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:
-
UAB Career Center
Part-time and full-time jobs located both on and off-campus are listed on the Career Center website. These are job listings submitted by employers specifically interested in hiring UAB students. On-campus jobs include both work-study and non-work study employment opportunities. International students are not eligible for work-study jobs, which are reserved for US citizens and permanent residents receiving federal financial aid.
-
Career Fairs
The Career Center sponsors several career fairs - where employers set up information tables and you can walk from table to table to talk with them about their job openings – as a means to help you learn about and apply for interesting jobs. Check the “Upcoming Events” section of their website for details.
-
Direct Application
Apply directly to campus departments or organizations that interest you, whether you know about an open position or not. Do not approach labs or individual offices directly; it’s best to go through the central administration in the departments.
-
Networking
Ask around. Talk with friends, professors, and others who might know about job openings. Tell them what type of position you are looking for and ask if they have any ideas, leads, or referrals.
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
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
-
Examples of “on-campus” employers
“On-campus” for purposes of determining work authorization means that you will perform your job duties physically on property belonging to UAB and that you will be paid by an entity that directly provides services to UAB students as part of the university.
- UAB departments, schools, labs, computer centers, tutoring opportunities, etc.
- Restaurants located in UAB buildings
- The campus bookstore in the Hill Student Center
- Campus Dining Services (i.e., Sodexo)
- Campus Recreation Center
-
Examples of NOT on-campus employers
Many restaurants and business near UAB seem like they are “on-campus,” but they are not. F-1 students are not allowed to work at any of the following locations:
- Panera Bread and Full Moon BBQ (HSC)
- Any restaurant or business located in the shopping and dining area known as “Five Points,” including but not limited to:
- Surin West
- Pho Pho
- Jim N Nick’s BBQ
- Ikko
- Insomnia Cookies
- Filter Coffee Parlor
- Original Pancake House
- Brennan’s
- Ranelli’s
- Pop Café
- The Woolworth
- Just don’t work ANYWHERE in Five Points!
- Pita Stop (next to UAB Highlands Hospital)
- VA Hospital
- UAB Hospital
*Please contact ISSS if you have questions about potential on-campus employment.*