U.S. Internships by Alexander H. Lostocco

It is an understandable human trait to have a goal in mind, yet not fully consider the amount of preparation required to reach the goal. While understandable, this can be disastrous for a young professional undertaking an internship in a foreign country. This chapter helps you minimize the risk of disappointment and overcome the number of difficulties you encounter during your internship search. By reading it, you will understand what an internship is and is not, define your personal reasons for pursuing an internship, and make sure those reasons are realistic. You will also learn the advantages and possible disadvantages of an international internship. Finally, because the process of obtaining an internship is long, you will be given simple directions on how to develop a journal to track your progress.

By the conclusion of this chapter, you will know whether you really want to pursue a US internship, and what you need to know to move forward.

Chapter 2: Your Advantages and Possible Disadvantages...

Many young professionals will focus on the rewards of an internship. While there are many, there are also possible drawbacks, which you might not be aware of in the beginning. Also, while you will certainly have challenges as an international, you can also bring some positive aspects to your US employer that you might not have considered, or even know about. Here, you will become aware of those advantages and disadvantages, learn “insider knowledge” that will help you overcome your challenges, and find out how to take full advantage of the positive elements you can bring to an internship.

Chapter 3: Preparing Your Resume…

In the world of work, your resume is the vital tool that shows a potential employer who you are and what you are capable of doing. A resume is even more important to an international; because of the distance between you and a potential employer, the resume is the only way your employer will know about you and what you can offer to them.

Unfortunately, the resume is where most young professionals have difficulty, and without the right knowledge, it is easy to make a mistake that can lose the internship opportunity you most desire. One major problem is that most books deal with the subject of resumes for a domestic seeking an internship or job, not for an international who faces a host of different challenges. In this chapter, you will find many examples of the steps to an effective resume as well as comprehensive, clear answers to the following questions and many more:

What are the differences between a US resume and those from other countries?
What are the different types of resumes, and which type of resume is right for me?
What are the characteristics of a good resume?
What are some common resume mistakes?
Show me how to develop a resume, step-by-step.
What are the types and rules for electronic resumes (e-resumes)?

By using the information in this chapter, you can develop a resume that will allow you to compete effectively and project a professional image to anyone in the world.

Chapter 4: Your Cover Letters and Other Materials…

The resume is only one important tool you need. In this chapter, through instructions and many examples, you will discover how to develop a cover letter, portfolio and other supplementary materials. For the international seeking an internship with virtually no chance of having a face-to-face interview, the quality of these materials is a critical issue. The information in this chapter will help you project a professional image that builds confidence in the eyes of the reader.

You will also discover the importance of references, why they are required, whom should they be obtained from, and how to use them successfully. Many samples are included of all the documents.

Chapter 5: Identifying the Right Internship…

If all the internships available in the United States can be thought of as a universe, then you, as the “space traveler,” have a daunting challenge to find the best “planet” for your needs. This chapter is divided into three main sections, each with its own set of objectives and goals. Extensive, updated information is given about the costs associated with an internship, and ways to deal with costs if you are on a tight budget. Once you identify the type of internship that best fits your needs and desires, you will find an extensive list of the best books, guides and Internet sites to use to conduct your search, as well as ways to save time and effort during the search.

Some of the many topics in this chapter include:

The differences between all the various types of internships, and the advantages and disadvantages of each for the international.
The different characteristics of internships, and the impact each element can have, positive or negative, on your success and satisfaction with the internship you eventually choose.
Instructions, including tables and charts you can fill in, to help you evaluate the ideal internship for you, taking into account location, weather, cost of living, transportation and cultural venues that might interest you.

A few of the questions in this chapter include:

Tell me about paid vs. unpaid internships. What is the difference between credit and non-credit internships?
How much time should I allow to find my internship?
What are the major Internet sites for posting my resume?
Can you give me a list of books and guides that list internships? What are other resources I can use to identify potential internships?

Chapter 6: Internship Campaign Strategies…

By reading this chapter, you can master a three-pronged approach to landing an internship, and learn about job-search strategies that are common in the United States , but might not be in other countries. The first two approaches of the three-pronged approach—using the Internet and using published books and guides—are part of a passive method of finding an internship. The third advocates a more aggressive approach, using sources normally not used by the average student or young professional. By knowing about all three approaches, you will know which one is best for you, and why the aggressive approach, often used with the other two approaches, might serve you better. You will also learn many networking tips you can use to extend your “reach” into the universe of internships.

A few of the questions answered in this chapter include:

Where do I start for an aggressive approach? What tactics and strategies should I employ?
Okay, I have made contact. How do I follow up?
What is a broadcast letter, and how do I use it?
What are other strategies that I should consider?
Are there any other networking tips I need to consider?

Chapter 7: Preparing for and Carrying Out Your Interview…

The interview is perhaps the most important part of your internship search. Unfortunately, it is also where you can easily lose your chance at the internship you most desire. This chapter gives in‑depth help and tips for preparing for your interview, actually doing the interview in person or via telephone, and essential things to do after the interview to increase your chances of success. In addition, you will know what the American interviewer expects from you and what they might do or say during the interview. Included are an extensive list of frequently asked interview questions and how to skillfully answer them, as well as which interview questions or topics are considered off-bounds in the United States.

