International Student FAQs

Throughout the year, you'll encounter numerous new terms, both from your coursework and the job search process. Here's a basic list of commonly used terms and jargon you may find helpful as you engage with the Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC).

Affinity Fair(s) - National recruiting events that are held each fall that focus on a specific population of students (primarily MBA). The three most leveraged at Carlson are National Black, ROMBA (for LGBTQAI+), and Veterans. Each of the Fairs has a corresponding CBCC coach that supports the students attending these events. 

Business Development (BD) - This is the team of individuals on the CBCC team who manage the relationships with employers. Whereas the coaches work with students, the BD team is the face of the CBCC for campus recruiters and hiring leaders. The team divides their work by industry. So, once you know what industry you want to work in, you will know which BD person can help you identify potential companies to target.

Career Coach - This is the dedicated team at the CBCC committed to supporting and guiding graduate students. Our coaches are here to assist students in navigating their professional paths and achieving their career goals post-graduation. Through regular meetings and ongoing communication, students collaborate closely with their coach(es) to receive personalized strategies and encouragement, enabling them to reach their target and be successful  in their job search.

CBCC - Carlson Business Career Center (it is such a long name, so CBCC is what you will hear most often!)

Coffee Chat (also known as an informational interview, One-on-One, or 1:1) - This is a networking meeting with a Carlson alum, hiring leader, or personal connection. Typically 20-30 minutes long, the goal is to learn about the work of that individual (or company). Students will have A LOT of these meetings in their first few months of school. The amount of coffee chats you will have varies a lot by student. But, it is not unusual for students to have three meetings a week.

Coffee with BD - A bi-weekly meeting where the BD team makes themselves available to students to answer questions about employers and help guide students in their job search.  Usually occurs on Wednesdays in the Carlson School of Management atrium.

Core school - Generally used within the context of recruiting which happens on campus or where Carlson has a close relationship with the University Recruiting Team of a particular company. It's when a company prioritizes its recruiting efforts at a short list of specific schools. You may hear it in the following contexts:

"Land O'Lakes' core schools are Darden, Ross, and Carlson."

"Carlson is a core school of Medtronic."

Contract Coach - Comprised of Carlson alumni, our team of contract coaches offers invaluable coaching for various job search requirements on a part-time basis. They excel in providing practice sessions for networking, as well as behavioral or case interview preparation. Leveraging their expertise is beneficial, especially if they work at a company of interest to you or possess a relevant background, such as military or technical experience. You can find the current list of contract coaches on the CBCC website and schedule appointments with them through Handshake for personalized assistance.

Corporate Reception - The annual event that kicks off the recruiting season for a particular program. Students get to mingle with companies in a cocktail hour format to learn more about companies, job opportunities, and make networking connections. 

CPT - Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a program that temporarily allows international students with an F-1 visa to gain practical experience directly related to their major through employment, paid or unpaid internships, or cooperative (co-op) education. It must be part of an established curriculum and must be completed before graduating.

Direct Hire - When a company hires a student outside of the regular recruiting season.  These types of opportunities are sourced both by the CBCC as well as through student networking. Direct hire roles are most often posted in the spring and early summer as classes are coming to an end and companies have a better idea of their hiring needs.  

Elevator Pitch - Used at networking events or for quick introductions, the Elevator Pitch offers a high-level overview of your career progression and what you are looking to do next. 

GMAT - One of a number of factors that investment banking and consulting companies use as part of their applicant review process. Each company weighs the GMAT score differently (and not always transparently). Those who took the GRE can search for a conversation algorithm on Google to show what their GRE equates to in the GMAT style. Historically, a score of 700 is considered the gold standard. This is changing as more and more schools drop the GMAT requirement. 

H1B - The H-1B is a visa in the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act, section 101(a)(15)(H) that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. This is the visa that international students need to remain and work in the US. International students are not guaranteed this visa. There are so many applicants for this visa that the US government holds a lottery each April and only a certain amount of applicants will get it each year.

