INTO University Partnerships launches innovative employment program for international students at Oregon State University
INTO Oregon State University (INTO OSU) has unveiled a groundbreaking employment program “Jump Start” for international students enabling them to secure on-campus jobs even before they set foot in the United States.
The innovative program will benefit all international students at Oregon State University receiving support and services from INTO OSU – the on-campus education hub of INTO University Partnerships, a global education partnering organization.
Indian students constitute 16% of OSU’s total international student population on campus with the majority studying computer science followed by engineering and business.
With the Jump Start program, students can earn up to $20,000 annually while acquiring invaluable work experience through a diverse array of on-campus job opportunities. This program not only enhances their educational journey but also provides a strong financial foundation and professional growth.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Jump Start employment program at INTO OSU, a pioneering initiative designed to empower our international students with early access to work opportunities. This program not only allows students to potentially earn around $20,000 annually but also equips them with crucial skills and experiences that will significantly enhance their professional journeys,” said Bob Gilmour, INTO OSU’s Executive Director. “At INTO OSU, we are committed to supporting our students in every aspect of their academic and career development, and Jump Start is a testament to that commitment.”
International students studying in the United States have the option to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during term time and more during the vacations. International undergraduate and graduate students who have an offer to study on the OSU Corvallis campus with support and services from INTO OSU are eligible for the Jump Start program.
“Many on-campus jobs are available for international students who study at Oregon State University. The jobs provide opportunities for students who come from various countries and cultures to contribute to the campus community and its diversity. Finding and applying for an on-campus job before they arrive in the U.S. is not an easy task for an international student. It requires them to overcome many challenges and learn new skills. I’m delighted the INTO OSU Student Success Services team has introduced this program to help students throughout this process. The team informs students about available jobs and the application steps, and they also prepare them for their first day of work,” said Edward Feser, OSU’s Provost and Executive Vice President.
Students enrolled in Jump Start will enjoy the following benefits:
- An annual earning potential of up to $20,000
- Strengthened interviewing and résumé skills
- Individualized support from an INTO OSU staff member to help with the journey from submitting an application through to the first day at work on campus
- Remote interviews in international students’ home country before travelling to the US
- The potential to start job during first week at OSU
- A job offer outlining minimum expected salary for the year that may be used as part of proof-of-funding in the admissions process
- Valuable work experience that will help students prepare for their post-graduation careers
- A network of coworkers and supervisors who can act as professional references
- A work environment within walking distance of on-campus housing and classes
- A work environment that is flexible and designed to be fitted around students’ study schedule to help ensure their continued academic success
“I applied for an Amazon internship and had an interview. I took two weeks off from my on-campus job to prepare for the interview. I was successful, and after completing the internship I now have a job offer to work at Amazon in Seattle after graduation. Working in the student job helped prepare me for the Amazon internship. Having a good mindset about work culture and having routine and discipline is very important,” said Samisha, a student from India.
A launch message went out to about 1700 graduate and undergraduate offer holders with an invitation to register for Jump Start. So far 124 students have signed up, out of which 70 students are from India.
With the joint venture partnerships of Oregon State University and INTO University partnerships, students receive an additional layer of academic and personal support from the staff and faculty in the INTO OSU Center – a vibrant educational hub located on the historic OSU campus. Since its inception, INTO OSU has helped more than 11,900 international students from more than 155 countries achieve academic success on their chosen course. INTO OSU-supported students also have gone on to represent all 11 of OSU’s academic colleges at PhD level.
INTO University Partnerships connects ambitious international students with leading universities in the US, UK, and Australia. Since its inception in 2005, INTO has helped over 150,000 students from more than 180 countries achieve their dream of obtaining a degree from a world-class institution.