By Erica Ford, International Career Development Coach
If you are an F-1 international student graduating this semester, but have not yet secured a job for Optional Practical Training (OPT), you are not alone. Beyond traditional full-time jobs, the first year of OPT provides lots of employment options, according to Cornell’s International Services F-1 OPT page. If you have not found a job, consider the following options to gain hands-on experience, build your resume, and minimize the use of your OPT unemployment days.
Part-Time Jobs
Many job boards offer search filters for part-time roles. Use part-time filters in Handshake, LinkedIn, or Interstride to find positions that meet the 20-hour weekly minimum, or that can be combined with other qualifying roles. Handshake, for example, includes part-time roles open to candidates with OPT/CPT, such as Math Tutor, Public Health Curriculum Intern, HR Analyst, Data Analyst, and Research Mentor.
Gig, Freelance, Contract, and Short-Term Employment
Short-term employment can include roles with defined end dates, such as internships, fellowship, rotational programs, gigs, and contract work. Handshake offers filters for internships and fellowships. You can also find opportunities on LinkedIn’s job board by filtering for contract, temporary, or internship roles–or searching keywords like “intern,” “1099,” or “contract.”
For freelance work or finding clients for your own business, consider sites like Bēhance, Fiverr, and Upwork or create your own LinkedIn Services page. Creatives (musicians, photographers, etc.) can also network with other artists, community centers, or local businesses to identify gig opportunities.
Staffing Agencies
Staffing agencies connect professionals to companies hiring for temporary, temp-to-hire, or permanent roles. You can search the 3,700+ staffing agencies accredited by the Better Business Bureau and ask whether they work with individuals with temporary work authorization.
Volunteer and Unpaid Opportunities
Volunteer and unpaid roles must comply with U.S. Department of Labor guidelines. Check this guidance for unpaid internships and volunteering with nonprofit organizations, as well as recommendations from International Services. You can find unpaid internships in Handshake using the “unpaid” filter.
For skills-based volunteering, check out Taproot, an organization that supports nonprofits with projects in marketing, operations, business planning, web development, and more. Additionally, Idealist offers nonprofit volunteer opportunities across fields such as policy, education, science, and technology.
Self-Employment Resources
Entrepreneurship at Cornell is a university-wide program that supports entrepreneurs across the Cornell community. It helps students from all colleges and backrounds develop business ideas into launchable startups through coursework, internships, organizations, mentorship, and funding.
Need Support?
Looking for help with your job search? Schedule an international student support appointment with Central Career Services or connect with your college career office. If you have questions about OPT employment options, eligibility, or the application process, consult with International Services.
