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Co-Op FAQ - Questions about employment
Q: Will the university find an internship job for me?
A: The University will sponsor events such as job fairs and student networking events. We will also post potential job opportunities from local business. However, part of the co-op program is learning to compete in a competitive work environment and it is the students' responsibility to procure a job. UNVA is committed to providing the tools and knowledge to our students and we make it a priority to assist students when possible.
Q: What is my chance of obtaining my internship employment?
A: This will depend completely on you. You must present yourself as a professional and an asset to the company you would like to work for. You must demonstrate high levels of communication, mental acuity, work ethic, and most importantly, a desire to prove yourself.
Q: How long will it take for me to obtain my internship employment?
A: This is largely dependent on the student's personal ability and luck. UNVA will provide the information needed to hone your job seeking skills. Most of our students find employment within the first term.
Q: Can you help me find my internship job before I come to the U.S.?
A: Students must do their own job procurement. Due to the uncertainty of someone applying for a job from oversea, it is unlikely that a student will have a job before their arrival to the US.
Q: How much can I earn if I get a Co-Op job?
A: All employees who are eligible to work according to US regulations, are to earn no less than $6.55 per hour (for 2008). However, because co-op students have already obtained undergraduate degrees, they are more desirable to prospective employers. Jobs that require specialized skills or knowledge will often pay more, as well. Co-Op students typically earn no less than $8.00 per hour. However, most co-op students earn much more. The main factors are the rate that the employer is willing to offer and the student's ability to perform. According to US wage law, those working in the same job at the same company are required to be paid by equal standards.
Q: How many working hours will I probably work each week?
A: This is completely up to you and your employer. In American businesses, a full-time employee is someone who works 40 hours per week. However, according to USCIS regulations, an international student working 20 or more hours per week is considered full-time for regulatory purposes.
Q: Do I have to work overtime? Can I keep the overtime bonus?
A: This completely dependent on the employee and employer agreement. However, federal wage law states that "non-exempt" or hourly employees who work more than 40 hours per week must be paid at least 1.5 times their normal rate. Those who are considered "exempt" are not eligible for overtime pay. Overtime bonuses as well as all the income a student earns belongs to the student and should be budgeted wisely.
Many companies want the co-op students to work overtime, while others do not have overtime available. However, you keep any income that you may earn.
Q. What kind of employment is allowed?
A: In order for a job to be accepted as an integral part of the co-op program it must be related directly to the student's current program of study. Otherwise it will not be approved.
Q: What if I can't find employment?
A: If you have been accepted into the co-op program, you must find employment in order to complete the program. If every option of finding employment has been exhausted, seek counseling from the career center.
Q: Will I have to pay taxes?
A: All employees are required to pay taxes on their earnings. These usually include state and federal taxes. There are additional programs that are deducted from your paycheck as well, such as, social security and medicare. These are required to be paid by US citizens, however, non-immigrant workers may have SS and medicare taxes reimbursed by the US government after filing taxes at the end of the year.
Q: Is there a way for me to work before actually starting to attend classes in order for me to save more money and add it to my current savings?
A: Not if you are an international student. The type of work authorization the University can issue is called Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and it must be concurrent with an active academic program. Those students that do not require CPT to work may work if they are legally able to.
Q: Can I get a job that is a few hours away from campus, for example in another city?
A: UNVA does not restrict where a student may work. However, we strictly enforce our attendance policy. Students who are not completing their obligations as students will have their work authorizations terminated or withheld.
Q: What employment options are available after completion of my academic program and graduation?
A: International students who wish to stay in the US to gain further experience after completing their program may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). This allows students to stay for an additional 12 months. During this period, some students find an opportunity to change their visa status or prepare for their next step.
Q: How does the co-op program benefit me after graduation?
A: Graduating as a student in the co-op program awards, not only a graduate level degree, but a certificate stating that the student has completed the required professional training of the program. In addition to the certificate, students have relative experience they can add to their resume, skills added to their repertoire, and more contacts in the business world.
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