Job Seeking Resources for Students

F-1 students have different authorizations available depending on whether they are currently a student or if they have finished their degree program. As an F-1 student, you are eligible to work in internships and co-ops through CPT or Pre-Completion OPT, and also you may be eligible to work 1-3 years after graduating without requiring sponsorship through OPT and the STEM OPT extension. J-1 students must have Academic Training (AT) in place before engaging in any off-campus employment. There are two types of AT available -- pre-completion AT and post-completion AT. 

For more information on work authorization for F-1 or J-1 students, see our Working in the United States section.

Curious where recent Iowa State students have been able to find internship (CPT) or full-time positions after graduation (OPT)? ISSO has collected data from January 2022 - October 2026. Please note:

  • In some cases the data is self-reported and not verified.
  • The data may include multiple positions with a company for the same student, for example if they had an internship experience two summers in a row or if they worked for an employer during both Post-Completion OPT and STEM OPT.
  • The major information listed is based on the primary reported Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code, and does not account for a second reported major.
  • Where possible, employer name has been simplified for ease of reporting. Employer name listed in this table may differ from legal employer name.
  • This data set is not exhaustive and should be used for informational purposes only.

LINK TO DATA IN CYBOX

Career Services is a free resource for you as a student, covered by your student fees. They can provide feedback on your resume, review your cover letter, and help you prepare for an interview. 

Iowa State Career Services Website

College Career Services Websites:

CyHire

CyHire allows students to view internship and job postings posted by employer who especially want to hire ISU students. Be sure to check CyHire regularly, as new postings appear frequently. Information is also available on CyHire about upcoming career fairs, employer information sessions, and on-campus interviewing as well as some useful tools and resources.

Resources in CyHire:

  • Big Interview 
    • Found in the Resources Library in CyHire
    •  Big Interview allows you to complete tutorials, practice your interviewing skills, and receive immediate feedback on your answers and delivery through artificial intelligence.
    •  Big Resume tool also located in Big Interview that can provide AI feedback on resumes
  • GoinGlobal: Career Guides by Country, U.S. City, and H-1B Database
    • Found in the the Resources Library in CyHire
    • GoinGlobal is especially helpful for students wanting to relocate outside of Iowa and/or international students searching for employers who have petitioned to sponsor international students in the past.

H-1B Checker (Chrome extension for LinkedIn)

H-1B Checker allows you to identify employers that have provided sponsorship. Note: we cannot guarantee that the information is accurate, but it may be a useful tool. 

Job and Internship Search Tips

 Prospective employers may not be aware of the options available to F-1 and J-1 international students. You may need to educate and explain to an employer of the options that you have as an international student. This Job and Internship Search Tips for International Students provides some helpful suggestions on how to market yourself and navigate the job search process.

Unfortunately, students may stumble upon fraudulent employers in their job search. Below are a few red flags that may indicate a potentially fraudulent employer:

  • Employer websites that are vague with no examples of client work, contact information or social media accounts.
  • Job activities that do not match the description the employer provided to the school.
  • A job’s physical location does not look suitable for the employment and/or does not match the address listed on the Form I-983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students.”
  • A relatively unknown or unfamiliar employer that hires a large group of F or M students from a school.
  • The work is done remotely and/or through apps such as WeChat.

If in doubt if a company is legitimate, contact your Career Services Office or International Student Advisor for assistance. 

Read more on SEVP's Recognize the Signs of a Potentially Fraudulent Employer webpage.