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Optional Practical Training Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IT Intern

Palatine, IL ยท On-site

$16/hr

Applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States, including those participating in F1 Visa - Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs, are ...

IMMIGRATION ADVISOR F-1

Birmingham, AL ยท On-site

$16.50 - $26.80/hr

... Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT. 4. Navigates and integrates information from multiple databases, file storage systems and software programs while adhering to FERPA. 5. Remains up-to ...

... Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT, STEM OPT). * Applicants being considered for employment will be required to submit to a fingerprint-based background ...

... Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT, STEM OPT). * Applicants being considered for employment will be required to submit to a fingerprint-based background ...

... Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT, STEM OPT). * Applicants being considered for employment will be required to submit to a fingerprint-based background ...

... Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT, STEM OPT). * Applicants being considered for employment will be required to submit to a fingerprint-based background ...

... Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT, STEM OPT). * Applicants being considered for employment will be required to submit to a fingerprint-based background ...

... Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT, STEM OPT). * Applicants being considered for employment will be required to submit to a fingerprint-based background ...

... Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT, STEM OPT). * Applicants being considered for employment will be required to submit to a fingerprint-based background ...

... Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT, STEM OPT). * Applicants being considered for employment will be required to submit to a fingerprint-based background ...

Training Administrator

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$6.6K - $8.2K/mo

Participate in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) extension program Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class ...

New

... Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT, STEM OPT). * Applicants being considered for employment will be required to submit to a fingerprint-based background ...

... Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT, STEM OPT). * Applicants being considered for employment will be required to submit to a fingerprint-based background ...

... Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT, STEM OPT). * Applicants being considered for employment will be required to submit to a fingerprint-based background ...

... Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT, STEM OPT). * Applicants being considered for employment will be required to submit to a fingerprint-based background ...

... Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT, STEM OPT). * Applicants being considered for employment will be required to submit to a fingerprint-based background ...

Showing results 41-60

Optional Practical Training information

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$15

$29

$43

How much do optional practical training jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for optional practical training in the United States is $29.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $33.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment authorization available to eligible F-1 visa students in the United States. It allows international students to work in a job related to their major field of study for up to 12 months, either during or after completing their academic program. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates may qualify for a 24-month extension. OPT provides valuable work experience that complements academic learning and helps students build professional networks in their field.

What are some common challenges faced by international students during their Optional Practical Training (OPT) period?

International students on OPT often face challenges such as securing employment within the allowed time frame, understanding employer sponsorship options, and staying compliant with visa regulations. Navigating the 90-day unemployment limit and ensuring timely updates to SEVIS are critical. Additionally, students may encounter difficulties in finding employers familiar with OPT requirements, so proactive communication and thorough research are essential for a successful OPT experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optional Practical Training (OPT) participant, and why are they important?

To succeed as an OPT participant, you generally need to be an F-1 visa student with a qualifying degree and a strong academic background in your field of study. Familiarity with job search platforms, resume-building tools, and knowledge of immigration compliance systems like SEVIS are important. Exceptional communication, adaptability, and self-motivation help you network, secure positions, and navigate workplace cultures. These skills and qualifications are crucial for gaining meaningful U.S. work experience and maximizing the benefits of the OPT program.

What is the difference between Optional Practical Training vs Data Analyst?

AspectOptional Practical TrainingData Analyst
Required CredentialsF-1 visa, student statusBachelor's or higher in data-related fields
Work EnvironmentTemporary employment related to field of studyAnalyzing data, creating reports, using software tools
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, employers hiring international studentsBusinesses, tech companies, finance, healthcare

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary work authorization for international students on F-1 visas, allowing them to gain practical experience related to their field of study. A Data Analyst is a professional role focused on analyzing data to support business decisions. While OPT provides the legal framework for international students to work, a Data Analyst is a specific job title within various industries. Understanding the difference helps international students plan their career paths effectively.

More about Optional Practical Training jobs

What cities are hiring for Optional Practical Training jobs?

Cities with the most Optional Practical Training job openings:

What states have the most Optional Practical Training jobs?

