Navigating Job Opportunities at Bellarmine University: A Comprehensive Guide

Bellarmine University offers a variety of job opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. This article provides a detailed overview of these opportunities, including on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and career resources. It also addresses specific guidelines for international students on F-1 and J-1 visas.

Employment Opportunities for Students

Bellarmine University provides several avenues for students seeking employment, both on and off campus. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable work experience, develop professional skills, and contribute to the university community.

On-Campus Employment

Many international students find employment opportunities within the university. To inquire about available positions, students can contact Cheryl Love in the Vice President for Administration and Finance Office.

F-1 Students: F-1 students are eligible for on-campus employment with certain restrictions.

During the academic year, students can work up to 9 hours per week.
During summer and official university holiday breaks, students can work up to 25 hours per week.
Students with assistantships equivalent to 20 hours per week are not eligible for additional on-campus employment.

To gain authorization for on-campus employment, F-1 students must complete the Request for On-campus Employment Form and schedule an appointment with International Support. On-campus employment is defined as work performed on the premises of the school.

J-1 Students: J-1 students also have the opportunity to work on campus.

During the academic year, J-1 students can work up to 8 hours per week.
During summer and official university holiday breaks, J-1 students can work up to 25 hours per week.
Similar to F-1 students, those with assistantships considered equivalent to 20 hours per week are not eligible for additional on-campus employment.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 Students

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) offers F-1 students the chance to gain practical experience in their field of study before graduation. This type of employment must be an integral part of the student's curriculum, such as a required clinical, practicum, or internship. CPT can be either paid or unpaid.

To pursue CPT, students should consult with their academic advisor and relevant instructors. Once the CPT experience is approved by the Designated School Official (DSO), it will be added to the student's I-20 form, and the student will receive a revised copy. Part-time CPT does not affect eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a popular option for F-1 students who wish to work in the United States after graduation. International Support at Bellarmine University assists students throughout the OPT application process. Students should review Bellarmine's Guide to OPT and consult with International Support for any questions.

To apply for OPT, students must complete the OPT Request Form with their advisor. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes OPT requests, and processing times can be lengthy. If a student plans to travel outside the United States while on post-completion OPT, they must have a Travel Authorization Signature on their I-20 that is not more than 6 months old.

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Students with degrees in certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields may be eligible for a two-year extension during their first year of OPT.

Off-Campus Work for J-1 Students

In rare cases, J-1 students may qualify for off-campus work if it is a required component of a class, similar to CPT for F-1 students.

Employment Authorization Based on Unforeseen Circumstances

On rare occasions, work authorization may be granted to F-1 students due to unforeseen changes in their financial circumstances. However, obtaining this authorization is generally difficult.

Job Opportunities for Faculty and Staff

Bellarmine University's faculty and staff are considered its greatest asset. The university hires faculty for the coming school year typically in April and May, and summer school positions are posted in February and March. Coaches and staff are hired throughout the year.

Interested faculty applicants should refer to and follow the application process outlined in the job description posting. Staff, coach, and summer program applicants should apply through the Career Center.

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Career Resources

Bellarmine University offers a variety of career resources to help students and alumni find job and internship opportunities.

Career Development Center

Bellarmine's Career Development Center provides lifetime access to assistance with resumes, interviews, and locating positions. Students are encouraged to consult with the Career Development Center when looking for internship or employment opportunities.

CollegeCentral and NACElink

Students can use CollegeCentral to search for job, internship, and volunteer opportunities. This platform allows students to submit online applications, schedule on-campus interviews, register for events and workshops, view career advice articles and podcasts, and access the mentoring network.

NACElink, sponsored by the National Association of Colleges and Employers and the Direct Employers Association, provides job and internship listings posted by local, regional, and national employers.

STEM Career Resources

Bellarmine University provides specific resources for students pursuing careers in STEM fields. Students can contact the ELC faculty coordinators for professional development and internship/job opportunities in specific STEM disciplines.

To learn about career options in various fields of interest, students can access summaries of common career paths, typical employers, and strategies for maximizing career opportunities. These resources also include links to professional associations, job outlook information, and other relevant websites.

Important Information for International Students

International students must adhere to specific regulations regarding employment in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security is strict regarding employment for F-1 students and their dependents, and failure to follow these rules can result in the termination of student status.

Social Security Number (SSN)

Before beginning any paid work, international students must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). Students are not able to apply for an SSN until they have received a job offer. To apply for an SSN, students should consult the Social Security Administration's Guide to Applying for an SSN.

It is important to protect your SSN. Your SSN is yours for life. Do not carry your SSN card in your wallet, do not discard it, and do not share it with others. Be wary of unsolicited phone calls asking for your SSN or claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, as these are likely scams. Consult with International Support if you ever have doubts.

Taxes

All F-1 students are required to submit paperwork to the Internal Revenue Services (IRS), the federal government's tax office. Students with qualifying income (wages and certain types of scholarships) are also required to pay taxes. International Support reminds all students of these obligations in the first weeks of each calendar year, and deadlines for these forms are April 15 every year.

Bellarmine provides a basic guide to taxes for international students, offering a quick summary of the requirements. The Louisville Asset Building Coalition, a local non-profit with specialists in F-1 taxes, is also invited to campus to help students.

Volunteer Opportunities

International students are able to donate time to groups or organizations whose primary purpose is charitable or humanitarian. Volunteering and service are an important part of the Bellarmine student experience, and students may encounter volunteer experiences in their coursework.

Bellarmine University: A Commitment to Excellence

Bellarmine University finds inspiration in the Jesuit motto ad majorem Dei gloriamâAMDGâfor the greater glory of God. Ignatian educators engage in ongoing personal, professional, and religious development to grow in their commitment to Jesuit education. The Jesuit Schools Network (JSN) identifies characteristics and practices that describe what it means to be an Ignatian educator in the Profile of an Ignatian Educator.

Choosing to pursue a degree in physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, or computer engineering is just the beginning. At Bellarmine University, students receive education and tools that extend beyond the classroom, preparing them for careers in STEM fields or graduate studies. There is a critical shortage of technically trained workers in these STEM fields in the US, and Kentuckyâs Council for Postsecondary Education (CPE) plans to double the number of bachelorâs degrees awarded in these STEM disciplines within 10 years.

Employees in STEM disciplines lead in innovation and competitiveness by generating new ideas, companies, and industries. In the next ten years, STEM occupations are projected to grow significantly, and STEM workers command higher wages than those in non-technical jobs.

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