How to find an internship in the USA?
Defined precisely your objectives, the type of company: French or American,
the domain of activity, the position, the duration, the wage… You have to know
what you want to get from this internship, as it can be a key point in your
future career development.
- Highlight your qualifications: it's important for the companies to see what
is unique in your experience, what are the reasons to chose you rather than
another graduate.
- Send your resume and cover letter by email indicating if possible the name
of your contact. Feel free to call back the companies after a few days if
you did not have any answer. It will show your determination and might put
your file at the top of the list.
- Use your network. Find someone you know who works fro the company or someone
who had a contact with that company. Use your network at maximum.
- Stay in touch with all the people that you've been in touch with. An agent,
a HR manager, a secretary.
Be sure that they have your details and do not hesitate to contact them from
time to time. Make sure that if an interesting offer arises, they will contact
you first. However, do not push to much but use your contacts with measurement.
Internship programmes in the US
Organisations such as CCUSA, CIEE and Alliances Abroad work to place students
in internships.
CCUSA (http://www.ccusa.com)
requires you to hold a J1 visa. They offer practical training in the
United States (maximum is 12-month work placement). Applicants are responsible
for finding an employer to offer a training program in one of the approved categories.
Once a company is located and the information given to the local CCUSA office
in your country, CCUSA will contact the company to verify the suitability of
the training program and to review the obligations of the employer.
You are responsible for all flight and travel costs to the USA and all accommodation
and living expenses during your stay.
Alliances Abroad (http://www.alliancesabroad.com)
offers a programme called Career Escape with trainee programme in the US. This
program is open to university students and recent graduates who want to train
in their professional field to gain valuable international experience.
Paid positions are available in many fields.
CIEE (Council on International Educational
Exchange: http://www.ciee.org)
offers internship and professional trainee programs in the USA (http://www.internshipusa.org/trainee).
Association for International Practical Training
[AIPT: http://www.aipt.org]
helps in your search for internship in the US.
International trainee network [http://www.internationaltrainee.com]
offers different positions for paid internship in the US.
Another excellent source of internships is through private sponsorship with
a company in your country that may send you to work in another location for
a year. Other large companies organise competetive internship schemes, these
usually involve sitting numerous exams and aptitude tests as well as a lengthy
interview process. A success to get one of those internship is highly rewardable
for your carreer , and can be also link with a generous pay.
You will find more internships abroad with the following links:
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