The Center for Careers, Life, and Service is dedicated to helping all Grinnell students and alumni lead lives of meaning and purpose regardless of their immigration status. The following resources have been compiled to assist you with understanding your employment rights as well as help you with the post-college planning process. From interview prep, to graduate and professional school considerations, to the internship and job search processes, numerous topics and areas of interest are addressed below. While there is much to consider here, these resources are not exhaustive. They are designed to get you started. As always, you are welcome and encouraged to make an appointment with one of the CLS’s advisers for individual support.
Undocumented Students
Undocumented and DACA students face unique challenges associated with job and internship searches. The Center for Careers, Life, and Service believes in the humanity and value of every student and is available to support students of all immigration statuses. All DACA and undocumented students are eligible and encouraged to participate in career programming including workshops, events, drop-ins, and individual advising appointments.
Tips and Advice for Undocumented and DACA Students
Gain Experiences: As a student of the liberal arts, participating in internships, shadowing opportunities, conferences, campus employment, recruiting events, volunteer opportunities, and student organizations will help you clarify your interests, hone new skills, make connections to your studies, and broaden your connections and understanding of potential post-college pathways. Be sure to check out the CLS’s internship resources–including summer internship funding program–as you investigate and consider your options.
Build Your Network: Use your existing network and gain connections. This network can include friends, relatives, faculty, staff and Grinnell College alumni. Use the LinkedIn alumni search tool to connect with alumni in fields of interest to learn more about opportunities in those areas. More than 80% of jobs are found through networking and it can be helpful to talk with working professionals who may have stories similar to your own. You can also build a network by connecting nationally with other undocumented students through groups like UndocuUndergrads National Network and UndocuBlack Network.
Consider Graduate or Professional School: Many graduate and professional school programs offer funding to help with cost through scholarships, research positions, or teaching assistantships. The CLS has assembled robust resources on how to Prepare for Graduate School. Additionally, check out the website My (Un)Documented Life for tips on how to apply to graduate school and a list of scholarships open to undocumented students.
Disclosing Your Status: Knowing when, how, or if to disclose your DACA or undocumented status can be challenging and varies with every opportunity and organization. As a general recommendation, DACA recipients do not need to disclose their DACA status to current or potential employers. It is the employer’s responsibility to verify your work authorization status when appropriate, and it is your responsibility that your work permit remains valid. Also, as a student, you are protected under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which means faculty and staff cannot share any information about you with people outside of the Grinnell College. We encourage you to talk with trusted advisers, mentors, or a career coach to discuss the nuances of this conversation and to develop an appropriate plan.