International Information

International Students

In order to work in the United States, International Students must secure employment authorization and present the appropriate documentation when registering with Career Services. Career counseling and portfolio review are available even if you are not, at the moment, authorized to work but counselors cannot make you part of the job referral systems until you have received approvals as required by Immigration.

There are some special resources which may be of interest to International Students beyond those normally available through Career Services to students with employment authorization or Practical Training. Many students wish to return home or to work in a country other than their own or the United States.

There are several Specialized Employment Registries where you might find leads to work at home. These include the following:

Students from Hong Kong can work through the Special Register offered by the Hong Kong Labor Department.

Students from Saudia Arabia can contact the Saudi Arabian Employment Office attached to their Embassy in Washington, DC.

Student from Latin America, Jamaica and Africa can contact the Return of Talent Program offered through the International Organizaton for Migration, Washington DC. Students from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the Pactific Islands can work through Project ASPIRE to find help with their return home and their search for employment. They can contact the Metro International office in New York at 285 West Broadway, suite 450 and talk with the Project ASPIRE Information Office. The telephone number is (212) 431-1195.

In addition, Alumni Mentoring is available to international students and alumni living abroad. If you plan to travel, study or try to work in another country, you may want to look at this resource.

Students seeking U.S. work experience can apply for Practical Training work authorization as follows:

Curricular Practical Training is potentially available to students who are registered for an internship course approved by their department and Chairperson and who have acquired a paid and approved internship position. Students seeking this option must meet with both their Internship Coordinator and, upon securing a paid internship, immediately complete the required paperwork with the International Affairs Office. Unpaid internships do not require Curricular Practical Training and

Optional Practical Training is generally available to students with F1 and J1 visas upon completion of a degree and will provide work authorization for 12 months (maybe more for some J1’s). It takes 8 weeks or more for an application to be processed so START EARLY. The International Affairs office offers workshops on this topic every year and complete, accurate information should always be secured from this office. The regulations are modified periodically so be sure to check with International Affairs.

Resources for International Students

Finding a Job in the United States: A Guide for Foreign Born Professionals, Foreigh Students and Immigrants (OCLC#: 25720067, available in the Queensborough Public Library system in English and in Spanish in the Brooklyn Public Library)

Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries

International Corporate Yellow Book (available in the NY Public Library system)

World Chamber of Commerce Directory (380.06 W927, Pratt Library)

The Emloyment Interview American Style (videotape) available in Career Services

Work, Study, Travel Abroad: The Whole World Handbook (378.35 C678W, Pratt Library)

Emplois d´Etá en France (order from CIEE-Publishing Department, see file in Career Services Library)

Jobs in Britain and Work and Travel Abroad describe programs in specific countries which will help you acquire work visas, usually while you are a student. These can be combined with a study abroad or exchange program to extend your stay or make your stay more affordable. Brochures about these programs are available in Career Services.

Work Abroad

Working abroad is an exciting prospect but one which requires some careful consideration. Like the United States, other countries generally have laws which give preference in hiring to citizens of that country. In order to be employed, you must enter the country with a visa which allows you to work. Work visas are issued through the ountry's consulate in the US or abroad. You can obtain such a visa if you have a letter from an employer guaranteeing work (almost impossible to get through long distance application) or through one of several programs which help students (not alumni) acquire work visas. These include:
CIEE
BUNAC
IASTE

There are also programs in Japan, Korea, Thailand and China for graduates to teach English.

If there is not an organized program in the country to which you hope to travel, then you must undertake the process of identifying and communicating with employers on your own. Begin by checking the country's work visa requirements so you know what documentation you must ultimately secure. If you can apply for a work visa within the country, buy your ticket, spruce up your portfolio and go. There is no better way to secure a job than making cold calls and showing your work.

