Career Service Center
Mission of CSD
Driven from IGU’s mission statement, the mission of the Career Services Department (CSD) is to provide our students with ongoing career development services by assisting them to realize their full career potential and help them make informed decision regarding their future opportunities.
Our CSD team strives to help students identify career opportunities that fit with their values, interests, personality, and skills. We empower students by providing resources designed to foster the development of career skills that will serve them as competent professionals.
Career Services Department main functions:
-
Exploring Career & Training Opportunities IGU Student
When designing and planning the activities in our CSD, we periodically collect feedbacks from internal and external stakeholders. Our internal stakeholders are our students, faculty, and staff. Our external stakeholders are our employers, PAC members, and expectations of regulatory/licensure agencies.
In order to meet the expectations of both internal and external stakeholders, we use ‘SkillsUSA Framework”, as shown below.
IGU’s Career Services department offers various activities designed to engage students as active participants in their career development from freshman through alumni.
Values of CSD
Our philosophy guiding us during our day-to-day operation is to lead the effort of creating and establishing a culture of the career-centered campus.
Through strategic partnerships with the campus community and employers, Career Services will be the center for student professional development and career placement at IGU.
Our Values
CSD upholds the following universal values:
-
Inclusion: To create a welcoming environment respectful of individuals’ unique backgrounds, beliefs, and goals.
-
Service-centred: To exceed the expectations of our internal and external constituents through open communication and responsiveness.
-
Student-centred: To promote student responsibility for lifelong career development through exploration, education, and experience.
-
Employer Connections: To develop and strengthen relationships with employers to create opportunities for students.
-
Collaboration: To partner with stakeholders across the University to enhance and support student achievement.
-
Outcomes: o collect and report data to the campus community to assist the leaders to establish data-driven decision-making process culture.
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
 |  |
IGU’s job placement assistance and career services begin when a student is admitted. The University relates the student’s career development and job placement to his/her program and elective tracks as the student’s academic pursuit continues. Students may find pertinent career and employment information in an ongoing effort at the IGU website.
The Career Services Center offer a full range of services to enrolled students and alumni to further their professional development and transition into career fields. To assist upcoming graduates with their job search preparation the Career Services Center offers the following resources:
-
Resume review
-
Job leads
-
Job search methods
-
Interview preparation and role playing
-
Curricular practical training
-
Field trips
-
Local business leaders as guest speakers
-
Career strategy development
-
Career fairs
-
Exit interviews
Gainful Employment Disclosure
The job placement rates for each program are listed on the Student Consumer Information page.
Current Students & Alumni Services
The Career Services Department provides a number of professional development resources to assist you on your career journey. Whether you are switching career paths, polishing your resume or sharpening your interview skills, if you would like to schedule a one on one Career Planning Session or you have any questions about Career Services please contact at 703-941-2020, to learn more about resources available to you.
Schedule A Career Counseling Appointment
In the spirit of career development, career counseling is a space where you can talk about exploring your career options. As you clarify goals, a career advisor can encourage your growth and development while respecting your freedom of choice.
To schedule a career counseling appointment, visit our Tysons Campus (office 240-1), call us at (703) 941-2020. You can also email to receive a comprehensive list of career center workshops, on topics such as resumes, cover letters, interviewing, finding a CPT/OPT and more...
Schedule A Mock Interview
If you have an upcoming interview, you may want to schedule a mock interview with one of our career staff. A mock interview is a practice interview that we record and watch back with you, sharing our insights and advice to help you prepare for success.
Schedule A Pre-CPT/ OPT Advising Appointment
To schedule a 30-minute appointment with our CPT/OPT advisor, visit career services or call us at 703-941-2020.
Employment Opportunities for International Students
-
On-Campus Employment - Is not to exceed 20 hours a week while school is in session and 40 hours a week when school is not in session—in accordance with CFR § 214.2(f). You must also be enrolled full-time, be in good academic standing, and have valid I-20 status. To apply for On-Campus employment please complete the online application form below.
