The Ultimate Guide to Getting an Internship During Your US Master’s Program: CPT, Legalities, Tips & More

Getting an Internship during your USA Master's Program

Are you a student pursuing a Master’s degree in the USA? Are you eager to gain practical experience and boost your career prospects with an internship? Look no further! Here’s everything you need to know about securing an internship during your USA Master’s program!

Understanding CPT (Curriculum Practical Training)

If you’re enrolled in a Master’s program, you’re eligible for CPT, which allows you to work in a position related to your field of study. To qualify, you need to have a valid F-1 immigration status for at least two full-time semesters (equivalent to one academic year). CPT lets you work in a job related to your field of study for up to 364 days.

Why Go for Internships?

Internships aren’t just about making coffee runs, and they offer much more than just workplace experience – they provide invaluable insights into American work culture and help you build a strong foundation for your future career. Typically lasting 10 to 12 weeks during summer breaks (generally from 15th May to 15th August), internships offer opportunities to apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios. Some universities even allow extensions for up to 20 weeks (i.e., for the entire third semester), providing extended hands-on experience. In very rare cases, students can do an Internships during the USA Master’s Program for the full term of 364 days.

The Legal Stuff

Before you jump into an internship, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements. To be eligible for an internship, you must obtain CPT work authorization, which allows off-campus employment for international students (F-1 visa holders) pursuing study programs in the USA and wanting to gain experience in their fields of study. Keep in mind that CPT is not available once you’ve completed your degree program.

Still studying for your GRE? Explore our numerous blogs on GRE Quantitative Reasoning and GRE Verbal Reasoning.

How to Secure an Internship during your USA Master’s Program?

Here are some simple yet effective tips to help you land your dream internship:

Polish Your Resume:

  • Outline your major responsibilities within your previous professional work experience. Include action words (such as facilitated, led, managed, maintained, operated, recommended, etc.) that highlight your skills.
  • List relevant courses or projects you have worked on.
  • List your extracurricular activities or volunteer experience.
  • Keep the formatting simple and clean.

Tap into Your University’s Resources:

Every university has a career center or an internship coordinator for co-op and internship programs. Approach them to apply to the positions that interest you. Generally, every university also has a career center website showing internship opportunities in various corporations. Students are advised to visit this website regularly for updated listings and resources.

Explore Online Platforms:

Use job boards like LinkedIn, Monster, Indeed, and Glassdoor to search for internships in your field of interest. Create profiles and set up job alerts to stay informed about new opportunities. You can also use online forums like Glassdoor to look at the interview questions asked in companies that interest you.

Network, Network, Network:

  • Request Referrals within Your Network: Connect with individuals in your network within the US and inquire if they are acquainted with employees at companies you are interested in. Internal referrals from existing employees can significantly increase the likelihood of your resume being considered for an interview.
  • Career Fairs: Universities typically host career fairs each semester, providing an excellent opportunity to engage with potential employers and alumni. These events offer insights into industry hiring trends, facilitate networking, and present internship prospects.
  • Information Sessions and Tech Talks: Universities often arrange information sessions and tech talks featuring various companies, especially during career fairs. These sessions allow current employees, often university alumni, to share insights about their companies and potential opportunities. Prepare a targeted resume to distribute and ask insightful questions beyond what’s available on the company’s website.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you – take action now! Update your resume, reach out to your network, and start exploring internship options today. Whether you are aiming for a summer internship during your USA Master’s Program or seeking opportunities during the academic year, now is the time to kickstart your career journey.

As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of admission counseling services that can guide you through the entire process from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. We also offer classroom and online coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as GRE Self Prep. To explore our services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222.

The Ultimate Master’s Program Application Guide: Expert Tips for Spring 2025

Spring 2025

Missed the Fall 2024 application deadlines? Not sure what to do next? You’re in the right place! While Fall semester applications are more common, Spring 2025 semester admissions are equally feasible and offer ample opportunities, and we’re here to guide you through the application process. Let’s break it down step by step.

Why Apply for Spring 2025?

