On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the Career Connections Center collaborated with UF International Student Services to host a virtual event within our International Student Series. The session was to provide an overview and education to about the CPT/OPT process for international students here at the University of Florida.
The event recording can be accessed via this link (available until July 2025): https://ufl.zoom.us/rec/share/hdSds8JeGWFgCEbgVyso-hSkGTkHKwbMkJ0ON10r_0U7J6LHpN9Op_ARNEpFxXLo.kMRVAzstbUEQaNU-?startTime=1737576021000
Event Summary
| Career Development for International Students: Edwina Hurst, the senior manager for experiential learning at the Career Connection Center, led a session on career development for international students. She emphasized the importance of developing skills and competencies that employers value, such as communication, critical thinking, and leadership. Edwina also discussed the concept of experiential learning, which includes various categories like community-based learning, internships, co-ops, and global and sociocultural learning. She encouraged students to participate in these experiences to enhance their skills and prepare for their future careers. | |
| Career Pathways and Resources Discussed Edwina discussed the various career pathways available at the Career Connection Center, including specialized coaches for different fields such as healthcare, business, public service, and STEM. She also highlighted the resources available on the Gator Career Link portal, including job postings, career planning appointments, and employer directories. Edwina emphasized the importance of utilizing the GoinGlobal platform for international students, which provides job and internship opportunities, career guides, and employer directories. She also introduced the Forage job simulation platform, the Gator Network online community, and the Quinncia platform for resume and interview practice. Edwina encouraged students to take advantage of these resources to enhance their career prospects. Career Week and Gator Career Closet Edwina announced the upcoming Career Week from January 27th to 31st, which includes various career fairs, networking events, and information sessions. She encouraged all students to participate, even if they’re new to the University of Florida. Edwina also introduced the Gator Career Closet, offering free professional attire to students. Steve, an advisor at the International Center, discussed the upcoming STEM OPT presentation in early February and briefly covered CPT and standard OPT. He encouraged students to review the information on their website and reach out with any questions. CPT and OPT for F1 Students Steve discussed the importance of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F1 students, emphasizing that it is required for both paid and unpaid positions, whether required or optional. He clarified that CPT is not the same as on-campus employment and can be full-time or part-time. Steve also explained that CPT is required for on-campus employment exceeding 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. He further detailed that CPT is date-specific and can only be authorized for one semester at a time. A student asked about eligibility for CPT as a freshman, and Steve confirmed that they could apply for CPT after completing their first year of study. Steve also discussed Optional Practical Training (OPT), a temporary work authorization for F1 students to gain work experience related to their major after graduation. He clarified that OPT is not tied to a specific employer and is a work authorization for 12 months at each degree level completed. OPT Application Process and Timeline Steve discussed the process of applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for students on F1 visas. He explained that students have 90 days of unemployment starting from the first day of their approved OPT time, which can be extended if they find a job within this period. He also mentioned that students can apply for OPT 90 days before their program end date, and they have a 60-day grace period after their program end date to apply. Steve emphasized the importance of hitting ‘submit application’ after completing all requirements, as this step is crucial for the application to be processed. He also mentioned that students can apply for a 24-month extension of their standard OPT if they are in a STEM field. Steven encouraged students to review the OPT page and apply for the OPT I-20 through his office. He also clarified that students can start their employment only after receiving their OPT card. OPT, CPT, and Visa Renewal Clarifications Steven clarified that postdocs are considered on opt and can travel to their home country after their program end dates, provided they have the OPT card. He also confirmed that individuals can apply for a green card while on OPT. The deadline for submitting a CPT application, Steve explained that the application should be submitted about two weeks before the start date of the internship. Next steps | |
| • Students to review the Career Connection Center and UFIC websites for detailed information on CPT and OPT. | |
| • Students graduating this semester to apply for OPT I-20 in mid-February. | |
| • Students to register for summer internship credits when course registration opens in late March. | |
| • International students to attend the Career Showcase. | |
| • Students to visit the UFIC table at the Career Showcase on Monday and Wednesday for questions. | |
| • Edwina to send out the recording and presentation slides to attendees by Friday. | |
| • Students with specific CPT/OPT questions to contact their International Student Advisor through the UFIC contact form. | |
| • Students encouraged to attend upcoming International Student Series sessions on: – February 7th – OPT/OPT-STEM Education Session – February 11th – Immigration Attorney Q&A – February 25th – What is Your Immigration Plan? | |