If you are researching employers, there are a number of books to assist with this task and the country’s consulate can often provide addresses for professional associations. At this point, you should speak with your Career counselor about your plans. However, securing a job almost always means traveling to your chosen country to show your portfolio and, if you are lucky, to find an interested employer, applying for your work visa on site or leaving the country and re-entering on a work visa. You do not have to return to the U.S. but rather can go to the country's consulate in a neighboring country. Travel abroad can be incredibly rewarding, complicated and even dangerous so be sure to consider issues like insurance, liquidity of funds and the political climate.

-The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) offers work abroad programs for France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. Through CIEE you can obtain a work visa (the time period varies by country) and some assistance in locating work in one of the above listed countries. The majority of the jobs available through the program are generally not related to Pratt's professional training, although Pratt students have successfully found field related work on their own. They also have International Volunteer Projects and English Teaching opportunities in China and Thailand. To secure work in France and Germany you must supply proof of language ability. Since each country’s program is different, start exploring early!! Pick up a brochure in Career Services or visit www.ciee.org/isp.

-BUNAC (British Universities North America Club)
Like CIEE, BUNAC helps you secure a work visa good for 6 months and assists in securing work but not necessarily in your field. They have opportunities in Britain and Scotland. You can apply for this program up to 6 months following graduation and still be considered a student, beginning your work no later than 6 months after your grad date. Pick up materials in Career Services or check out their website at: www.bunac.org

Freeman Asia
This program assists US Citizens to fund study in East and Southeast Asia while undergraduates. Information is available in Career Services or at www.iie.org/pgms/Freeman-Asia.

-IASTE (International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience)
An exchange program for currently registered students in Architecture and perhaps in Computer Graphics in which interns must work a minimum of 35 hours per week and be paid. A list of participating countries and program specifics can be found in brochures available in Career Services and at www.aipt.org/iaste.html.

Career Services Quick Start

Career Services has so much to offer that you might wonder just where to start. This Quick Start Guide offers you a strategy to best utilize our office and get a few hints from your counselor.

1 Explore the website

Try these links on our website first:

2 Set up your PrattProFile
Click on the ‘PrattPro’ link and set up your account. Your PrattPro account will give you access to our password protected Virtual Seminars, the Alumni Mentoring database and general art related job listings. Please be aware that you must meet with your counselor to complete your registration. If you are seeking access to field related listings, you must have completed two semesters as a matriculated student and show a competitive portfolio at that time.

3 Join our listserve

To subscribe to the Career Services list send an email to majordomo@list.pratt.edu with an empty Subject line, and write - subscribe career-announce - in the body of the message. This will ensure that you are notified about any event or company visit related to your career choice.

4 Visit our office.

When visiting our office you can view our library of career related books and periodicals, read our printed resources (also online), browse our website from our student computer stations, and you can set up an appointment with your counselor.

5 Meet with your counselor.

Your counselor specializes in your particular professional field. If you are interested in learning more about internships, you can meet with our internship counselor, and should follow up with your career counselor when you begin your job or internship search. Resources recommended by your counselor especially for your major are found here.

Finding a Job With PrattPro

Career Services has various levels of job and internship listings which will span your entire professional career. We list several thousand jobs and internships each year at various levels.

When you first arrive at Pratt you will probably be most interested in a job on-campus then you can find a link for that below called Working on Campus. If you are looking something that is either general or art related off campus then you will have to make a PrattPro account and then contact the office at 718-636-3506 to make it active. You can also choose to be a "visitor" in your professional area. By visiting the Career Services office we can change your designation.

Field related jobs. When you have completed two semesters in your professional department and have a competitive portfolio, you will show that portfolio to your counselor in Career Services (an expert in your major). You will be able to discuss some job search tools and techniques as well as ultimately have access to jobs in your specific field. These might be part time, freelance, summer or fulltime jobs, depending on your needs when you start looking to enter or move up in your profession.

Of course, counselors are available to meet with you prior to your completion of several semesters in a professional department and the development of a portfolio. You can come in to discuss your career choices and choice of major at any time

Call the office at 718 636 3506, press 2, to arrange an appointment or discuss your situation. To create a PrattPro account click below.