Opting for the Spring semester doesn’t just offer flexibility; it unlocks doors to a range of academic opportunities. Numerous universities offer admissions for both Fall and Spring semesters, allowing students to select the timeline that perfectly fits their needs. Choosing Spring 2025 isn’t just about avoiding a year-long wait due to a missed Fall deadline; it’s about seizing the chance to align your academic aspirations with your preferred start date, ensuring a smooth transition into your Master’s program.

Application Timeline

To help you navigate the application process smoothly, let’s break down the timeline:

Pre-requisite Tests: February-June 2024

Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to complete the necessary tests:

GRE and TOEFL/IELTS:

Aim to complete these exams by June 30, 2024. You can explore the comprehensive study options at Dilip Oak’s Academy here: GRE Classroom Coaching, TOEFL Classroom Coaching, and IELTS Classroom Coaching.

Gather Necessary Documents: June-July 2024

Assemble the required documents for your applications:

Statement of Purpose (SOP):

The SOP is a crucial document that offers insight into not only your reasons for choosing the course and university, but also your personality, field experience, and long-term goals. It should be concise, compelling, grammatically correct, and technically sound, spanning approximately 500 to 800 words.

Transcripts:

Obtain official transcripts from your previous institutions. Apply for transcripts well in advance, as some colleges or universities may require more time to process them.

Recommendation Letters:

Recommendation letters are critical documents that vouch for your qualities, background, and achievements as a candidate for the master’s programs. Virtually every university requires applicants to submit three recommendation letters. Choose your recommenders (college professors, project guides, or employers) carefully as these letters are meant to provide a comprehensive view of your suitability for the academic program.

Selection of Universities for Final Application: July-September 2024

Once you’ve completed your tests, it’s time to research and shortlist universities. Consider the following factors:

Specializations:

Not every university provides all specializations. To identify the right fit, explore each university’s course structure, programs, and research areas of professors, aligning them with your academic interests and career goals.

GRE Score:

Usually, universities don’t specify the minimum required score for applications. The score needed varies based on the university’s rank and reputation, information that’s often not available on their website. To gauge the score required, you can refer to the database of previous students admitted to these universities. Dilip Oak’s Academy maintains an extensive database of over 32,000 students who enrolled in various American universities since 1996, including those universities that offer a GRE waiver post COVID. Thus, our extensive database can help you gauge the scores accepted by various institutions.

TOEFL/IELTS Score:

Students must achieve the minimum qualifying score set by the university. Typically, most universities require a TOEFL score of 80, but some may ask for a higher score, up to 100. Similarly, for IELTS, a band score of 6.5 is commonly required, although some universities may seek a higher band, up to 7.5.

Academic Record:

Your academic record from your bachelor’s degree plays an important role in the application process. A strong year-wise GPA is necessary for admission to reputable universities. It’s advisable for students to avoid backlogs or year gaps.

Co-curricular Activities:

Projects, internships, paper presentations, publications, and seminar participations will strengthen your profile, increasing your chances of acceptance into better universities.

Budget:

Tuition fees and living expenses vary among universities, with state universities generally being more affordable than private ones. Students should carefully consider their financial situation when selecting universities. Additionally, students can explore education loans offered by various financial institutions to help cover costs.

Sending applications to universities: July-September 2024

Select 6 to 8 Universities:

Based on the abovementioned criteria, narrow down your choices to 6 to 8 universities for your final applications.

Complete Online Applications:

Make sure to finish the online application process before the university’s specified deadlines. Some institutions may require additional documents via courier alongside the online submission.

Forward Test Scores:

Request ETS to send your GRE and TOEFL scores to the selected universities (scores typically take a minimum of 2 weeks to arrive). The additional score reporting fee for GRE is $27 and TOEFL is $25.

After Sending Applications: Await Decisions and Prepare for Visa

Admission Decisions:

Anticipate admission decisions around September/October 2024. Once you receive an offer, promptly accept it. You’re allowed to accept multiple admissions before finalizing your choice for visa application.

