How to use CPT to gain work experience as a business major
Curricular practical training, known as CPT, allows international students to work in their chosen field while enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program, creating an international student job opportunity.
International students studying business in the U.S. can use CPT to enhance their resumes, build a professional network and apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations. Here’s how to apply for CPT, how CPT can jumpstart your career in business and how MPOWER can help you make the most of your CPT experience.
CPT for international students authorization process
You can use CPT as an international student to supplement your postgraduate education and gain practical experience. Here are the steps for gaining CPT authorization:
1. Determine your eligibility
In order to qualify for CPT, you must be a full-time F-1 student at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified college or university. Your school must consider employment to be an integral part of your academic curriculum.
Off-campus international student job opportunities like CPT become available after one academic year of full-time enrollment. Some exceptions may exist for postgraduate programs that require immediate employment as part of their curriculum.
You must use your CPT authorization before you graduate.
2. Find a job opportunity that aligns with your curricular goals
CPT for international students must not only align with, but also be required by your course of study. To find an appropriate CPT opportunity, start your job hunt early. Make use of your university’s career counselors and networking events.
MPOWER customers can find their CPT opportunity using MPOWER’s F-1 internship and job search tool. To streamline your CPT authorization process and make the most of your CPT opportunity, become an MPOWER customer. With MPOWER, you can finance your degree at any of MPOWER’s 500+ eligible schools with a no-cosigner, no-collateral loan for up to US$100,000.
3. Use your school’s established process to request CPT
A designated school official (DSO) will review your application, confirm your eligibility and authorize your CPT. You must wait until the designated start date on your CPT authorization to begin your international student job opportunity.
For more information on CPT for international students, check out the resources from organizations like USCIS, NAFSA, and MPOWER.
The importance of CPT for international students in business
CPT can enhance the education and career readiness of a student in any field, but students pursuing a postgraduate business degree may find the program particularly useful.
The job market can be oversaturated with highly qualified business graduates. CPT can help international students gain the competitive edge they need to secure their dream jobs after graduating.
To maximize your professional growth with CPT as an international student in business, you can:
-
- Network: Expand your professional contacts in your industry, seek out mentorship and plant the seeds of future job opportunities.
- Develop new skills: Work on your professional communication, leadership, time management and teamwork.
- Adapt: Use your international student job opportunity to gain a better understanding of the work culture in the U.S.
CPT for international students FAQs
Can I use CPT for a full-time job?
Yes – with CPT for international students, you can work up to 40 hours per week. However, if you choose to work full time at your CPT opportunity for 12 months or more, you’ll lose your eligibility for OPT later on. To ensure your future OPT eligibility, it’s best to work part time (20 hours or less per week) or less than 12 months.
Can I apply for CPT for a job that is not related to my major field of study?
No – your CPT international student job opportunity counts toward your credits for your degree; therefore, it must align with your major field of study. To find a compatible opportunity, you can utilize your school’s career center, network with your professors and browse CPT employer sponsorship lists such as MyVisaJobs.
Can you start a business with CPT?
For the most part, no – CPT for international students requires you to work for an employer other than yourself. However, if you are a business or entrepreneurship major committed to starting a company through your CPT, there may be ways to do so.
If you have an American citizen co-founder, you can help them passively (without payment) while they get the startup off the ground. Once you’ve incorporated the company in the U.S., applied for an EIN number, secured a U.S. mailing address and acquired a business license, you may be able to apply for CPT authorization with your company, so long as the company and your position there align with your degree program.
There are no guarantees you’ll gain CPT authorization for your startup. For clarification, contact a DSO at your college or university.
Final thoughts: Using CPT for international students to gain work experience as a business major
In a competitive, relationship-oriented industry like business, gaining work experience during your studies can significantly improve your chances of securing a dream role after graduation.
MPOWER customers find the best CPT international student job opportunities with MPOWER’s unique career services. Explore MPOWER’s loan options today to gain access to competitive interest rates and holistic support for your CPT experience.