Find A Mentor

You may find a Mentor once you have registered with PrattPro. There will be a bar on the top of the page which allow for you to search and contact mentors.

Office Career Library

The regular career library also includes many basic career planning texts and field related directories and publications with which to research potential employers. These are available for use in the office and will be a part of your meeting with your counselor.

One of the best ways to begin a successful job search is to research your field in trade magazines, award annuals and field related directories to locate national job postinga and become more familiar with the work of key players. Although meeting with your counselor and discussing your career plans is the best way to learn about the most approprate resources, some of those available are:

CAA, College Arts Association
Listings of national positions in College Art and Art History Teaching.

Aviso
Listings of national positions in Museum Administration, including curatorial positions. Opportunities for Fine Artists. Articles pertaining to the business of Fine Arts and development as an Artist.

NYFA Quarterly
Opportunities and articles for Fine Artists

Art Calendar
Opportunities for Fine Artists. Articles pertaining to the business of Fine Arts and development as an Artist.
From the New York Foundation for the Arts. Similar to Art Calendar.

The Chronicle for Higher Education
Listings of National positions in Teaching and Administration in higher education.

The Literary Marketplace
Listing of book and magazine publishers and their staff

The Art Director’s Annual
Listing of top advertising campaigns and their producers

Communication Arts Annuals
Award winners in Design, Advertising, Illustration, Interactive and Photography
Here are some of the many magazines available in our office:

Film Industry Publications
There are two publications that list production companies and related vendors in the film/tv/video industry "2006 Blu book" and "NY 411".

Pricing and Ethical Guidelines
Lists salaries for hundreds of jobs in graphic design, illustration and textiles as well as providing sample contracts.

In additon to special directories and guides, there are periodicals and trade magazines for most fields available in the office:

ArtNews
Art journal
HOW
Photo District News
Print
Communication Arts
I.D.
Architecture
Design
Contract
Creativity
Animation
Entertainment Design

“Design Review”, ID July August issue
Top Forty, ID January
The One Show: Society of Illustrators
Buyer’s Guide, VMSD
Buyers guide, Amusement Industry
Buyer’s Guide, Entertainment Design
Directory, Animation Magazine

Quick Start For Different Majors

1. Internship

2. Advertising

3. Architecture

4. Art Education

5. Construction Management

6. Facilities Management

7. Fashion

8. Film

9. Fine Arts

10. Graphic Design

11. Historic Preservation

12. Illustration

13. Interior Design

14. Photography

15. Urban Design or Planning and the Environment

16. Industrial Design

17. Computer Graphics

18. Library Sciences

1. Internship

Make a decision about credits: You must have successfully completed your second year at Pratt in order to be eligible for internships for credit.To find out information on how to receive academic credit for your internship, please visit the internship link from the Career Services website (www.pratt.edu/career).After clicking on the link for students, you will see a list of majors.Find yours and click to find out all the necessary information about getting credit for your internships.

Not sure if you want credit: You are not required to register for credit to do an internship, however credits cannot be awarded retroactively.If you would like to simply see the listings, you can do so by creating your PrattProFile, and submitting a resume for review.If you
have questions and would like to learn more search options, get feedback on you application materials, or have other questions or concerns, feel free to make an appointment with a counselor.

2. Advertising

Get your bearings:
Read the daily Advertising column in the Business section of the New York Times.

Get a student subscription to the paper at a reduced rate or read the top stories online at www.nytimes.com. Advertising Age and Brandweek are also excellent resources with current industry-specific information. Get involved: Join a professional organization such as the AIGA, Type Director’s Club or Art Director’s Club. Take advantage of their shows and events as opportunities to learn what’s hot and who the movers and shakers are in your field. You never know who you’ll meet.