Obtain I-20:

Upon acceptance, fulfill the necessary documentation requirements. The university will then issue you the I-20, a crucial immigration document for obtaining a visa.

Prepare for Visa:

Verify the accuracy of the information on the I-20 and gather the required financial documentation to apply for your visa.

Visa Application Process:

Schedule a visa interview date upon receiving your I-20. You can apply for an F-1 visa (student visa) within 360 days from the course commencement date mentioned on the I-20 form. Once you secure the visa date, proceed with the interview and complete the remaining formalities leading up to your departure.

Ready to dive into your Master’s journey for Spring 2025? Step up your game by gearing up for your GRE and TOEFL/IELTS exams with us! Already aced those exams? Reach out today to kick start your application process with confidence!

As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of admission counseling services that can guide you through the entire process from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. We also offer classroom and online coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as GRE Self Prep. To explore our services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222.

Exploring the Benefits of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 Visa Holders

Curricular Practical Training or CPT is a type of work authorization that permits students holding F1 visa to work off-campus in a position directly related to their major or program of study. CPT allows students to engage in internships, cooperative education programs, or other work experiences that are an integral part of their curriculum. CPT can be full-time or part-time, paid or unpaid, and may take place during the academic year or summer breaks. In this blog, we will discuss the details of CPT, and benefits for F1 visa holders.

Consulting with the designated school official (DSO) and following the necessary procedures will help students maximize the advantages of CPT while maintaining their legal status as international students.

Duration of CPT

The duration of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) can vary depending on the program and the academic institution’s guidelines. Generally, CPT can be undertaken on either a part-time or full-time basis. Full-time CPT allows students to work for more than 20 hours every week during official university breaks or vacation periods, while part-time CPT limits students to working not more than 20 hours per week while school is in session. The total duration of CPT typically should not exceed 12 months. However, it is important to note that engaging in full-time CPT for more than 12 month can make students ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is another work authorization available to F-1 visa holders after completing their academic program.

Eligibility for CPT

You must have been a lawful full-time student in the United States for one academic year (i.e., two full terms) to qualify for CPT unless your academic program mandates immediate participation for all students. Maintain a valid F-1 visa and a medical coverage.

Advantages of Curricular Practical Training (CPT):

  • Real-World Experience and skill development: CPT provides students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical work environment. It allows them to gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and understand how concepts learned in the classroom are implemented in real-world scenarios. CPT offers an environment for students to develop and refine a wide range of skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These transferable skills are in high demand by employers across various industries.
  • Career Exploration and Development: Engaging in CPT enables students to explore several career paths and industries. It helps them gain insights into their field of study, identify their strengths and interests, and make informed decisions about their future career goals.
  • Financial Support: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) offers F-1 visa holders in the US the advantage of financial support through paid opportunities. By participating in CPT, students can earn income that helps cover their education and living expenses. This financial support reduces the burden of tuition fees, accommodation costs, and everyday expenses. Moreover, it promotes independence and self-sufficiency by allowing students to rely less on external funding sources. The financial stability gained through CPT enables students to focus on their academic pursuits, gain relevant work experience, and fully immerse themselves in the international experience. By adhering to regulations and guidelines, students can benefit from the financial advantages of CPT while maintaining their F-1 visa status.
  • Networking Opportunities: CPT allows students to build professional networks and establish connections within their industry of interest. Through interactions with colleagues, supervisors, and professionals, students can expand their professional contacts, seek mentorship, and potentially secure future job opportunities.
  • Enhanced Employability and Resume Enhancement: Practical work experience gained through CPT can significantly enhance a student’s employability. Employers often value candidates with relevant industry experience, and CPT provides an avenue for students to demonstrate their skills, work ethic, and ability to contribute to the workplace. Having CPT experience can give students a competitive edge in the job market. Including CPT experience on a resume showcases a student’s practical experience and demonstrates their commitment to professional growth. It can make their resume stand out and differentiate them from other job applicants.
  • Cultural and Global Exposure: For international students, CPT provides an opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural and professional environment of their host country. It exposes them to diverse perspectives, work practices, and cultural norms, contributing to their personal and professional growth.

