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International students in F-1 status can work up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 37.5 hours per week during breaks (such as Spring Break and Winter Break) and when you submit a form to ISSS documenting an official “vacation” semester.

UAB offers many resources to assist students in their job search, both on and off-campus. Handshake is the best place to start your on-campus job hunt. In addition, the UAB Career Center office, located on the third floor of the Hill Student Center, offers a wide range of services for job seekers.

The Collat School of Business and the School of Engineering have specific career services offices available to their students. Other resources include:

Important Dos and Do Nots

Do:

  • Be prepared to provide a resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) upon request. Ask your advisor or UAB Career Center for a template to use.
  • Be polite and courteous.
  • Dress nicely.
  • Ask if there is anywhere to submit an application or resume for jobs with the department.

Do Not:

  • Spam departments or individuals with emails.
  • Dress too casually.
  • Be overly aggressive in your job search.

Landing Your Preferred Job

  1. Learn as much as you can about the job and the department/organization so that you can explain to the employer how your interests, skills, and experience will support your ability to do the job for which you are being considered.
  2. Dress neatly and appropriately when submitting your application and when interviewing. Usually, the minimum acceptable dress is “business casual,” which in the US can mean neutral-colored or black pants, collared shirts, skirts, blouses, etc. and clean, work-appropriate footwear (not athletic shoes or flip-flops).
  3. Bring your resume and contact information for any references you may have (within the US if possible). You may need to transfer this information to an application form.
  4. Be prepared to answer a few basic interview questions:
    • Tell me about yourself.
    • What are you studying? What career are you preparing for?
    • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
    • Why are you interested in this job?
    • Tell me about a challenge you’ve overcome.

*Please contact ISSS if you have questions about potential on-campus employment.*

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