Handshake - The software the CBCC uses for all things career and job search. This will be your one-stop-shop for applying for internships or jobs, making appointments with coaches, registering for company events or workshops, researching companies, and their CBCC contacts.

Info Session - A session hosted by a company where students can find out about the work they do, the openings they have, and how to apply to roles with them. It generally lasts an hour and is broken up by a 25-minute presentation, 15-minute Q&A, and the remaining time to network/mingle with Carlson alumni that are there representing the company.

Interview (behavioral) - The most common type of interview format for graduate-level business interviews. The interviewer will ask you a question and you will share a short story about something you did that demonstrates the particular skill set being asked about.  For example: "Tell me about a time you had to analyze a large set of data." The student will respond to this question with a 2-3 minute response using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format. 

Interview (case) - In a case interview, the candidate is provided with a detailed situation, problem, or challenge and asked to analyze it and come up with a solution. A case interview question can be based on a creative business situation your interviewer has experienced in real life, or one manufactured to deduce your abilities.  Case interviews are most common in the consulting space but becoming more common in other industries as well, including analytics. A sub-set of case interviews are mini-case. These are shorter, less complex scenarios and are generally used as part of interviews for marketing roles. As an example, one year, 3M had the following mini-case: "We just acquired the rights to the lightsaber. Beyond a weapon, how could we leverage and market this technology for another use"

Interview (functional, aka technical) - Assesses job candidates' knowledge, skills, and experience for a specific job. Functional fit interviews may also include assessment tests to determine how well they performed in required areas, such as coding skills for technical positions or writing and editing skills for PR jobs. Common roles that do functional or technical interviews are finance, business analytics, and product management (tech).

Interview (informational) - See Coffee Chat

Non-OCR/non-Carlson facilitated - Similar to a Direct Hire, these are job opportunities that are seeking graduate-level talent but they are not necessarily working with CBCC to specifically source Carlson students. Examples can include big companies like Nike, Sephora, Walmart, as well as start-ups, non-profits, or smaller companies that do not have the ability to predict their hiring a year out.  Students can and should still apply for opportunities they find through non-Carlson channels. 

OCR/On-Campus Recruiting/Carlson-facilitated - Refers to internship and job opportunities facilitated by the CBCC office. Recruiting at the graduate level is not one day or one event but a "season" of recruiting activities that includes info sessions, company site visits, application periods, interviews, etc. You can look at the Career Guide for a breakdown of activities by program starting on page 2.

OPT - Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that temporarily allows international students with an F-1 visa in the United States to work up to 12 months in relation to their major of study. F-1 visa students are eligible for OPT after completing their first academic year. Those students in a STEM-designated program, are eligible for an additional 24-month extension.

Peer Coaching (aka Small Group Peer Coaching) - Available from September to April, our interview skills practice service allows students to participate in groups of up to three, offering the opportunity to refine their interview techniques by observing and benchmarking against others' responses. This is primarily focused on behavioral interviewing questions. Attending at least two sessions early in your interview preparation is highly recommended. Secure your spot for a session through Handshake under Events.

Pipeline/non-pipeline - This pertains to internships, which can either be pipeline or non-pipeline. In a pipeline internship, there's the possibility of transitioning into a full-time role (based on performance) after graduation. Conversely, in a non-pipeline internship, it's a standalone experience without the opportunity of a full-time position afterward. Generally, students favor pipeline opportunities because it streamlines the recruitment process, but it's worth noting that both types of internships offer equal opportunities for gaining experience and building skills. 

Resume book - a PDF file of resumes (pulled from Handshake) that the CBCC sends on behalf of a group of students who best match the criteria for a specific job opening. Note that these are pulled in real time so it is important for students to keep their resumes updated and visible in Handshake at all times.

Resume drop - Carlson jargon for submitting your resume via Handshake to a job posting.

Site visit - An event where a company hosts a group of students to meet at the company headquarters to learn about the company, get a tour, and talk to leaders and Carlson alumni about what it is like to work at their organization.