At Dilip Oak’s Academy, We also provide detailed guidance on these processes under our Admission Counseling Services, including a selection of universities, documentation process and visa counseling, and mock visa interviews. In addition, as India’s leading Study Abroad Consultants, we have helped more than 30,000 students to secure their dream admits for various universities in America including MIT, Stanford, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon and other top-ranked universities.

We also offer GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS coaching, GRE Self Prep and guide students with university selection, application essays, and visa counseling under our Admission Counseling Services for USA, Germany and UK.  To enroll, call us on 91-020-67444222, 91-8007878495

Advantages of Pursuing a Master’s Degree in UK

The UK is recognized as the second best international study destination after the USA. It offers students world class career prospects, state-of-the-art facilities and a multicultural environment. Some of the most reputed universities in the world are located in the UK. In fact, four of the world’s top ten universities are located in the UK.

 Some of the advantages of Studying in the UK are:

 1.   A wide variety of courses to choose from

Universities in UK offer a wide choice of subject to choose from, therefore if you are looking at studying a specialized subject then you can apply to universities that offer a Masters in that specific field (e.g. Artificial Intelligence or Machine learning) or if you are undecided about your specialization you may choose to study a general subject (e.g. Computer science)

2.    Shorter duration courses

The duration for a Masters Taught program is one year. Some universities also offer a two-year program which includes one placement year.

3.    Benefits of world leading resources and facilities

Most campuses provide students with an excellent learning environment which is complemented by well-equipped labs with latest technology and modern facilities. 

4.   Top quality Faculty with industry exposure

Most professors who teach at the university hold a Ph.D. There has been a constant transfer of knowledge between universities and the Industries through research projects. This enables students and companies to collaborate with each other.

5.   Scholarships and Jobs while studying

Some universities offer scholarships to international students. The amount offered may not cover the entire tuition cost but it will surely reduce the fees to some extent.

Students can also apply for the GREAT Scholarship offered by The British Council

6.   Excellent job opportunities

Computer Science or IT jobs have been classified among the “Shortage Occupations” List by the UK Government.

For more details and inquiries about pursuing higher education in the UK, reach us at 020-67444222 between 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm (Monday to Friday) and enroll for admission counselling for UK right away!

Live Webinar: Master’s Degree in UK for Computer Science & Related Fields

Are you planning to pursue a Master’s degree in the UK?

Do you require guidance regarding the application requirements, career opportunities and work visa in the UK?

Attend our FREE LIVE WEBINAR on Sunday, 3rd July 2022 and get in-depth guidance on:

  1. Admission criteria
  2. Application process
  3. Visa formalities
  4. Job prospects after the degree

Register here

The webinar is open to students from Computer Science and related fields.

Dilip Oak’s Academy is the pioneering institute in India for higher education abroad and since 1996, the academy has sent more than 30,000 students to various American universities. This year, the academy has also launched admission counselling services for master’s courses in the UK, primarily for Computer Science and related fields.

For more details, reach us at 020-67444222 or email us at support@dilipoakacademy.com

Advantages of Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Germany

Here are top five reasons to pursue a Masters in Germany:

1. No tuition fees: The greatest advantage of pursuing your Masters in Germany is that international students do not have to pay tuition fees since higher education in Germany is mostly funded by the state government. However, some universities charge a nominal semester fee and a small number private universities charge a tuition fee which is nevertheless very low compared to those charged by other countries.  

2. Industry-based specializations: Germany offers degree programs in very specialized fields such as Mechatronics, Commercial Vehicle Technology and, Advanced Signal Processing that are designed in keeping with industry trends. This increases your chances of getting high-paid jobs across diverse sectors. 

3. Quality education and internationally recognized degrees: German universities are known for their world-class education in terms of the advanced infrastructure, updated curricula and quality scientific research that they offer. A majority of these universities have affiliations with industry which helps students get internships and job opportunities after completing their courses in Germany as well as other countries in the European Union.  

