Frequently Asked Questions about the Job and Internship Fair

View and search the current and growing list of participating organizations. Employers attending represent a wide range of industries:

  • Advertising, PR, Marketing
  • Biotech & Life Science
  • Commercial Banking & Credit
  • Computer Networking
  • Consulting
  • Education
  • Fashion
  • Government – Local, State, Federal
  • Higher Education
  • Insurance
  • International Affairs
  • Internet & Software
  • Investment/Portfolio Management
  • Investment Banking
  • Journalism, Media & Publishing
  • K-12 Education
  • Law
  • Management Consulting
  • Non-Profit
  • Politics
  • Research
  • Social Assistance
  • Utilities & Renewable Energy

This is a great opportunity to network with potential employers, learn about job and internship  opportunities, practice job/internship search strategies such as researching organizations, have personalized conversations with professionals, and gather general information about different career opportunities. No matter what stage of internship or job search you are in, we encourage you to explore.

No. Your information will be kept private and will not be shared with all the employers participating in this event.  Employers will only become aware of your identity if you make your Handshake profile visible to employers.

This is a great opportunity to register and attend one of our fair preparation workshops. These workshops will provide you with information about how to show up to have a successful fair experience, whether you are networking or trying to land a job or internship.

  • Always lead with your value and skills in a conversation before discussing your visa needs
  • Tailor your interactions to the specific organization, whether it is through your answers or resumes
  • Understand CPT/OPT before applying
  • Apply early to internships or jobs, especially if you’re graduating soon

  • Research which international-friendly employers will be at the fair to find companies that sponsor H-1B visas (use Interstride, MyVisaJobs.com, Handshake filters, etc.)
  • Identify and follow up with recruiters familiar with F-1 OPT/CPT, H-1B, etc. online: email, LinkedIn, or through Handshake
  • Talk to international alumni on LinkedIn or otherwise in your target industry. Ask how they got their first job and how they uniquely separated themselves from local applicants. You can use our Networking How-To Guide to help you prepare
  • Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to prepare for interviews and be proactive with timely responses/thank you notes after the interview:
    • “Tell me about yourself”
    • “Why should we hire you?”
    • “Describe a time you worked in a team”
    • “It was a pleasure speaking with you about my interest in the data policy internship. As an international junior student with data analytical and communications skills and a passion for social justice, this opportunity affords the best of both worlds of my skills and interests. I hope these would bring value to you and the organization.”

  • “Does your company consider candidates who require work authorization in the future?”
  • “Do you have a history of hiring international students on F-1 OPT or CPT?”
  • “Would this internship or role be open to someone on an F-1 visa with CPT eligibility?”
  • “Do interns typically transition into full-time roles at your company?”
  • “What advice do you have for someone seeking long-term employment after OPT?”

  • Highlight U.S.-based experiences, internships, volunteer work, or class projects related to the role. If relevant to the field, include links to your personal website, Github, portfolio work, etc. in your resume
  • It might be beneficial to add “Work Authorization: F-1 Visa with CPT/OPT eligibility” in small print at the bottom of your resume
  • Include a standout LinkedIn profile with a compelling header: “Rising Senior at Amherst College | Seeking Nonprofit Work in Climate | Blackbaud, CRM”

Though we recommend you update your resume before going to the Job and Internship Fair, it is not required to attend. There will be opportunities to connect with employers after the event via Handshake.