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In the US, an internship isn't just a 'summer job.' It is a 3-month long interview for a full-time position and the best way to prove to a company that you are worth a future visa sponsorship.
CPT rules (part-time vs full-time)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a special benefit for F-1 students. During the school year, you are usually limited to 20 hours a week (Part-Time). During the summer, you can work 40+ hours (Full-Time). Be very careful: if you use 365 days of Full-Time CPT, you lose your right to work after graduation (OPT). Most smart students stop at 11 months.
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Sign Up FreeGetting internships without brand names
Look for 'Mid-Market' companies (companies with 100 to 500 employees). They have money to pay you, they have real problems for you to solve, and they are much easier to get into. Getting a 'no-name' internship in your first year makes you a superstar when you apply to the 'Big Brands' in your second year.
Sign up to unlockUsing startups, labs, contract roles strategically
You can start with your university Labs. Look for 'Research Assistant' roles. They are on-campus, easy to get, and show you have deep technical skills. Small startups are often desperate for help. If you email the founder and offer to solve a specific problem, they might hire you on a contract basis. This counts as professional experience!
Sign up to unlockHandling multiple offers + paperwork cleanly
In the US, if you say 'Yes' to Company A, you cannot change your mind later and go to Company B just because they offer more money. This is called 'reneging,' and it can ruin your reputation. Once you pick an offer, you get an Offer Letter. You take that to your school. They update your I-20 form.
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