We are dedicated to providing our students with the tools they need to advance within their companies or to effectively search for new jobs or internships, providing both group and individual career development support to our self-funded students.
Throughout the year, we host workshops where students can build the skills they need for success. Workshop topics include:
- Creating marketable resumes and application materials
- Effective networking
- Behavioral and case interviewing
- LinkedIn best practices
- Salary negotiation
Individual career counseling is also available to ensure that each student gets the tailored assistance that they need.
For more information on career development opportunities offered by SDM, contact:
Julie Papp
Manager, SDM Career Development
sdmcareers@mit.edu.
MIT Career Advising and Professional Development (CAPD)
MIT Career Advising and Professional Development (CAPD) office can be a fantastic source for students, offering a number of resources including:
- Mock interviews, career discussions, resume reviews, and networking advice from CAPD career advisors
- Access to the Institute’s career management system, Handshake, which includes career exploration tools, tips on the job search process, the Career Development Handbook, and Career Fair information
- Job and internship postings, employer information, and event listings
Support for International Students
International students on F-1 visas who are enrolled in SDM may be eligible for the following programs:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for US-based internships and for work off-campus while completing their coursework
- Optional Practical Training (OPT), available for the year after graduation
Please note that not all employers will consider students on CPT/OPT for opportunities in US offices.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
To participate in CPT, student must have remaining degree coursework to complete the semester after the CPT is awarded—for example, a student requesting CPT for the summer must be taking courses in the fall. This coursework cannot include thesis credits.
All eligibility concerns should be directed to the academic administrator before applying for CPT through the department.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Students who have already used their OPT after a previous Master’s degree are not eligible to use it again.
The SDM program counts as a STEM program for the STEM extension on OPT, which could bring post-grad time in the U.S. to 3 years. STEM Extension qualification is dependent on the role and employer.