2 answers
Alexandra
Student
La Ceiba, Atlántida Department, Honduras
2
Questions
Asked
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What are some online or in person internships I can do for entepenuership as an International Student?
What are some online or in person internships I can do for entepenuership as an International Student?
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2 answers
Alykhan Jivraj
Strategy & Business Development
1
Answer
Austin, Texas
Updated
Alykhan’s Answer
Securing an internship can become challenging due to visa constraints, particularly when compensation is involved. However, universities often provide specific course numbers that students can register for during summers or academic years to fulfill the prerequisites for a paid internship.
As a former international student, my initial approach was to seek out unpaid opportunities within and around my college campus to gain as much experience in my field of interest as possible. The key to early internships is to gain unique experiences that set you apart from your peers, making you a strong contender for competitive internships or full-time roles in your 3rd or 4th year. If your financial circumstances permit, don't hesitate to take on unpaid internships, particularly in your first two years of university, which provide you with high-quality and unique learning opportunities.
I also worked as a "security monitor" during the school year & summer, which involved swiping-in students and signing-in guests to the dorms at night. This role let me earn some money while balancing my unpaid internships and classes. On-campus paid jobs usually do not require additional paperwork, especially if you hold an F-1 visa in the US.
Here are some options for you could consider:
Clubs - Look for clubs and organizations that focus on entrepreneurship, startup building, business, consulting/advisory. For example, I joined an on-campus organization that did semester-long consulting projects for large companies (e.g., Cisco, Mars, Andreesen Horowitz). I didn't get paid, but I got great consulting work experience (working with big companies and leading projects) that helped me land my future job.
School's startup accelerator - Some schools have their own startup accelerators, which you could volunteer or intern with to gain exposure to founders, professors, and investors. Use this opportunity to understand the advice mentors provide and the challenges startup founders confront.
Entrepreneurship professors - Engage with professors who specialize in the field by attending their office hours. They might allow you to sit-in on the classes they teach or the clubs they sponsor. They can also serve as excellent mentors, guiding you or introducing you to opportunities within their network.
Accelerators/Startups - Explore your local accelerator (for example, Techstars has offices worldwide) and find ways to contribute. For example, accelerators need a lot of help facilitating events and programs for the startups. Alternatively, you try to secure an unpaid internship with a startup participating in the accelerator program.
As a former international student, my initial approach was to seek out unpaid opportunities within and around my college campus to gain as much experience in my field of interest as possible. The key to early internships is to gain unique experiences that set you apart from your peers, making you a strong contender for competitive internships or full-time roles in your 3rd or 4th year. If your financial circumstances permit, don't hesitate to take on unpaid internships, particularly in your first two years of university, which provide you with high-quality and unique learning opportunities.
I also worked as a "security monitor" during the school year & summer, which involved swiping-in students and signing-in guests to the dorms at night. This role let me earn some money while balancing my unpaid internships and classes. On-campus paid jobs usually do not require additional paperwork, especially if you hold an F-1 visa in the US.
Here are some options for you could consider:
Clubs - Look for clubs and organizations that focus on entrepreneurship, startup building, business, consulting/advisory. For example, I joined an on-campus organization that did semester-long consulting projects for large companies (e.g., Cisco, Mars, Andreesen Horowitz). I didn't get paid, but I got great consulting work experience (working with big companies and leading projects) that helped me land my future job.
School's startup accelerator - Some schools have their own startup accelerators, which you could volunteer or intern with to gain exposure to founders, professors, and investors. Use this opportunity to understand the advice mentors provide and the challenges startup founders confront.
Entrepreneurship professors - Engage with professors who specialize in the field by attending their office hours. They might allow you to sit-in on the classes they teach or the clubs they sponsor. They can also serve as excellent mentors, guiding you or introducing you to opportunities within their network.
Accelerators/Startups - Explore your local accelerator (for example, Techstars has offices worldwide) and find ways to contribute. For example, accelerators need a lot of help facilitating events and programs for the startups. Alternatively, you try to secure an unpaid internship with a startup participating in the accelerator program.
Maximilian Stein
Business Development
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Maximilian’s Answer
I recommend exploring startups that align with your interests and the specific industry you may be interested in. Focus on finding remote internships since you’re an international student. Once you identify a startup, try reaching out to the founder on LinkedIn. Additionally, if the startup has a contact page, submit your resume and cover letter there to increase your visibility.