3. Architecture

Learn about registration: Visit the NCARB website ( http://www.ncarb.com/) to get information on the IDP program and registration requirements by state or internationally. Even if you are not sure if you would like to become a registered architect, this site will help you assess what registration might mean to you, your career, and your education. There is also a Road to Registration seminar offered regularly through the School of Architecture.

Get Involved: Join AIAS, the student chapter of the
American Institute of Architects to get involved with this important organization early.

Test the waters:There are several different careers within this field. It may be wise to read the printed resources publication on Architecture (available through Career Services). You can also do an internship, set up a few information interviews, or even job shadow to get a sense of the different professions that are possible with an architecture education. Ask questions to find out the skill sets required for different positions so you can adjust your course selection while you are still in school.

4. Art Education

Learn through experience: Volunteering with arts education organizations can be a great way to gain experience working with children and adolescents. Later in your curriculum you will have an opportunity to teach in the Art and Design Education Saturday Art School.

Learn about certification: For information on teaching you may want to visit the NYC Board of Education’s Project Arts website ( www.nycenet.edu/projectarts/) that provides regional information, resources, curriculum and events and information. For more information on New York public school certification visit the New York City Department of Education website (www.teachny.com).

5. Construction Management

Learn about certification: Whether or not you would like to become certified, a great website to learn about certification and other issues of construction management is http://cmaanet.org/cmci.

Connect: Learn about construction management through the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) at http://cmaanet.org/index.php. Also, stay informed through the regional chapter of CMAA at http://chapters.cmaanet.org/chapters/nynj/

6. Facilities Management

Jump right in:One common requirement for facilities management positions is field experience. So, since this degree is designed to allow you to work full time, it is wise to begin looking for jobs or internships right away so you can begin to develop a strong background.

Keep up to date:Subscribe to the Building Operating Management newsletter ( http://www.facilitiesnet.com/visitorcenter/bomnewslettersignoff.asp) and the FMLink newsletter (http://www.fmlink.com/) to receive emails and updates and information including trends and technology for facilities management.

7. Fashion

Stay current: There are many different facets of the Fashion Industry. You may want to read the Fashion publication in the Printed Resources section of this website to determine which area you are most interested in. Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) and W Magazine (located in the Career Services Resource Center) are good general sources of fashion trends and industry information.

8. Film

Learn through experience: To help you determine which of the many film related career options to pursue, you may want to consider interning to help you decide which aspect of the industry you would best be suited for. Volunteering at film festivals can also be a great learning experience and a good opportunity to see how they are run. Often film festival volunteers are able to attend lectures and screenings for free.

Stay informed: For general industry information The Independent is a good source of information that provides a great listing of film festivals to attend and/or
apply to each month. The Hollywood Reporter is another publication that provides industry information and can be found in the Career Services Resource Center

9. Fine Arts

Stay informed: As an aspiring fine artist, it is important to be familiar with what is going on in the contemporary art world. Living in New York provides an excellent opportunity to stay up-to-date by visiting contemporary art galleries regularly. A Gallery Guide is a helpful monthly publication that lists information about exhibitions and openings. You can pick up a free copy in the Career Services office or in most galleries. Art publications like Art Forum and Art in America are also good sources of information about contemporary art that can be found in the Career Services Resource Center located in our office. The New York Foundation for the Arts’ website ( www.nyfa.org) provides a wealth of information as well. In addition, there are publications on Fine Arts careers in the Printed Resources section of the website.

10. Graphic Design

Stay informed: Be sure to read industry publications regularly, such as HOW, Communication Arts and Print. Read Communication Arts, Graphic Design and HOW magazines regularly to know who the biggest and most notable designers are in the field. Look through the Communication Arts Design Annuals to stay informed about prospective employers, who they’re hiring and what they’re looking for. It is important to understand your target audience when looking for work. And take full advantage of all the resources at Career Services. On our website, read booklets on Graphic Design as well as Freelancing, Cover Letters and other topics

Get involved: Consider a student membership with a professional organization, such as the AIGA or the Graphic Artists’ Guild.

