It’s never too early to start planning for your career!
To be a successful student and young professional, integrate into the WashU, St. Louis, and U.S. cultures:
- Visit local attractions: the Arch, Missouri Botanical Garden, Grant’s Farm, Katy Trail, St. Louis Cardinals, etc.
- Follow local and national news through stltoday, stlamerican, or NPR (90.7 FM)
- Enjoy neighborhood food and culture on the Hill, South Grand, Central West End, University City Loop, etc.
- Attend local festivals such as the St. Louis Art Fair, The Forest Park Balloon Glow, and LouFest
- Carve a pumpkin for Halloween and celebrate Thanksgiving with an American family
- Volunteer in the St. Louis community through the Campus Y or the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement
Here are some things you can do during your time at WashU:
First Year
- Seek opportunities to converse with Americans.
- Attend an OISS workshop to learn about OPT, H-1s and Permanent Residency.
- Explore your interests.
- Stop by Career Center to meet with a Career Peer.
- Attend Career Center programs and workshops for First Year students.
Sophomore
- Learn your options for on-campus work, CPT, and OPT.
- Attend Sophomore GPS.
- Refine materials for internship, research, or summer job applications.
- Participate in a leadership program e.g. LeaderShape.
Junior
- Take ELP course on workplace or research writing.
- Meet with OISS advisor regarding your plans and work authorization.
- Attend Career Fair(s) and Junior Jumpstart;
- Do at least one mock interview.
- Find summer opportunity. Handshake is a good place to look for internship listings.
- Attend Junior Launch.
Senior
- Take ELP course on presentation skills, networking, and conversations.
- Attend an OPT workshop.
- Attend Senior Launch.
- Understand application and hiring timelines.