What is CPT and its benefits in the USA?

CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, allows overseas students to acquire employment training and work in paid CPT jobs as internship. Students can work full-time (more than 20 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours or fewer per week) and earn money in US dollars while gaining job experience in their field of study. Because Work Study is heavily funded by the federal government, many colleges and universities only offer it to domestic students. Because schools cannot provide federal financial aid to international students, payment must be done from the school's budget or by a private group. As a result, the number of work-study opportunities may be limited.

To address this, these CPT Work Study programs assist students in obtaining a paid CPT jobs on or off campus. Furthermore, many of programs are structured to allow students to begin working as early as their first year.

On campus jobs - International students are permitted by US laws to work on campus part-time, defined as 20 hours a week or less. These programs enable students to start working during their first semester of studies.

Off campus jobs - The majority of Work Study CPT programs provide off-campus work or paid internships. Students can work a minimum of 40 hours each week.

Remember that your CPT must be work training required to complete a degree program. CPT is not compulsory in all degree programs, but it is frequently found in practical courses such as business and engineering where students can learn more by putting their studies into practice in the industry. Required CPT might be paid or unpaid, with many competitive firms not offering a compensation because the experience will look great on your resume.

Benefits of work study CPT

CPT allows overseas students to earn extra money in US dollars while also gaining job experience in their subject of study. Having foreign work experience right after graduation is extremely beneficial while looking for a job because it allows you to develop global relationships and references with people in your sector.

You can earn money

As required by the curriculum an internship is necessary in the first or second semester of study, many Work Study CPT jobs for international students allow them to begin working right away. This means that international students can start working and earning money in US dollars, and the wages paid are also equal to those paid to a US citizen in the same job role. After taxes, students can use their income to pay for their education needs or for other living expenses.

It has a specialised curriculum

Work Study CPT programs are expressly designed to include paid internships as part of the overall degree program. Usually other programs, offer CPT only after a minimum of one year, students have the unique opportunity to begin working in their first semester of school.This makes CPT work study one of the most popular programs with international students in the USA.

Gain work experience

CPT jobs in USA can be quite beneficial, whether you return to your native country or are sponsored on an H1B - or beyond. Such an opportunity also allows you to develop your English, business etiquette, and obtain actual work experience in your area.

Improve your chances of getting a job after graduation

Finding work is not an easy feat, especially in today's environment. A US degree can surely assist, and acquiring valuable work experience will set you apart from your colleagues and demonstrate that you have the necessary knowledge and hands-on expertise for the job.

Improve your networking

While you will most likely make friends in your classrooms and dorms, working will allow you to meet new people and explore a new area. Furthermore, job study provides an excellent opportunity to begin networking and establishing business relationships right away. Meeting people who are already established in your field can help you improve your resume, locate related positions in the future, and build a strong list of references.

Conclusion

These are the reasons why CPT jobs have become quite popular with international students who take up this work study opportunity to leverage their chances of getting gainful employment in the international market. It also enhances their chance of staying back in the USA even after their studies based on the experience gained in a CPT work study program.