Career Development For International Students: A Collaborative Approach

1. Career Development For International Students:A Collaborative Approach Joseph Aini, Career Services University at Albany Annie Heavener, International Student Services University at Albany Arthur Serratelli, Esq. Vandeventer Black LLP 500 World Trade Center Norfolk, VA 23510

2. Traditional Career Preparation Programs • Not specifically geared to international student needs • Most programs do not address: • What makes international student special --the unique advantages obtained by hiring an international student • When to discuss H-1B status • An in-depth explanation of U.S. business etiquette

3. Program for International Students • Collaboration with: • Career Services staff • A zany immigration attorney • An advisor from International Student Services • Immigration workshop in Fall Semester • Job Search Series in Spring Semester • Resume Writing • Interviewing Skills • Job Search Techniques

4. Program designed to: • Educate students on how they can leverage their international/cross-cultural background to find employment in the U.S. • Overcome the barriers face due to visa restrictions • How and when to approach the H-1B topic • Gain a better understanding of U.S. business culture and differences from home.

5. H-1B and Green Card Workshop • What to do after graduation & OPT • Presented in the Fall semester by Art Serratelli, Esquire • Learn about H-1B visas • US Permanent Residency (green cards) • Employment Based • Family Based

6. Tips for Hiring an Attorney • Attorney MUST be a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Assoc. (AILA). • Fixed Fee – You should be paying a fixed fee for routine work ( like filing immigration documents). Do not pay by the hour.

7. Tips for Hiring an Attorney (cont’d) • Only an Immigration Lawyer – Avoid any lawyer that does immigration law and “something else”. Find a lawyer who only does immigration law. • Pick a Lawyer You Like – You can hire an attorney from another state because this is a federal practice area. Get referrals from friends. • Remember, the Lawyer Works for You – they should treat you with respect and be working for your best interest. They should also be willing to work with all parties involved: you, your school, your employer, etc.

8. What to Know About H-1B Visas • Temporary (up to 6 years) • Can lead to Employment Based Permanent Residency • The “Cap”: • 65,000 given every year for people with Bachelor’s degrees • 20,000 extra are given for people with advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD) • “Cap” exempt jobs: places that can hire at anytime, with no number limit • US institutions of higher education • Governmental research (non-profit) organizations

9. What Career Services Offices Should Know • Where and When International Students can Earn Money: • On-campus employment; 20 hrs per week during the semesters, full time during school holidays and breaks • All other employment must be authorized • International students can ALWAYS volunteer their time • Be aware of time constraints: • Employment approval for CPT can be gotten fairly quickly. • Authorization for OPT can take several months

10. Job Search Series for International Students • Resume Writing • Special emphasis on differences between a resume and a CV • Importance of correct usage of English grammar • Providing a frame of reference for an American audience • Special issues regarding personal information such as marital status, gender, ethnicity, etc.

11. Job Search Series for International Students (cont’d) • Interviewing For Internationals • The interview process in the US • Communication skills (avoiding memorized phrases, slang expressions, • Behavioral interviewing techniques • When to reveal H-1B status • Informal vs. Formal approaches • Mock interviews and practice

12. Job Search Series for International Students (cont’d) • Job Search Techniques • Developing awareness of potential biases and obstacles • Developing networking skills • Identifying employers who have sponsored H-1B visas. • Utilizing strategies such as volunteering

13. What to Say in the Job Interview[HINT: SAY VERY LITTLE ABOUT IMMIGRATION!!] • First Date: Don’t ask for marriage before the soup arrives • Your job is to convince the employer that you are the BEST PERSON for the Job • Your job IS NOT to explain U.S. Immigration Laws to U.S. Employers • Shame on the Employers for their ignorance! • Your School Should Help You! [Pamphlet] • And Your School & Lawyer Should Help You! [Free calls to Fearful Employer]

14. What to Say in the Job Interview(cont’d)[HINT: SAY VERY LITTLE ABOUT IMMIGRATION!!] • CONFRONT THE UNSPOKEN FEAR • The Ignorant Employer is Fearful • “Why Should I Hire You And All the Immigration Headaches That Come With YOU?” • ANSWER: There Are No Headaches • You Live in Fear That You’ll Never Get a “Sponsor” • “What If No Company Will Sponsor My H-1B?” • ANSWER: You’ll Find a Sponsor - - You’ll Have Help

15. Other Career Development Ideasfor International Students • Encourage/invite international students to attend an etiquette dinner. • Collaborate between Career Services and International Student Office to create a database of which employers sponsor H-1B visas. • Coordinate an international student job fair, perhaps in collaboration with area universities • Sponsor a mock interview program specifically for international students

16. Questions, Comments, & Suggestions?

17. Contacts at UAlbany Joseph Aini Assistant Director Career Services Phone: 518-437-4922 Email: jaini@uamail.albany.edu Annie Heavener Advisor International Student & Scholar Services Phone: 518-591-8189 Email: aheavener@uamail.albany.edu

18. Legal Contact Information Arthur Serratelli, Esquire Partner & Chair, Immigration Law Group Vandeventer Black LLP 500 World Trade Center Norfolk, Virginia, 23510 757-446-8683 (direct dial) 757-446-8670 (fax) aserratelli@vanblk.com