States with the most job openings for Optional Practical Training jobs include:

Infographic showing various Optional Practical Training job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,140 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

IT Intern

Aimtron Corporation

Palatine, IL โ€ข On-site

$16/hr

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Position: IT Intern
Location: 555 S Vermont St, Palatine IL 60067
Shift Timings: 1st Shift (07.00 AM – 03.30 PM)

PURPOSE:
This Work Instruction establishes the responsibilities, qualifications, expectations, and learning objectives for the Information Technology Internship Program.

The internship is designed to provide students and recent graduates with practical, hands-on experience in enterprise Information Technology while supporting the daily operational needs of the IT Department.

The primary objective is to provide meaningful work experience while enabling the IT Department to continue supporting business operations and strategic technology initiatives.

SCOPE:
The IT Internship supports the Information Technology Department across Aimtron Corporation and affiliated locations.

Interns assist with operational IT support, workstation deployment, Microsoft 365 administration, documentation management, asset management, and infrastructure-related activities.

The standard internship duration is three (3) to six (6) months and is intended to provide structured learning through real-world enterprise IT experience.

Applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States, including those participating in F1 Visa - Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs, are encouraged to apply.
Internship Expectations

The internship is intended to provide practical work experience and professional development.

Participation in the internship does not imply or guarantee:
  • Full-time employment
  • H-1B sponsorship
  • Visa sponsorship of any kind
  • Conversion to a permanent position

Should future employment opportunities become available, all candidates—including former interns—may be considered through Aimtron Corporation's normal hiring process based upon:
  • Business needs.
  • Position availability.
  • Individual qualifications.
  • Job performance.
  • Department requirements.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
IT Help Desk Support:
The IT Intern will assist with daily operational IT activities, including:
  • Responding to Help Desk requests.
  • Windows workstation setup and deployment.
  • Computer imaging (when applicable).
  • Domain join and workstation configuration.
  • Microsoft 365 account setup.
  • Outlook configuration.
  • Microsoft Teams support.
  • OneDrive support.
  • SharePoint support.
  • Installation of approved software applications.
  • Desktop, network, and label printer installation.
  • Printer troubleshooting.
  • User onboarding and workstation preparation.
  • Peripheral installation and troubleshooting.
  • Basic Windows troubleshooting.
  • Escalation of issues requiring senior IT support.

Documentation Management:
Assist with maintaining IT-controlled documentation, including:
  • Policies.
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Work Instructions (WI).
  • Microsoft Word documentation.
  • Microsoft Excel inventory records.
  • Microsoft PowerPoint presentations.
  • Document proofreading.
  • Formatting consistency.
  • SharePoint document organization.
  • Version control and document maintenance.
  • Attention to detail and documentation quality are essential.

Asset Management:
Assist with:
  • Workstation inventory.
  • Asset tag reconciliation.
  • Hardware inventory validation.
  • Software inventory verification.
  • Monitor inventory.
  • Printer inventory.
  • Endpoint documentation.
  • Device lifecycle tracking.
  • Inventory record maintenance.

Support the development and maintenance of the Aimnet (Aimtron In-House Business Portal) Computer Hardware Inventory Module as the department's centralized Source of Truth for hardware assets.

Infrastructure Support:
Assist with:
  • Workstation deployments.
  • Hardware replacements.
  • Equipment relocation.
  • User Moves, Adds, and Changes (MACs).
  • Basic wired network troubleshooting.
  • Basic wireless troubleshooting.
  • Printer deployments.
  • Technology rollout projects.
  • General IT operational support.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates should demonstrate basic knowledge of, or familiarity with, the following technologies. Hands-on experience is beneficial but not required, as training and practical experience will be provided during the internship.
Microsoft Technologies:
  • Windows 10 / Windows 11
  • Microsoft 365
  • Outlook
  • Teams
  • OneDrive
  • SharePoint Online
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint

IT Support Skills:
  • Computer setup and deployment.
  • Domain join.
  • Software installation and configuration.
  • Printer installation and troubleshooting.
  • User workstation support.
  • Hardware replacement.
  • Peripheral configuration.
  • Basic troubleshooting methodologies.

