Internships and Jobs

Internships are a way for you to connect your academic experience with the professional world. They help you develop your skills, gain exposure to work environments, and make you competitive in the job market.

• Start Early: Begin your search well in advance to maximize available opportunities.
• Identify and Research Organizations: Explore companies you’re interested in and check their websites for “Internships” or “Student Programs” pages.
• Leverage University Resources: Engage with the Career Development Office for internship listings and personalized support. Book a session with CDO staff for personalize support finding a job or internship.
• Attend Networking Events and Career Fairs: Participate in these events to meet potential employers and discover internship opportunities.
• Use Online Platforms: Search on professional platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Handshake for internship listings.
• Customize Your Applications: Tailor your resume and cover letter to align with the specific role and organization.
• Network Strategically: Connect with professors, alumni, family, peers, and professionals to learn about unadvertised internships.
• Utilize LinkedIn: Build your network and connect with professionals and alumni in your field of interest. And upgrade your skillset with LinkedIn Learning certifications and courses (free for Soka students).
• Apply for a Micro-Internship – Parker Dewey
• Join Professional Organizations: Participate in industry-related associations or groups to access exclusive internship postings and networking opportunities.
• Take Full Advantage of Workshops and Webinars: Attend CDO sessions on resume writing, interviewing, and essential job search skills.
• Consider Cold Outreach: Reach out directly to companies you’re interested in, even if they don’t have internships posted.
• Engage in Volunteer Work: Volunteer in areas related to your field to build experience and connections.
• Utilize programs at SUA that directly support students interested in internships: InternX (for domestic students), and CPT (for international students)..
• Add your internship experience to SUA Internship Database – Report and Evaluate your Internship and add it to SUA’s Internship Database. LINK: Internship Confirmation Form /

Soka University’s international students are eligible to work in the USA with a (CPT) Curricular Practical Training authorization issued by Soka University for our F1 visa students.

Beyond a standard offer of employment letter, there are no additional fees, paperwork, recruitment documentation, and no sponsorship required of employers hiring international student interns from Soka University.

International students begin the CPT authorization process through our office and may start working after the official authorization has been issued by Soka University. Once initiated, the CPT authorization process typically takes 2-3 weeks to complete.

(CPT applies for international students while enrolled at Soka; once a student graduates, there are other requirements for OPT/work authorization.)

FAQ

Question:  I am an international student. Some of the internships I am applying to ask if I am legally authorized to work in the US . How do I answer this question?

Answer:  YES, you are authorized to work in the US with your Student Visa. 

Once you have been offered an internship, you will apply for CPT through Soka University, which gives you authorization to work off-campus. When Soka authorizes your CPT you will be given an updated I-20 with the dates of your CPT authorized internship listed. The documentation you will need when being onboarded by your employer is this updated I-20, your passport, and a US Social Security number.

Sometimes employers ask a different question to see if you will need a work visa and sponsorship after you graduate. Those questions often look like this: “Do you require work visa sponsorship now, or anytime in the future?” . This question is hard because although you don’t need sponsorship for CPT or OPT (CPT: while at SUA, OPT: one year beyond graduation), if you stay in the US beyond your Student Visa timeframe, you may need work visa sponsorship. The issue is that sponsorship is VERY expensive for companies, so they often try to filter out anyone who might need sponsorship in the future. They are looking to hire and train people to work in the company long term, so are hesitant to invest in training someone they might need to sponsor.

Soka University’s Career Development Office (CDO) hosts a range of career events throughout the year to connect students with job and internship opportunities. These include:

• Soka Jobs+ Fair (fall semester): Focused on connecting students with on-campus job opportunities.
• Networking Happy Hour (fall semester): Designed to facilitate meaningful connections among students, graduates, community members, and potential employers.
• Spring Career Fair (spring semester): Connects students with employers hiring for internships and full-time positions.

Additionally, throughout the academic year the CDO organizes information sessions, hiring events, and workshops with various employers and organizations to further support student career goals.

To prepare for Career Fairs and Networking events:

Research: Before the event, learn about the organizations attending.

Target Employers: Focus on the companies that align with your interests and goals.

Introduce Yourself: Approach employers, introduce yourself, and mention what excites you about their organization.

Build Connections: Make meaningful contacts to follow up with during your job or internship search.

SUA Internships and Fellowships DATABASE – Explore this comprehensive database featuring hundreds of internship, fellowship, and training programs. It includes over 15 tabs covering a wide range of career pathways such as: Finance & Business,  Public Health & Medicine, Policy/International Relations, CS/Engineering/Tech, Consulting and Economics, Education, Environmental, Post Grad Fellowships, Pre-Law, Volunteer, Study Abroad/Foreign Languages, and more. You can also browse a tab listing internships previously completed by SUA students.

Add your Internship experience to the SAU Internship database!

Evaluate your Internship and add it to SUA’s Internship Database –

LINK: Internship Confirmation Form***

Getting a job on campus is a great way to build work experience. Find open positions and apply through the Soka’s HR/Workday portal. Link

NOTE: All first time applicants for on-campus jobs must attend one Career Development Office REQUIRED WORKSHOP on Resumes and Cover Letters, and obtain a Certificate of Completion. Contact the CDO for assistance, and register for the next scheduled workshop.

Hiring timeframes can vary widely across different industries, so understanding these timelines is key when planning your job search. In general, larger companies may begin recruiting as early as a year in advance for full-time roles, with their peak hiring season in the fall. Smaller companies and startups, however, tend to hire closer to the actual start date, often within one to three months before the position begins. For internships, many organizations start the hiring process up to six months ahead, especially for summer roles. It’s essential to stay proactive, research industry-specific trends, and be prepared to apply early or at the right moment to maximize your opportunities.

Beware of Scams. Stay Informed.

The Soka University Career Development Office (CDO) makes every reasonable effort to screen employers and opportunities through our resources to prevent fraudulent postings. However, we cannot guarantee the legitimacy of every employer or job/internship listing. Internet job scams are an increasing issue, and it’s essential to recognize red flags and protect your personal information.

How to Recognize a Scam

Don’t wait until it’s too late! If a job posting or follow-up communication raises any of the following concerns, proceed with caution and alert the CDO:

• Never send money: Any offer that requires upfront payment or financial investment from you is likely a scam.
• Check scam databases: Verify organizations through the Better Business Bureau or Federal Trade Commission to ensure they are legitimate.
• Research the employer: Search the employer’s name along with the word “scam” online to check for any reports of fraudulent activity.
• No interviews? Be wary: Reputable companies always conduct interviews before extending job offers. An offer received via email without an interview is likely fraudulent.
• Verify URLs: Scammers often use fake websites that resemble well-known companies. Double-check the web address for authenticity.
• Unsolicited offers: If you receive an offer for a job or internship you didn’t apply for, it’s probably too good to be true.
• Protect your personal information: Never provide your Social Security number or other personal details before you’ve been formally hired. Share such information only during payroll and tax setup.
• Poor grammar and spelling: Many scam emails contain grammatical errors or spelling mistakes. Be cautious if the communication seems unprofessional.
• Free email accounts: Legitimate companies use corporate email addresses, not free services like Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail. Be cautious if job-related emails come from such accounts.

What to Do if You Suspect Fraud

If you suspect a job or internship posting is fraudulent, do not click any links or provide personal information. Contact the CDO immediately and discontinue communication with the employer.

If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam, contact the police. If the incident occurred entirely online, file a report with the U.S. Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).