Non-Hospitality Applicants:
At present, American Journey Cultural Exchange does not offer placements in Non-Hospitality Programs. You must first secure an internship or training position with an eligible U.S. company, that aligns with your education and professional background.

Please note, American Journey does not provide placement and will not sponsor management, business, finance trainees in hospitality organizations, such programs fall under our hospitality/tourism designations.

 

Some Useful Tips for Finding an Internship in the US:
Securing internships in the United States is a highly sought-after opportunity for numerous undergraduate and graduate students worldwide, so you'll probably encounter significant competition, especially if you're aiming for a paid position or an internship with a major, well-known company. That's why it's essential to distinguish yourself from the competition and start early! For convenience, we have provided a self-placement letter, for you to present to your prospective employer. 


• Start your search 6 months before the intended start date of your internship program. Remember, after securing and accepting an internship offer, you’ll also need to apply for J-1 visa sponsorship.

• Conduct a comprehensive search-landing your ideal internship typically requires a thorough search process.

Social Networking Tools:

LinkedIn is a professional social network. If you don’t already have a LinkedIn profile, create one and complete it as thoroughly as possible. Your profile will function as an online resume, so include all relevant educational and work experiences in English. Once your profile is set up, you can search for companies and their employees and reach out directly about internship opportunities. Additionally, there is a dedicated section where you can search for available internships.
Facebook: Follow American companies on Facebook and reach out to them directly to gather more information. Some companies might even post internship opportunities on their Facebook pages. Also, if you intend to let employers view your Facebook profile, ensure that all content and photos are professional and appropriate. Keeping your online professional presence relevant indicates that you are invested in advancing your career.
Twitter: Companies often use Twitter to update their followers on business activities and industry news, and some may even share internship opportunities on their feed. Create a Twitter account and follow leading employers in your field to stay informed about their tweets.
 

Search Engines:
There are numerous internship search engines available in the United States. Many of these platforms let you upload your resume, browse listings by industry, access career advice, and find tips for cover letters, resumes, and interviews.

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• CareerBuilder.com
• Indeed.com
• LinkedIn.com
• Vault.com
• Wayup.com
• LiveCareer.com
• CollegeGrad.com/internships
• Ihipo.com/internships
• CareerRookie.com
• InternJobs.com
• InternWeb.com
• InternQueen.com
• Nationjob.com
• Simplyhired.com
• Juju.com
• Job-hunt.org
• Job.com
• Chegg.com/app/internships
• Monster.com

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Accounting & Finance
• CareerBank.com
• Financial Job Network
• Efinancialcareers.com
• JobTeaser

Advertising, Sales & Marketing
• MarketingJobs.com

Architecture
• Careercenter.aia.org

Engineering
• EngineeringJobs.net
• Engineering Central
• EngineeringJobs.com

Information Technology & Computer Science
• Dice.com
• ComputerWork.com

Media, Communications & Graphic Design
• MediaBistro.com/jobs
• EntertainmentCareers.net
• Studio-Index
 

Your University:
Your university’s career center is an excellent starting point for your internship search. When you're ready to apply, many career centers offer job boards or databases featuring internship listings. Many of these companies may already have ties with your university, giving you a potential advantage over other candidates. Additionally, leverage your university’s network—if you find that an alum works at a company you're interested in, seek advice from the career center on how to connect with them.

Network:
Reach out to family, friends, classmates, colleagues, professors, and former or current employers. It's likely that someone you know has connections to the U.S. through visits, education, or work, or they might know someone who does. Don’t hesitate to ask for their help!

Research Target Companies:
Identify several companies with open opportunities that you would be excited to work for. If you’re fortunate enough to land an interview, it’s crucial to thoroughly prepare. Simply having basic knowledge about the organization is unlikely to impress employers. Top candidates invest time in researching the company extensively, including reading about it online and reaching out to current employees. Showing a genuine passion for the company before you’re even hired can help you stand out from the competition.

Have Your Resume and Cover Letter Edited:
To increase your chances of landing an internship in the United States, it’s crucial to create a resume and cover letter that adhere to American standards. A poorly written resume or cover letter filled with grammatical errors can quickly derail your chances at a dream opportunity. At the very least, have a trusted friend or professor review your resume and cover letter for any critical mistakes.

Practice Your Interview Skills:
If you find interviews challenging or lack confidence, extensive practice can help ease your nerves. Practicing with a friend or, ideally, a professional in your target industry can be very beneficial. Additionally, most university career centers offer mock interviews, providing opportunities to prepare for your big day.

Follow Up Email/Note:
Thank the employer for the opportunity after the interview and reiterate why you believe you’re an excellent fit for the role.

Remain Patient and Realistic:
Hard work and patience are key to success. Understand that the internship position you secure will likely be a starting point.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. American Journey is here to help! Good luck in your internship search, we can’t wait to be your trusted partner and sponsor your Career Training Visa!