Some of the many topics and questions in this chapter include:

Interview Preparation

What are the different types of interviews I might encounter?
What should I know about myself to prepare for the interview? What should I know about the employer?
What are some of the typical questions I might be asked, and how do I answer them?
Can you tell me some of the difficult questions I might encounter?
I have heard there are laws on what can be asked during an interview. What are they?
I am concerned about my English speaking ability. How do I overcome this?

Doing the Interview

I have an interview! Where do I start?
How do I go about winning the interviewer over?
I will be doing a phone interview. How do I handle it?
After my interview, is there anything else I should do?

Chapter 8: “Lock it Down” - Formalizing Your Internship…

You have been offered the internship you most wanted, and are on top of the world. Or, even better, you received more than one offer!

But wait! This is the place most internationals encounter problems. In their state of overexuberance, they misinterpret what they have been offered. Or, they don’t review the offer properly before accepting it. Too late, they find out that a big difference exists between what they expected and the reality of their situation. By using the information in this chapter, this will not happen to you.

Here, you will find all the factors you should consider before accepting (or rejecting) a particular offer. You will also have a step-by-step analysis tool (with examples) that helps take the emotion out of the decision process. After you decide that an offered internship is the right one for you, you will be guided through the method to “lock down” the internship—via a well-crafted letter designed to “spell out” and confirm all the details of the internship.

Chapter 9: Obtaining a US Visa…

Even when you have found the perfect internship and have confirmed all the details, you still need to obtain a visa to enter the United States . This required process can lead to nightmares if not handled properly. This chapter gives you everything you need to know and do to make the visa process as painless and trouble-free as possible. Questions in this chapter include:

What are the two categories of US visas? Which one most often applies to interns?
What should I know about visa policy?
What is different now about Student and Exchange Visa policy?
What types of financial resources are required?
What are the required documents, and are there any associated costs?
Is a visa denial permanent?
I understand there is a foreign residency requirement. Can you explain this?

Chapter 10: Living in the USA. …

Even if you have visited the United States before, there are some important differences between visiting the US and living there. This chapter covers a host of different topics to help you adjust to living in the United States . While the information here is comprehensive, Internet sites are also provided to help you find out more.

Here are some of the many questions you will find answers to in this chapter:

Cultural Considerations

What do I need to know about adjusting to a new culture?
What are some common customs practiced by Americans?

General Information about the USA

How does the US government work?
Can you give me an overview of the US economy?
What are the US holidays?

Daily Living

What are the first things I should do when I arrive in the US ?
What do I need to know about banking in the US ? What is the currency of the US and the basic units? What do I do if I need money in a hurry?
What do I need to know about credit cards? Traveler’s checks?
What do I need to know to make a phone call?
How does the US mail service work?

Traveling in the USA

By Car

What do I need to know about owning a vehicle in the US ? Can I use my country's driver’s license?
I have purchased a vehicle. How do I register it?
What are the basic driving rules I should follow?

By Air

How has air travel changed since US security increased? What else should I know?

By Bus

Tell me about bus travel in the US , and where to find the best prices on tickets.

Travel Restrictions and Rules

What is the 30-day rule, and does it affect me?
What do I need to know about trips outside the US once I am there?

Emergencies, Health Insurance and Medical Issues

Emergencies & Trouble

How do I prepare for a possible emergency or problem?
Who should be on my list of contacts in the event of an emergency?
What should I consider an emergency? What should I consider a non-emergency?
Whom should I contact if I lose any of my documents?

Health Insurance

Tell me about US health insurance.
How do hospitals, clinics and emergency rooms work? How does dental care work in the US ?
Can I bring my own prescription drugs and medicine with me?

Crime and Punishment in the USA

What should I know about using drugs in the US ? Can I smoke wherever I want? What is the legal age for drinking alcohol? What are the “drinking-and-driving laws” about?
Do US laws apply to me? Is it true that different states have different laws?
Should I be concerned about crime in the US ? How can I avoid being a victim of crime?
What are my legal rights if I am arrested? What should I do if I am arrested? What can happen to me if I am found guilty of a crime?

Taxes and Social Security

Tell me about the tax forms I must complete by April 15th after the end of the year. How do I handle payments and refunds?

Chapter 11: Working in the USA …

Now that you have gone though the process of getting to your internship, this chapter will take you into the world of US business and the rules of etiquette followed in the United States . Questions answered include these, and more:

What are the perceptions and realities that I will face?
How do Americans view themselves?
I have heard it said, “Every American marches to his own beat.” What does this mean? What do they mean when they say in America , “There is a level playing field for all”?
Is there much government intervention into US businesses?
Is the atmosphere in US businesses formal, or informal?
Can I use the American method of doing business to my advantage?

Chapter 12: You Can Do It…

Now that you have a thorough understanding of the process to obtain and complete a US internship, this chapter will give you inspiration to follow your dream. Includes the author’s personal welcome to the United States and the world of internships in America .

Appendix - Idioms Used in this Book

To help you more quickly acclimate to US culture and the American workplace, here you will find fifteen pages of the most common idioms and slang terms used in the United States , plus free Internet resources to find out more. Each idiom is defined, and example sentences of each are given for fuller understanding.

Index

An alphabetical index allows you to quickly find information in the book for review. You will use this resource often during your internship search as well as after you arrive in America .