So many of you who have by now figured out who I am (yes I know...) probably know that I'm also an international student. Turns out, we have to go through a bit of a formality when applying for internships or jobs- not much of a big deal, but I thought it would be helpful to find out about it anyway. Thus I went to the information session on How to Apply for OPT/CPT (Optional Practical Training/Curriculum Practical Training). Here's some things I found out:
CPT:
-The internship has to be an integral part of your major. So if you're bio like me, you can't do like a summer job at a law company filing papers or something like that...
-You can only apply after freshman year (so the Spring of freshman year is fine to apply, becuase you will have completed one year of study in the summer)
-Has to be at least 12 weeks
-Must have internship before you file for CPT, but the process can be as quick as one day
-It's called a 'summer co-op' and goes on your transcript, because technically it has to be part of your academic training in the US
-Here's what you do: CDC has co-op packet, take it, fill it out and bring it to the International House with your advisor's signature on it and after it has been approved by the CDC. The IH will issue an I-20, after which you prepare for your internship, get a social security number (office is in Worcester), and figure out transportation to the workplace for the summer. Yeah, it's really simple
OPT:
-Okay, this is what I would have to apply for and it's little bit more complex, but not too much paperwork overall.
-can be pre-completion or post-completion of studies
-process takes 8-10 weeks, so prepare and file for it early. If you plan on starting work in like June, make sure your papers are in by March at the latest.
-Here's the process: Complete applcation and form I0765. Bring passport, I-94, all previous I-20 forms, two passport style pictures, and a cheque or money draft of $340 for the processing. OPT can be applied for 90 days before graduation, but cannot be accepted 60 days after.
-Give all details if you have a job
-You will be issued an employment authorization document
Of course, a lot of students are also interested in work visa and green card applications. So there is another info session on that material on Wednesday, Feb 25th, 4-5.30 in SL406.
Some students however, are more interested in returning to their country for internships or full-time positions. There is a NACE virtual career fair in the summer- follow this link to register: http://asp.symplicity.com/nacelinkvcf/
Other questions can surely be answered by the CDC or International House, so don't hesitate to ask :)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
How about Biology...
As I finish up senior year at WPI, it’s the time where I get a little reflective on the time I spent here. Needless to say, it has been a very valuable experience that gave me a superb education. But one of the many questions that pops up is: why biology?
I knew that biology was a passion for me since I was introduced to science. When I first got here though, I was determined to go to medical school. More exposure to the world of doctors and that kind of lifestyle made me realise, however, that I really did not want to deal with stressful days all my life, and treat health as a business. That’s when I decided to focus my energy on biology itself.
As a senior, I realise how truly diverse this field can be. I am talking about going to school for conservation, but there are a hundred other options for me. I can go into agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food production, cosmetics, reconstructive surgical procedures, bio-related drugs, genetics, environmental work- and these are just to name a few. I always have the option of doing research, or getting an MBA and joining the corporate side of things. It’s such a great field to be in, where I can hop around and do what I please, that I hope to never be bored.
I know that a few years ago, I would always get a little discouraged by seeing students who were so completely focused on their field, and had what they called their ‘five-year-plan’ all figured out. My best advice to all of you out there would be- don’t get discouraged! There is such a variety of things to do with science, that if you really love it, you will find your own way. A friend of mine who is the same major was told by someone that this wasn’t a field where you could joke around and be flaky all your life. I agree-but it’s also a field where you can be diverse. So if you want to go to Africa and play with tigers one day (like me), you can do that. Or if you love being focused for hours in lab and following procedures, and coming up with expeirments, you can do that. Or if you love biology and computers, you will probably enjoy bioinformatics. Even if you like surgery and making bio-products, but don’t like medicine- you can do something in biomedical engineering. These three fields-biology,biomedical engineering, and biochemistry- leave nothing unturned in the world of science. So whatever you want to do with science, I say, go for it, despite whatever someone tells you or however many people seem to be going in a different field. Ask questions from all your professors, make connections with upperclassmen, and make your own path to your future :)
I knew that biology was a passion for me since I was introduced to science. When I first got here though, I was determined to go to medical school. More exposure to the world of doctors and that kind of lifestyle made me realise, however, that I really did not want to deal with stressful days all my life, and treat health as a business. That’s when I decided to focus my energy on biology itself.