4. Low living costs: Compared to other European countries, living costs in Germany are very low. Students also get concessions for housing and public transport.

5. Job opportunities: Germany offers a large number of jobs in technical fields and in Information Technology. After completing their Master’s degree, students can extend their visa for up to 18 months to find a job. They can also take up paid internships while studying. Indian students can also take up the on- and off-campus jobs for 150 full days or 240 half days. As mentioned above, students can also get good jobs in the European Union.

To help you get started with your preparation, we offer GRE Coaching, TOEFL Coaching, IELTS Coaching, and also Admission Counseling through which we provide guidance on the selection of universities, application essays, and visa counseling. 

Advantages of Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Canada

With its international student population touching 6.4 lakhs this year, Canada has become the 3rd most popular destination for foreign students, especially Indians, who constitute 34% of this number. Since 2014, the Indian student population in Canada has grown by a massive 350%.  Premier but affordable education, internationally recognized degrees, and opportunities for Permanent Residency have led a large number of students to apply for Master’s degrees in Canada. Additionally, its small population of 37 million, and the steady growth of its economy have opened up multiple job avenues over the last decade, especially in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, making them the most sought-after areas to settle in.

Here are the top six reasons why you should pursue a Masters in Canada:

1. Quality education and internationally recognized degrees: Canada is home to around 30 high-ranked universities offering degrees that are internationally recognized as equivalent to corresponding degrees earned in the US. These universities have highly qualified professors, mostly doctorates, with enormous experience in their fields.

2. Affordable tuition fees and living costs: compared to American universities, Canadian universities have a very affordable fee structure; in fact, their fees are the lowest of all English-speaking countries. This is because the Canadian dollar is much cheaper than the US dollar and the Euro. Further, living costs – the total housing, food, and other expenses – usually do not exceed 1,000 CAD per month which can be covered by on-campus jobs. Students can also apply for full-time jobs during summer and winter breaks and earn enough to cover their tuition costs.

3. Easy immigration and PR laws: unlike the US, there is no annual quota for work permits in Canada.  Also, under the new system, international graduates from Canadian programs of study can obtain up to 30 additional CRS points which count towards getting a Permanent Residency.

4. Job opportunities: the Canadian university curriculum is designed to meet the changing demands of the industry. So by the time students finish their master’s studies, they are well-placed to land good jobs and generally manage to do so within 6 months of completing their course.

5. Research-based education:  Canada ranks 4th in the world for the quality of its scientific research and Canadian universities actively encourage students to carry out research. Companies and government institutions in Canada also extend their support to Canadian universities by organizing learning programs and workshops for their students. The University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia have been recognized as the best Canadian universities due to the high impact of their research.

6. Cultural diversity:  Canada has rich ethnic and cultural diversity. Universities also conduct a number of cultural programs that help students to develop a broader global perspective.

To help you get started with your preparation, we offer GRE Coaching, TOEFL Coaching, IELTS Coaching, and also Admission Counseling through which we provide guidance on the selection of universities, application essays, and visa counseling. 

Top 6 benefits of pursuing masters in Canada (Part 1)

TOP 6 BENEFITS OF PURSUING MASTERS IN CANADA

With its international student population touching 6.4 lakhs this year, Canada has become the 3rd leading destination of foreign students, especially Indians, who constitute 34% of this number. Since 2014, the Indian student population in Canada has grown by a whopping 350%.  Premier affordable education, internationally recognized degrees, and opportunities for Permanent Residency have led to a large number of students to apply for Masters in Canada. Additionally, a small population of 37 million, and steady growth of the economy have opened multiple job avenues over the last decade, especially in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, and have made them the most sought after areas for settlement.

Given these facts, let us explore in detail what makes Canada one of the ideal destinations for higher education:

Quality education and internationally recognized degrees: To date, Canada houses around 30 high-ranked universities offering degrees that are recognized internationally as being equivalent to US degrees. These universities have highly qualified professors, mostly Doctorates with enormous experience in their fields. Secondly, the teacher-student ratio is as low as 1:20. This allows personal attention and interaction. As per the current rankings, the top three universities in Canada are the University of Toronto, McGill University, and University of British Columbia.