-
Off-Campus Employment - consists of CPT, OPT, Economic Hardship, and Internships with an International Organization.
As an F-1 student, you can receive work authorization for training related to your studies: optional practical training (OPT) and curricular practical training (CPT). You must have been enrolled in an SEVP-certified school as an F-1 student for one full academic year to be eligible for either type of practical training.
-
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) - Curricular Practical Training (CPT, 1 credit) is work authorization for students holding F-1 visas. CPT permits eligible students to gain specialize, curriculum-based training linked to the student’s field of study. Eligibility requirements include completing one academic year of study. CPT will only be authorized for students who have a valid, verifiable training offer related to their enrolled program. Students interested in CPT can find detailed information on CPT policies, procedures and requirements at the Career Services Center or by contacting the University’s DSO.
-
At IGU, CPT is considered as an integral part of the established curriculum. Therefore, for each degree program, IGU offers a number of CPT courses that at different level. Students are advised to consult with the program chair about when and how to enroll in a CPT class.
Credit received through CPT is not applied towards a students’ graduation requirement..
Forms:
Quick Eligibility Guidelines
* Transfer-in students could be eligible as early as the beginning of the first term if s/he is able bring enough transfer credits to match all 100 and 200 level courses for undergraduate programs. Transfer-in students coming for graduate programs could also be eligible for a CPT as early as the first term if courses attempted at IGU plus courses transferred meet all core requirements mentioned above. Furthermore, transfer students who are on OPT or have completed OPT will be subjected to the same CPT guidelines described above.
-
Optional Practical Training (OPT) - Is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Under the prior rules, an F-1 student could be authorized to receive up to a total of 12 months of practical training either before (pre-) and/or after (post-) completion of studies. Please visit the following link for a more complete guide on How To Apply For OPT.
-
If you are interested in CPT or OPT please fill out this survey and let us know.
-
Economic Hardship - If unforeseen circumstances arise, you may be able to get permission to work part-time at an off-campus job if you have been enrolled full-time for one academic year. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
-
Internship with an International Organization - A bona fide F-1 student who has been offered employment by a recognized international organization within the meaning of the International Organization Immunities Act (59 Stat. 669) must apply for employment authorization to the service center having jurisdiction over his or her place of residence. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
-
Volunteering - is a great way to get involved in life outside of your classroom, but remember:
-
You cannot receive any form of taxable income without permission to work, and
-
You cannot volunteer for a position that the organization would normally hire someone to fill, and
-
You must first consult the International Student Office before doing volunteer work.
-
Learn more about volunteering at Study in the States.
-
-
Social Security numbers generally are assigned to people who are authorized to work in the United States. Social Security numbers are used to report your wages to the government and to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits. Social Security will not assign you a number just to enroll in a college or school. You can read more at the Social Security Website or Study In The States.
-
Before engaging in any employment you must first consult and receive permission from a DSO in the International Student Office. We also recommend students review the Study in the States -Working in the United States guide. Any unauthorized employment will be reported through SEVIS and your record will be terminated.
Professional Organizations
Enhance your career by identifying and joining a professional organization for your career field. Learn about the many ways professional networking can be to your advantage by reviewing 5 Reasons Professional Organizations are Worth Joining.
Check out the WEDDLE's Association Directory to find a professional organization where you can network and enhance your career prospects.
Career Assessment
Interested in learning about your strengths? Career assessment is a process of assessing your interests, skills, personality traits, and values. By conducting career assessments in these four areas, you are likely to discover which careers fit you best. The resources below can help you determine how you can be successful professionally.
Interests
Skills
Skills Profiler
ISEEK Skills Assessment
Self Exploration
Personality Profiles
Jung Typology Tests
Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI) Sample
Values
O*NET Computerized Work Importance Profiler™
Quick Work Preference Inventory