When it comes to carving out a successful career path, two platforms stand out as indispensable tools for international students: LinkedIn and Interstride. Let's explore how this dynamic duo can propel your professional journey to new heights:
LinkedIn: The Global Professional Network
- Connect Globally: LinkedIn is the world's leading professional networking platform. It connects you with professionals, companies, and opportunities not only within the United States but across the globe.
- Professional Branding: Your LinkedIn profile is your digital business card. Showcase your education, skills, experiences, and achievements to create a compelling professional brand.
- Networking Powerhouse: Build and nurture your network by connecting with classmates, professors, colleagues, and industry experts. Join groups, participate in discussions, and stay informed about trends in your field.
- Job Search: LinkedIn's job board offers a plethora of job openings. Tailor your job search to your specific needs, including internships, CPT/OPT opportunities, and long-term career positions.
Interstride: The International Student's Ally
- Dedicated to International Students: Interstride understands the unique challenges and opportunities that international students face in the U.S. It offers specialized resources to help you succeed.
- CPT/OPT-Friendly Job Board: Find companies that are open to hiring international students for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) positions.
- Resource Library: Navigate the complexities of the job search process with Interstride's extensive library of resources. From job search strategies to immigration-related topics like Green Cards, it's your go-to guide.
- Courses for Success: Access courses tailored to your international student experience. Learn how to maximize your educational journey and career prospects in the U.S.
- Westcliff University Connection: Stay up-to-date with important updates, announcements, and job ads from Westcliff University staff, all conveniently posted on Interstride.
Together, LinkedIn and Interstride create a powerful synergy. Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals worldwide, while Interstride provides the specialized support needed for international students pursuing career opportunities in the U.S. With these platforms at your disposal, you'll be well-equipped to navigate your career journey with confidence and success.
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR LINKEDIN
- Complete Your Profile: Ensure that your LinkedIn profile is complete and up to date. Include a professional profile picture, a compelling headline, a summary that showcases your skills and aspirations, your work experience, education, and relevant certifications.
- Customize Your URL: Personalize your LinkedIn profile URL to make it easier for people to find you. It's usually a good idea to use your name in the URL (e.g., www.linkedin.com/in/yourname).
- Write a Captivating Summary: Craft a well-written summary that tells your professional story. Highlight your achievements, goals, and what makes you unique. Use keywords relevant to your industry.
- Highlight Achievements: In the experience section, focus on achievements rather than just job descriptions. Use quantifiable results and metrics to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
- Skills and Endorsements: List your skills and ask colleagues and connections to endorse you. Having endorsements can help validate your expertise.
- Recommendations: Request recommendations from colleagues, supervisors, or professors. Genuine recommendations can add credibility to your profile.
- Join Relevant Groups: Join LinkedIn groups related to your industry, interests, and career goals. Participate in discussions, share your insights, and connect with like-minded professionals.
- Be Active: Regularly share articles, updates, and relevant content on your LinkedIn feed. Engaging with others' posts and commenting on industry news can help increase your visibility.
- Network Strategically: Connect with professionals in your field, including colleagues, classmates, alumni, and industry leaders. Write personalized connection requests to explain why you'd like to connect.
- Follow Companies: Follow companies of interest to stay updated on their news, job postings, and industry trends.
- Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords into your profile to improve your visibility in LinkedIn searches. Think about what terms recruiters or employers might use to find candidates like you.
- Advanced Search: Use LinkedIn's advanced search filters to find specific people, companies, or job opportunities that align with your goals.
- Engage with Insights: Utilize LinkedIn's insights to see who's viewed your profile. It can be an opportunity to reach out to people who have shown interest in your profile.
- Publish Content: If you have valuable insights or expertise to share, consider writing articles or posts on LinkedIn's publishing platform.
- Professional Development: Take advantage of LinkedIn Learning (formerly known as Lynda.com) to
- access online courses and acquire new skills.
- Privacy Settings: Review and customize your privacy settings to control who can see your information and activity on LinkedIn.
- Stay Consistent: Consistency is key. Regularly update your profile, engage with your network, and stay active on the platform to maintain a strong presence.
By following these tips, you can effectively leverage LinkedIn to build a professional network, discover opportunities, and enhance your career prospects. Remember that LinkedIn is a dynamic platform, so ongoing engagement and maintenance are essential for continued success.
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR INTERSTRIDE
- Complete Your Interstride Profile: Start by creating a detailed and comprehensive Interstride profile. Include information about your education, career goals, skills, and any relevant experience.
- Explore the Job Board: Interstride features a job board specifically tailored to CPT/OPT-friendly companies. Regularly check the job board for internship and job opportunities relevant to your field of study.
- Utilize the Resource Library: Interstride offers an extensive library of resources to help international students with various aspects of their career journey. Explore topics such as job search strategies, visa and immigration information, resume building, and more.
- Take Advantage of Courses: If Interstride provides courses specifically designed for international students, consider enrolling in them. These courses can offer valuable insights and guidance on navigating the U.S. job market and the international student experience.
- Connect with Westcliff University: Interstride serves as a hub for important updates and announcements from Westcliff University staff. Stay informed about university news, job postings, and other relevant information.
- Network with Peers: Use Interstride to connect with fellow international students, both within and outside your university. Networking with peers can provide valuable insights, support, and potential collaborations.
- Engage in Discussions: Participate in discussions and forums on Interstride. Sharing your experiences, asking questions, and offering advice can help you connect with other international students and professionals.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and events related to international students and employment in the U.S. Interstride may provide updates and information about changes in visa regulations, work permits, and more.
- Seek Guidance: If you have specific questions or concerns related to your international student status, career goals, or visa status, don't hesitate to seek guidance from Interstride's resources or experts.
- Use the Job Search Functionality: Interstride may offer job search tools that are tailored to the needs of international students. Make the most of these features to find opportunities aligned with your career aspirations.
- Stay Connected: Regularly log in to your Interstride account to stay connected with the platform and make the most of its offerings. Opportunities and resources may change, so staying engaged is important.
By following these tips and actively using Interstride's features, you can enhance your experience as an international student and make the most of the platform's resources to support your educational and career journey in the United States.
Link:
https://student.interstride.com/login
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8727251/ (Career Services LinkedIn Page)
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14270278/ (Alumni Affairs LinkedIn Page)