Affordable tuition fees and living costs: Compared to American universities, Canadian universities have a very affordable fee structure; in fact, the lowest among other English-speaking countries. This is because the Canadian dollar (1 Canadian dollar (CAD) = 56 INR) is much cheaper than the American dollar (1 USD= 74 INR) and the Euro (1 Euro= 88 INR). As for the living costs—the total housing, food, and other expenses usually do not exceed 1,000 CAD per month. Additionally, students can take on-campus jobs for 20 hours/week and make u to 800 to 900 CAD per month. They can also apply for full-time jobs during summer and winter breaks and earn a substantial sum to cover their tuition costs.

Easy immigration and PR laws: Unlike the US, there is no annual quota for immigrants in Canada. In fact, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently published their Canada Immigration Levels Plan for 2020-2022 according to which, they plan to admit around 1,053,000 new permanent residents till 2022. Also, under the new system, international graduates from Canadian study programs can obtain up to 30 additional CRS points. Thus, pursuing MS in Canada increases the chances of securing Permanent Residency.

Job opportunities: Canadian curriculum is designed to meet the changing industry demands. By the time students finish their masters; they are well-versed with the latest trends and manage to land a good job within 6 months of course completion.

Research-based education:  Canada ranks 4th in the world for its quality scientific research. Canadian universities actively encourage students to conduct research. University of Toronto and University of British Columbia have been recognized as the best Canadian universities due to their high research impact. A student applying for Masters can choose either a professional master’s program (MEngg) or opt for a research-based master’s program (MaSc) emphasizing on original scientific research. The industries and government institutions in Canada also extend support by organizing learning programs and workshops.

Cultural diversity:  Canada has a rich cultural diversity of people from various ethnicities. Universities also conduct a lot of cultural programs that help students to develop a broader and global perspective.

In the next part, we will talk about admission requirements for MS in Canada.

7 Compelling Reasons to Learn German

 question sprechen sie deutsch? do you speak german?

When we think of Germany, the first things that pop up in our mind are cars like BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen, German Bakery (although there is no connection!!) and the avid readers think of the “Diary of Anne Frank”. Ever wondered how nice it would be to read the work in original language that it was written in? Or for that matter to know how Mein Kampf sounds in the words of Hitler himself? Here are 10 compelling reasons for you to learn German

1) German as an Official Language

German is one of the official languages of the European Union and is widely understood and used in the European continent. It is the only official language of Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein. It is one of the official languages of Switzerland, Luxembourg and Belgium. It is also recognized as a minor language in many countries.

2) Widely taught foreign language

German is one of the most taught foreign languages.  In India many educational institutions offer German as an additional language in their curriculum.For students aspiring to pursue higher studies abroad it can be an added advantage to know the language in advance.

3) World class higher education in Germany

Higher education in Germany is highly recognized internationally. Most of the Universities have no tuition fees for higher education, which makes it all the more attractive to pursue education in Germany

4) Job opportunities in Germany

After completing post graduate degree in Germany, there are many job opportunities not only in the fields of Automobile or Mechanical Engineering but also in the Computer Science, Chemical and Electrical Engineering fields.

Also, many German companies are well renowned in the global market. Pune is a popular hub for many well-known German company setups. Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz to name a few.

5) Job opportunities in India

Many German companies have their manufacturing setups in India. Knowing the German language can help leverage one’s chances of getting hired as the job profile may involve interaction with the onsite teams based in Germany or looking into some documentation written in German.

6) Opportunities in hospitality industry

Being a widely spoken and understood language it is a plus to know this language to reach the German speaking tourists if you are in the hospitality industry or if your job involves interaction with business delegation

7) Translation jobs

Translation is another blooming field owing to increased cultural exchange and globalization. Translation of technical books, brochures, literary works of eminent authors like Goethe, Schiller are required in many

German Language can be a powerful ad on to your skills kitty and help you take your career or your knowledge up by a notch.