Sponsor/ship - How we reference employers who are willing to hire international students and go through the very extensive hiring/documentation process to get an H1B so that they can work at their organization. As an example, we would say,  "Amazon is willing to sponsor international students."

STAR story - Refers to the format students use when answering behavioral interview questions. The story is structured into 4 key parts =  Situation, Task, Action, Result.

M.S. MBA - An MBA with a STEM designation through taking courses that meet the STEM requirement. This designation is important for international students as it potentially allows for the student to get OPT extended an additional 24 months (for a total of 36 months) provided the role is STEM-related and thus the opportunity to apply for the H1B Visa more than once.

TMAY - The acronym for "Tell Me About Yourself" which refers to the two-minute opening statement in your interview when you share an overview of your career and academic progression.

(The) Close - The last 45 seconds of your interview. This is your opportunity to reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role and the company, highlighting once again why you believe you are a good fit for the position.

• The CBCC Career Guide is full of useful information about the graduate student job search process.

There are two books that we highly recommend you read before you start your program:

• 20-Minute Networking Meeting (graduate version) by Nathan Perez and Marcia Ballinger - a book you can either purchase or check out of the CBCC mini-library when you arrive on campus.

• 2-hour Job Search by Steve Dalton - a book you can purchase or check out from the CBCC mini-library when you arrive on campus.

What a great question, thank you for asking!

Before you start your program, complete the recommended reading listed in the other section. Since the CBCC serves 11 graduate programs with varying recruiting cycles, specific instructions may differ by program. Your best course of action is to complete your pre-work follow the guidance provided by your program's assigned coach and complete the assignments according to the timelines/deadlines they provide. 

At the right time, the coach assigned to your program will direct you to the complete onboarding instructions in alignment with your program start date and recruiting cycle. When you receive access to our onboarding page, it will provide a checklist of 7-8 essential steps you need to take to ensure you're on track and fully prepared for your job search journey. 

Unlike career offices you may have encountered in your home country, the CBCC isn't a placement center. We specialize in fostering employer connections, presenting job opportunities, and providing support throughout your search. Securing a job offer ultimately hinges on your ability to demonstrate that you are the standout candidate.

This is probably the number one question we get from international students. Companies continually assess sponsorship opportunities both at the organizational and role-specific levels, creating a dynamic landscape with no definitive list. For optimal exploration, we recommend utilizing a blend of resources to create a list of companies that is right for your search: 

1. Handshake: Start here and use filters to identify companies open to OPT/CPT and sponsoring H1B visas.

2. Where Do Carlson Grads Go?: Updated annually with recent graduates' data, including a tab listing sponsoring companies.

3. MBA-Exchange.com: Offers comprehensive data sourced from the Department of Labor for MBAs. 

4. Career-nomics.com: Offers comprehensive data sourced from the Department of Labor for specialty master's students.

5. LinkedIn + H1B extension: This tool aids in deciding whether to apply for a role by providing H1B sponsorship information on LinkedIn postings.

6. myvisajobs.com: Effective for broad category searches and targeting lesser-known companies with potentially lower competition.

Additionally, you might identify companies using specialized search sites aligned with your degree or field. Create your own expanded list of job search platforms such as Angel List/Wellfound (start-ups), Otta (personalized weekly job postings), Workmaze guides (MBA jobs), MN Board of non-profits and Idealist (non-profit opportunities). Keep exploring to find the best fit for your needs! 

Networking in the U.S., particularly within Business School, may differ from your past experiences. It's not just encouraged but expected for your career journey. Embracing networking early enhances your job search. The CBCC offers resources to help you navigate this. 

Start by exploring the networking page on the CBCC website. 

We also recommend reading the 20-Minute Networking Meeting by Nathan Perez and Marcia Ballinger and The 2-hour Job Search  (chapters 6-10) by Steve Dalton. These books can either be purchased or you can check them out from the CBCC's mini-library in our lobby. 