11. Historic Preservation

Be in the know: You can receive email updates from the Preservation League of New York State by sending an email to netnews@preservnys.org. This newsletter will provide you with updates on public policy items, preservation issues, grant announcements and employment opportunities. In addition, you may want to subscribe to the Historic Districts Counsel e-bulletin http://www.hdc.org/e-bulletin.htm.

Understand your options: To learn about preservation organizations, and other field related information, visit http://www.preservationdirectory.com/index.html.

12. Illustration

Hit your stride: Illustration is largely a freelancer’s field. Since you will probably pick up some freelance projects once you graduate, word of mouth is, by far, the best way to build a reputation and a client base. You should definitely take full advantage of internships and freelance projects while you are in school to get experience, guidance from practicing professionals and to make connections in the field. Review the Virtual Seminar on Developing Your Portfolio on the Career Services website as you develop your style and build your own portfolio presentation.

Know Your Audience: Read the illustration annuals regularly to learn who the hottest illustrators are and which employers are hiring them. Note artists whose style is somewhat similar to yours and note where they are finding work. This will help you begin to target your audience as you look for work.

13. Interior Design

Make your mark:After you graduate, you may want to do freelance work or eventually open your own small business for interior design. If this is the case, the quickest way to success is through word of mouth. So, get as much experience as you can through internships, freelance jobs, and other opportunities to show your talents.

Stay in the loop:Sign up for the Contract Magazine newsletter to stay informed via email. http://www.contractmagazine.com/

14. Photography

Commercial: To familiarize yourself with award-winning ads and publications featuring commercial photography, great resources include all of the Annuals of winning work. Take special note of Communication Arts, Print, Graphic Design and How magazines’ annuals for this. Read Photo magazine and PDN regularly to stay on top of the latest trends and successful photographers in the industry.

Start Early: Connections, recommendations and word of mouth are the best ways to find work. Start looking for internships and assistantship opportunities as early as possible to gain experience, skills and industry connections. Building your darkroom, lighting, studio skills and retouching skills will open doors to entry level positions assisting commercial photographers.

15. Urban Design or Planning and the Environment

Disorient yourself:The Planners Network ( http://www.plannersnetwork.org/)
has a guide to help students evaluate their educations and career paths called the Planners Network Disorientation Guide: your how-to manual for a progressive planning education.

Stay Informed:Sign up for the Citylimits email bulletins for both their weekly updates and their job listings. http://www.citylimits.org

16. Industrial Design

Learn about your field! Read ID magazine, especially the August and January issues which feature the best and brightest of the profession and alert you to trends. Because Industrial Design encompasses several “professions”, Career Services can direct you to additional resources if you decide on a particular direction. Read the publication Industrial Design; in the Printed Resources of the Career Services website to learn more.

Get involved with the NY chapter of IDSA and professional activities in your department. Got to lectures, network and use the alumni mentoring database!

17. Computer Graphics

Know your options: Computer Graphics is not just one field but several. Learn about them all in the Career Services publication available on our website (Printed Resources).

Computer animators should become familiar with Animation magazine; Interactive Designers will want to read Wired regularly as well as considering coursework in graphic design and Digital Imagers may also want to look at the suggestions for Illustrators. Get involved with SIGGRAPH by attending local chapter meetings and the national conference at least once during your time at Pratt (preferably more often). There is nothing like this conference for getting to know about career opportunities and professional trends. Those interested in gaming may also want to consider attending the Game Developers Conference in March.

18. Library Sciences

SILS students can get a jump on their entry into the profession in three ways. First, establish your PrattPro account and take a look at the job listings. Even though you may be a long way from actually getting that first job, it will be helpful to begin to discover the skill sets you will need to acquire as begin your classes and select course in the future.

Second, go to professional events in areas in which you think you might eventually seek work; this is the beginning of your network but can also be very enlightening as to the charting of your studies. Finally, get involved with SILSSA and attend their networking and career events.