The iSchool Career Services team is dedicated to communicating and working thoughtfully with every student who seeks our support. Over time, we have found some questions are frequently asked, often related to the ongoing pandemic and the services we provide. Below you will find a list of common student questions categorized by topic.

For your convenience, please check for your question prior to reaching out to Career Services. If you do not see your question, we invite you to email iCareers@uw.edu or submit an Anonymous Feedback Form.

This FAQ was last updated on Sept. 26, 2024.

Supporting International Students

How do I obtain CPT or OPT work authorization?

If you are a student with an F-1 visa, you may wish to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) in order to gain credit through an internship as a continuing student, or you may be seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization to be hired in a full-time role after graduation. You must meet certain requirements before you can apply to gain CPT/OPT. Read more about CPT eligibility and OPT eligibility on the International Student Services website. While our office is not involved in CPT/OPT forms or decisions, we are more than happy to support you to seek and apply to positions that hire international students.

What employers sponsor H1-B visas?

Due to COVID-19’s impact on the labor market, many employers are no longer able to provide sponsorship. However, we advise you not to become discouraged. As a first stop, please explore the UW Career Center’s Going Global resource, which contains a directory of many employers currently open to hiring international students and providing sponsorship for H1-B work visas.

Job Search

What are the career outcomes for iSchool students? 

We publish annual career first-destination outcomes for our graduates each summer. View our 2020 Career Outcome infographics for Informatics, MSIM, and MLIS.

Should I use a template for my resume? Do I need multiple versions of my resume?

While templates can be good starting points for building a resume, it is essential to tailor your resume specific to your strengths, which often requires reexamining the sections and organization of your resume. For every job position, you should tailor your resume to highlight key phrases and experiences specific to the role you’re applying for.

Do I need a portfolio? How can I get help with my portfolio?

It depends. Portfolios are primarily needed for those entering UX or design fields. However, students entering other fields may also find it beneficial to use portfolios to showcase projects and skills to potential employers. For additional help, we have provided a few helpful links on the Job Documents page or schedule an appointment with us. Our office also offers portfolio review feedback — just email iCareers@uw.edu with your portfolio.

Can you give me feedback on my resume or cover letter?

Yes! To receive feedback on your resume, cover letter, or LinkedIn profile, submit your resume and/or cover letter as a PDF (to maintain formatting integrity) and your LinkedIn profile URL to our iCareers Canvas Course. You may submit your materials as many times as necessary. Job document review is available to current students as well as alumni for up to 1 year following graduation.

Appointments

I’m not an iSchool student or iSchool alum. Can I make an appointment with Career Services?

The iSchool’s career services, including making appointments, are only available to current iSchool students and iSchool alumni from any of our following degree programs: Informatics (INFO), Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM), Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), Master of Arts in Museology (MUSE), Law Librarianship, and Doctorate of Information Science (Ph.D.). INFO minors and all other UW students and alumni can schedule an appointment with the UW Career & Internship Center.

I’m an incoming iSchool student. Can I make an appointment with Career Services before I start?

All new or incoming iSchool students beginning Fall quarter will be able to schedule appointments with Career Services in Handshake during mid-September. For incoming iSchool students for other quarters, they will be able to schedule appointments in Handshake during the first week of their first quarter of enrollment.

I’m an iSchool alum. For how long am I still allowed to make an appointment with Career Services?

Starting with the Class of 2020 onward, all iSchool students will have access to Career Services for three years after graduation. This includes scheduling 1:1 appointments, attending online drop-ins, and participating in iSchool career workshops and events. You may use your Handshake alumni account or email iCareers@uw.edu to schedule an appointment.

I’m not available for any of the appointment times on Handshake. What are my options?

If you are a student faced with circumstances such as differences in time zone due to living outside the Pacific Northwest, working while a student, or other circumstances that make it difficult to book an open appointment time during our regular office hours (approximately 9 a.m.-5 p.m. PT), please email iCareers@uw.edu to inquire about scheduling an alternate or evening appointment time. Advisors have limited availability outside of the appointment times on Handshake, but will make every effort to accommodate your needs.