After reviewing these resources, feel free to schedule a coaching appointment to answer outstanding questions or get additional guidance.

When you're ready to start networking, begin with low-risk connections, like fellow students or recent graduates. It's okay to make mistakes early on when the stakes are lower. Avoid pressure by avoiding senior leaders or top companies initially. 

For practice networking sessions, you can schedule with CBCC staff coaches or meet with our contract coaches who are Carlson alumni experienced in networking. They'll provide valuable feedback to help you improve.

Most Carlson alumni are eager to assist international students with their job search. While we are unable to publish a list of alumni for privacy reasons, finding alumni to network with is easy enough. 

To start, utilize the LinkedIn Alumni page to identify Carlson alumni in your field of interest. Then, reach out via LinkedIn message or email with a brief note expressing your interest in connecting for a chat. You can take a similar approach by checking the private Carlson alumni group as well. 

You can also check the Where Carlson Grads Go list to identify companies with our international student alumni and then leverage LinkedIn to identify Carlson alumni who work there. 

If your target company lacks a Carlson alum, talk to your coach or contact a team member from the Business Development (BD) team. They may be able to connect you with someone or offer alternative suggestions.

Please refer to the resume section of the CBCC website for all things resume. We also have multiple resume samples in our Career Guide. Examples begin on page 47. 

Handshake - This is the tool the CBCC uses for all things career and job search. This will be your one-stop shop for applying for internships or jobs, making appointments with coaches, registering for company events or workshops, and researching companies who work are actively sourcing Carlson talent. Once you log into Handshake, use the left-hand navigation on your main page:

• Job = postings from employers (and you can filter for OPT/CPT and companies that sponsor H1B)

• Events = employer events, site visits, job fairs, etc.

• Employers = get detailed information about a company including interview reviews (and the ability to "follow" on Handshake)

• Career Center = how you can make an appointment with a coach

It's a best practice to regularly check Handshake for upcoming events. However, select events will be posted here on the CBCC website home page.

If you can't make a CBCC-hosted event and it was recorded, you can go to this calendar on the CBCC website and watch the recording of the event (usually available 24-48 hours after the event).

For companies that are not actively sourcing Carlson talent (but are hiring graduate students), you should check the company website for any events they are offering direct from their University Recruiting operations.

This is the team of individuals on the CBCC team who manage the relationships with employers. Whereas the coaches work with students, the Business Development (BD) team is the face of the CBCC for campus recruiters and hiring leaders. The team divides their work by industry. So, once you know what industry you want to work in, you will know which BD person can help you identify potential companies to target. 

• View the up-to-date roster of the Business Development (BD) team along with their assigned industry verticals.

• During the school year, the BD team will host Coffee with BD in the Carlson atrium on bi-weekly Wednesdays. Stop by to say hi and talk about the companies you are interested in and the latest news from the BD team's work with employers.

• The BD team also publishes weekly job opportunities updates during the school year. 

As a Carlson student, you will find that there may be different levels of formality tailored to different settings and occasions.  The three most common "dress codes" that you will probably hear as a business school student are:

1. Business Casual: This dress code allows for a relaxed yet professional appearance. You might wear dress slacks/khakis, or skirts paired with a collared shirt or blouse, perhaps accompanied by a sweater or blazer. Dark denim has become acceptable business casual attire in many settings, provided that you "dress it up" a bit with whatever you're wearing on top. It's important to avoid faded or ripped jeans, T-shirts, and worn sneakers, however.   

2. Business Professional: This attire is more formal and suitable for presentations, interviews, or client meetings. Examples include tailored suits in dark or neutral colors paired with dress shirts or blouses, business dresses with blazers, often in darker colors. Accessories like belts, watches, earrings, and jewelry should typically be minimal.

3. Business Formal: Reserved for the most formal occasions, including interviews with more conservative industries and companies (when in doubt, ask a member of the CBCC, or even the recruiter!). Business formal usually includes dark, tailored suits with light colored dress shirts, conservative ties, and polished dress shoes. 

