Here’s what to do, what to know, and where to start.
Summer isn’t a pause. It’s one of the best stretches of the year to get ahead- on your career, your brand, and your readiness for what’s next. Whether you’re staying on campus, working remotely, or heading home, we're here to help you make the most of it.
We’ve put together your summer priority list below. Bookmark it. Check things off. And if you have questions along the way, reach out, SEAS Career Services is here all summer.
Priority 1: Build Your Professional Brand
First impressions happen before you open your mouth. Your LinkedIn profile, your email signature, the way you introduce yourself in a room, these all communicate something before you say a word. This summer, we’re offering Personal Branding Appointments to help you put your best professional self forward.
What is a Personal Branding Appointment?
It’s a one-on-one session where we work with you on how you present yourself professionally, across your digital presence, your communication style, and the way you walk into a room. Think of it as a professional refresh with a career advisor who knows your field.
What We’ll Cover
- Crafting a LinkedIn profile that actually gets attention
- How to talk about yourself clearly and confidently (elevator pitch, interviews, networking)
- Professional communication like emails, follow-ups, and how to write like someone who means business
- How to present yourself in virtual and in-person settings
- Personal brand consistency across platforms
How to Book
Appointments will continue to be available throughout the summer, so students are encouraged to book their slots through Handshake early and plan ahead. For any scheduling questions or assistance, SEAS Career Services is always happy to help.
Come as you are. Leave knowing exactly how to present yourself.
Priority 2: CPT Readiness (International Students)
If you’re an international student planning to gain work experience in the U.S. this summer whether through an internship, or part-time role, you need to understand Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
What is CPT?
CPT is employment authorization that allows F-1 students to engage in off-campus opportunities that are directly related to their major field of study. It’s authorized on a semester-by-semester basis and must be tied to a specific training or employment offer.
CPT Basics to Know
- You must have an official and eligible work offer before applying for CPT
- The role must be directly related to your program of study
- CPT must be authorized before your start date — no retroactive approval
- Part-time CPT (up to 20 hrs/week) does not affect OPT eligibility
- Full-time CPT (21+ hours/week) for 12+ months may impact OPT eligibility — plan carefully
- CPT is strictly part-time during fall and spring semesters and can be full-time during summer semesters, as long as summer is not your first or final semester.
- You may be eligible for both CPT and on-campus employment simultaneously. However, during academic semesters (Fall and Spring) you can only work a maximum of 20 hours per week in total, combining both on-campus and off-campus employment or practical training.
- SEAS students are required to enroll in the appropriate curricular course, Professional Praxis, before applying for CPT
Contact the International Student Office
GW Center for Career Services processes the CPT authorization for SEAS students. However, specific eligibility questions should be directed to ISO.
- https://careerservices.gwu.edu/professional-praxis
- https://internationalservices.gwu.edu/curricular-practical-training-cpt
Contact the International Student Office. For specific guidance on your situation, timeline, and documentation requirements, email the International Student Office directly at iso
gwu [dot] edu.
Don’t wait until the last minute, processing takes time, and starting late can affect your ability to begin work on your intended date.
Have questions about finding CPT-eligible roles or writing your offer letter? That’s where we come in, Career Services can help with the job search side.
Priority 3: Student Employment Readiness
Whether you’re looking for an on-campus job, a summer internship, or your first full-time role post-graduation, being employment-ready isn’t just about having a polished resume. It’s about knowing how to show up.
Your Student Employment Checklist
• Resume — updated, tailored, and reviewed by Career Services
• LinkedIn — complete profile with a professional photo and summary
• Cover letter template — ready to customize per application
• References — identified and briefed on your job search
• Interview prep — practiced responses to common behavioral questions
• Handshake profile — active, with job alerts set up
• Professional email address — your GWU address or a clean personal one
On-Campus Jobs
Looking for an on-campus job this summer or fall?
GWU student employment opportunities are posted through Handshake and the Student Employment Office, with roles across campus that can help you build experience, skills, and your resume along the way.
Explore opportunities through the Student Employment job board page.
Internships
Summer is prime internship season. If you haven’t locked something in yet, don’t panic, there are still opportunities. Use this time to:
• Search Handshake daily for new postings
• Reach out to companies directly, even without a posted opening
• Tap your network — alumni, professors, and LinkedIn connections
• Attend virtual info sessions and company events
Pro Tip
Not every great opportunity has a formal listing. A well-crafted cold email to someone at a company you admire can open doors that job boards can’t.
Your Summer at a Glance
- Book a Personal Branding Appointment
- If you’re an international student, email the International Student Office about CPT before you accept any offer
- Update your resume, LinkedIn, and Handshake profile
- Apply to at least 3–5 opportunities per week
- Do your interview prep now, before you need it
Summer moves fast. The students who hit the ground running in May and June are the ones signing offer letters in August.
Let’s make this summer count.
Questions? We’re here.
Visit SEAS Career Services on Handshake or connect with us to get started.
International students: Contact the GWU International Services Office for all CPT and immigration-related guidance.