As a senior, I realise how truly diverse this field can be. I am talking about going to school for conservation, but there are a hundred other options for me. I can go into agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food production, cosmetics, reconstructive surgical procedures, bio-related drugs, genetics, environmental work- and these are just to name a few. I always have the option of doing research, or getting an MBA and joining the corporate side of things. It’s such a great field to be in, where I can hop around and do what I please, that I hope to never be bored.
I know that a few years ago, I would always get a little discouraged by seeing students who were so completely focused on their field, and had what they called their ‘five-year-plan’ all figured out. My best advice to all of you out there would be- don’t get discouraged! There is such a variety of things to do with science, that if you really love it, you will find your own way. A friend of mine who is the same major was told by someone that this wasn’t a field where you could joke around and be flaky all your life. I agree-but it’s also a field where you can be diverse. So if you want to go to Africa and play with tigers one day (like me), you can do that. Or if you love being focused for hours in lab and following procedures, and coming up with expeirments, you can do that. Or if you love biology and computers, you will probably enjoy bioinformatics. Even if you like surgery and making bio-products, but don’t like medicine- you can do something in biomedical engineering. These three fields-biology,biomedical engineering, and biochemistry- leave nothing unturned in the world of science. So whatever you want to do with science, I say, go for it, despite whatever someone tells you or however many people seem to be going in a different field. Ask questions from all your professors, make connections with upperclassmen, and make your own path to your future :)
Monday, February 9, 2009
How'd it go...?
So if you're a life sciences major like me and you went to the Career Fair, you were probably left with a lot to desire. There weren't a lot of major biotech firms, but I did have a chance to interact with some of them. As I was explaining my research to one of the company representatives, I realized this- I have no clue how to explain my research to a non-technician in my field! This is really REALLY bad news. Most fairs have human resources representatives who I need to be able to explain my work to, and on top of that, for both my MQP presentation and interaction with future employers, I should have a clear idea of what to say. Not just, "Uh, I work in a genetics lab with RNAi"...I mean, I didn't even know what RNAi was until about a year ago.
I have to be honest, I was never so glad that the Life Sciences Fair is a little later. This gives me some time to refresh my memory about what I'm doing, practice explaining it to non-biotechnicians, and get very proficient in speaking fluently about my research. I've decided I will be setting up a meeting with a CDC counselor to help me out. They are really good at holding mock interviews, which isn't necessarily what I'm going for yet, but it would be nice to practice interaction with a prospective employer.
Also, it's almost mid-February so it's about time I start looking for work. I think I'll hit Career Search on Job Finder, so I can start with companies by area. I'll be applying to Cambridge first, but it would probably be a good idea to narrow down to a few fields, instead of just biotechnology- because this is the center of it! From there, I'll probably cover New York and San Diego as well.
Keeping my fingers crossed!! ^_^
I have to be honest, I was never so glad that the Life Sciences Fair is a little later. This gives me some time to refresh my memory about what I'm doing, practice explaining it to non-biotechnicians, and get very proficient in speaking fluently about my research. I've decided I will be setting up a meeting with a CDC counselor to help me out. They are really good at holding mock interviews, which isn't necessarily what I'm going for yet, but it would be nice to practice interaction with a prospective employer.
Also, it's almost mid-February so it's about time I start looking for work. I think I'll hit Career Search on Job Finder, so I can start with companies by area. I'll be applying to Cambridge first, but it would probably be a good idea to narrow down to a few fields, instead of just biotechnology- because this is the center of it! From there, I'll probably cover New York and San Diego as well.
Keeping my fingers crossed!! ^_^
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