You can find sample images of each of these three dress codes here

In all cases, grooming and personal hygiene are crucial components of maintaining a professional image. While dress codes may vary slightly based on event, industry, or company culture, paying attention to these rough guidelines will ensure that you can present yourself confidently and appropriately in a variety of professional and social environments.

We offer an extensive amount of resources tailored to different stages of your job search journey. This includes videos, templates, samples, trackers, and more. These tools are all available through the CBCC website. 

Below is a quick overview of commonly used tools and resources used in the EARLY STAGES of your search -  organized to align with typical job search activities. Some tools may apply to multiple stages of the process and you will see them listed more than once. 

HOW TO…? 

• Anytime you don't know how to do something, start at the CBCC website.

Staying organized

• • Tealhq.com (free version) and it’s LinkedIn extension 

  • 2-hour Job Search by Steve Dalton (chapters 1-5) - a book you can purchase or you can check out from the CBCC's mini-library

  • Set up a CAREER folder in your browser window with these key resources:

    • Tealhq.com

    • Handshake Login Page

    • CBCC Website

    • Carlson's Employment Reports

    • Carlson Alumni page on LinkedIn

    • LinkedIn, Glassdoor.com, Indeed.com, etc.

    • For MSBA students: Interview Query, RocketBlocks.com, HackerRank, LeetCode, Github, Towards Data Science, etc.

    • For MBA students: MBA-Exchange.com, CaseCoach.com, Workmazeguides.com (ID csm, password: mba), RocketBlocks.com, MBAA Internship & Jobs lists

Finding jobs

• • Handshake

  • MBA-Exchange.com (MBA)

  • Careernomics.com (specialty masters)

  • LinkedIn + H1B extension for LinkedIn

  • Myvisajobs.com

  • Where Carlson Grads Go

  • Workmaze Guides - MBA (updated twice/month) ID: csm password: MBA

Creating your resume

• vMock.com

Effective networking

• 20-Minute Networking Meeting (graduate version) by Nathan Perez and Marcia Ballinger - a book you can either purchase or check out of the CBCC mini-library

• 2-hour Job Search by Steve Dalton (chapters 6-10 ) - a book you can purchase or check out from the CBCC mini-library

Finding people to network with

• • LinkedIn – using either:

    • Carlson public alumni page OR

    • Carlson private alumni group

  • Where Carlson Grads Go

  • Maroon & Gold Network

  • CBCC Business Development Team & Coaches

  • MBAs can also leverage - MBAA Internship and Jobs list and/or your 2Ys

According to requirements of your F1 visa, you must have two semesters of schooling before you are able to secure a job at a company. 

However, in the past, some students have found interesting business-related opportunties, project work, and internships thourgh departments within the University. And that has been acceptable in the past because it is like a work-study situation. These opportunities are generally self-sourced by the student. Students are encouraged to think about this before pursuing it. You are in very demanding programs, especially in your early semesters. We do not encourage students to take on work during this time because of the demands of the coursework as well as your overall job search. 

For those students in two-year programs, you are able to work during school, internally or externally from the University for up to 20 hours a week during your second year. 

The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) enables temporary work authorization in the U.S. post-graduation. It's essential for working legally. Typically, you apply for your EAD about four months before graduation to ensure timely arrival. 

When applying, consider key factors:

• EAD Processing Time: Check the current processing duration at U.S. government offices.

• Start Date Preference: Choose when you intend to begin your full-time job.

• Planned Time Off: Decide if you intend to take time off before starting your job.

• Job Market: Assess the current job market conditions.

• Employment Status: Do you have a full-time offer or are you still seeking employment?

For most students graduating in May, EAD start dates fall sometime in June. 

When it is time to apply for your EAD, you will work with ISSS to complete the process. They are the best people to help with questions about i-20's and other legal documentation required.

If you have questions about selecting your start date based on your job search, market conditions, or personal factors, consult with your CBCC coach for help.