Networking:
Basic understanding of:
  • TCP/IP
  • Wired networking
  • Wireless networking
  • Network connectivity
  • Internet troubleshooting

Advanced networking experience is not required. The candidate should be willing to learn networking fundamentals through hands-on experience during the internship.

Security Awareness:
Candidates should demonstrate a basic understanding of security best practices, including:
  • Phishing awareness.
  • Spam and malicious email recognition.
  • Safe web browsing.
  • Password security.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
  • Basic endpoint security awareness.

Cybersecurity expertise is not required. The intern is expected to follow established IT security policies and demonstrate good security awareness throughout the internship.

PREFERRED CHARACTERISTICS:
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
  • Dependability.
  • Professionalism.
  • Strong attendance.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Positive attitude.
  • Customer service mindset.
  • Organizational skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Willingness to learn.
  • Adaptability.

Most Important Quality – Resourcefulness:
The successful intern should demonstrate the ability to:
  • Research technical issues independently before requesting assistance.
  • Utilize Microsoft Learn, vendor knowledge bases, and internal documentation.
  • Follow established IT Policies, SOPs, and Work Instructions.
  • Apply logical troubleshooting techniques.
  • Learn from previous documentation and completed work.
  • Take initiative and ownership of assigned tasks.
  • Ask informed questions after performing initial research.

Technical knowledge can be developed through training.
Professionalism, dependability, communication, initiative, and resourcefulness are considered the most important qualities for success within the IT Department.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
During the internship, the intern will gain practical experience with:
  • Enterprise IT Help Desk Operations.
  • Microsoft 365 Administration.
  • Windows Workstation Deployment.
  • Software Installation and Configuration.
  • Printer Deployment and Troubleshooting.
  • SharePoint Online Administration.
  • Hardware Asset Management.
  • Enterprise Documentation Standards.
  • IT Policies.
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Work Instructions (WI).
  • Basic Networking.
  • Infrastructure Support.
  • Enterprise Security Awareness.
  • Professional Customer Service.

BUSINESS JUSTIFICATION:
The Information Technology Department utilizes interns to provide operational support for day-to-day IT activities while enabling senior IT staff to focus on strategic initiatives, infrastructure modernization, cybersecurity improvements, enterprise compliance activities, and technology rollouts.

This internship is intended to provide meaningful work experience while contributing directly to the operational success of the Information Technology Department.

CURRENT OPERATIONAL SUPPORT AREAS:
The selected intern may assist with:
  • IT Help Desk Operations.
  • Microsoft 365 Administration.
  • SharePoint Management.
  • Windows Workstation Deployment.
  • Software Installation.
  • Printer Support.
  • Hardware Asset Inventory.
  • Asset Tag Reconciliation.
  • Documentation Management.
  • Policy, SOP, and Work Instruction Maintenance.
  • Infrastructure Rollout Support.
  • Network Restructuring Projects.
  • Technology Refresh Initiatives.
  • General Operational IT Support.

CANDIDATE SELECTION CRITERIA:
Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate:
  • Consistent availability during scheduled work hours.
  • Reliability and professionalism.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Customer service orientation.
  • Troubleshooting ability.
  • Strong documentation skills.
  • Initiative and willingness to learn.
  • Resourcefulness and independent problem-solving.

The successful candidate should be capable of supporting the daily operational needs of the IT Department while developing practical enterprise IT skills in a professional business environment.

INTERN PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
Interns are expected to:
  • Maintain professional conduct and communication.
  • Report to work according to the agreed schedule and communicate directly with their supervisor regarding attendance or schedule changes.
  • Follow all IT Policies, SOPs, and Work Instructions.
  • Handle company information responsibly and maintain confidentiality.
  • Demonstrate initiative, accountability, and a willingness to learn.
  • Perform assigned duties safely, accurately, and professionally.

Successful completion of the internship will be based on the intern's performance, professionalism, reliability, communication, and contribution to the operational goals of the IT Department.