application of Knowledge: Internships provide students with the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge they have gained in their classroom to real-world situations—there is no way just book learning can be substituted for having to think quickly in a work setting,and applying your skills quickly. Internship and work experiences serve as practical experience to help you understand how concepts are implemented in professional settings.
Skill Development: Internship and work experiences offer a chance for international students to develop and enhance practical skills that are relevant to their field of study; it may not be the case that you learned how to work on a team and manage different teammate’s personalities in your C++ class, but in the work environment, you will experience this in real time. On the job, you will practice skills that range from technical skills (programming, design, etc.) to soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving) that are highly valued by employers.
Cultural Adaptation: Working in a foreign country will expose you to the local work culture, communication norms, and professional etiquette—for example, what is appropriate workwear in your company? In some U.S. companies it is business casual, but what does this mean? Being in a real work environment will allow you to learn from colleagues and adapt appropriately. This will help you adjust to different work environments and prepare you for successful careers in international settings.
Networking: Internships are one very important way to connect with professionals in your field. Building a network can open doors to future job opportunities and collaborations, both within the host country and globally. Doing this in the workplace is the most efficient way to do so amongst colleagues, rather than networking with strangers (which is certainly important, just often a bit more difficult).
Resume Building: We have seen far too many international student resumes that list scant work experience, and instead list only coursework. Unfortunately, this winds up making such applicants much less competitive in the job market. Having relevant work experience on a resume can significantly increase an international student’s chances of securing a job after graduation. Employers need to see that you are capable of contributing effectively in a professional setting and have done so before.
Understanding Industry Trends: Internships/work experience expose students to the latest trends and advancements in their field—for example, the IT field is one of rapid growth, and what you learn in class your freshman year may be ‘outdated’ by your senior year. Field (i.e., workplace) knowledge can be valuable not only for your immediate work but also for your long-term career growth.
References and Recommendations: Positive feedback from internship/work supervisors can serve as strong references or recommendations when you apply for future jobs or educational opportunities.
Future Job Offers: Many internships serve as a pipeline for potential job offers. If you perform well during your internship, the company might offer you a full-time position after graduation, which can simplify your job search process!
Building Confidence: Successfully completing an internship/work experience in a foreign country can boost your confidence and self-esteem as you will learn to navigate new environments and challenges successfully.
If you are an international student looking for an internship via CPT or OPT, or post-graduation employment with H-1B visa sponsorship, download theFrogHire.aiextension, which will increase the efficiency of your job hunt by focusing only on employers who are non-domestic worker (i.e. foreign student) friendly!
TLDR: Internships and work experience play a pivotal role in helping international students bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, making them more competitive in the global job market—from resume building to networking to skill enhancement, it is crucial to extend your learning beyond your classroom walls. Download theFrogHire.aiextension today to begin your internship or job search!