Career Services at CBA is now accepting applications for the International Student Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) Program. The CRC program is a 10-week intensive career preparation program aimed at helping 15-20 CBA international students discover and develop skills necessary to be successful in the U.S. job market. With international students now comprising more than 15 percent of the undergraduate student body, the need for the program has never been greater.
“The CRC gives international students seeking a career in the U.S. a huge advantage. They are not only able to learn the basics of what it technically takes to get a job like crafting a résumé or cover letter, but they are able to ask important questions and establish relationships,” said Sarah Barg, career coach at CBA.
Students develop the skills necessary for the college-to-job transition from the college’s career coaches and guest speakers. The program also offers students the opportunity to learn about immigration rules and regulations, connect with successful alumni and get more involved on campus.
The 10-week intensive career preparation program was piloted in spring 2014 with six participants.
“The pilot was well-received by students, because it helped them feel more confident in obtaining a job in the U.S.,” Barg said. “Two students are participating in a national internship program, one student is pursuing a graduate degree, and another works at a non-profit.”
The program inspired Meng Yuan, a junior accounting major from Urumqi, China, to develop the college’s newest student organization called Business International Student Association (BISA). This organization will continue to promote career development among international students.
“The program taught us how to succeed in the U.S. job market. We are applying the content from CRC workshops into practice and connecting with companies who recruit international talent,” Yuan said.
If students are interested in learning more about the CRC, there will be an information session on January 30, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in CBA 222. The session will review the CRC application, requirements and address other student questions.
CRC workshops will be held on Fridays, usually from 3:30-5:00 p.m. in CBA 222. If students are unable to attend the workshops they will not be able to participate in the program this semester.
Visit the CRC webpage to download the application or contact Barg at sarah.barg@unl.edu, 402-472-7326, for more information. Applications are due February 3 and students will be notified whether they are accepted into the CRC by February 9.
Published: January 15, 2015