For international students in the U.S., navigating the path from the classroom to a career is an exciting journey, but it often comes with a maze of paperwork and administrative hurdles. One of the most common—and sometimes frustrating—steps is obtaining a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) agreement.
But what if you could skip that step entirely?
At Curry College, we believe in streamlining your path to professional success. That’s why our programs are designed with a significant advantage: Curry College does not require a separate CPT agreement from your employer.
Let’s explore why this is a game-changer for your career and education.
First, a Quick Refresher: What is CPT?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a program that allows international students on an F-1 visa to gain paid, off-campus work experience directly related to their major. It’s an essential tool for building your resume, earning an income, and applying classroom knowledge in a real-world American workplace.
Traditionally, this process involves a three-way agreement between the student, the university, and the employer, outlining the responsibilities of each party.
The Common Hurdle: The CPT Agreement
For many students at other universities, the CPT agreement can be a major bottleneck. The process often looks like this:
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You receive a job offer.
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You must then request a CPT agreement form from your school.
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You send this form to your new employer’s HR department.
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HR must review, sign, and return the form to your university.
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Your university processes the form and issues your CPT authorization.
This back-and-forth can be time-consuming and stressful. Some employers, especially smaller companies or fast-moving startups, may be unfamiliar with the process or hesitant to sign a formal university document. This can sometimes lead to a lost opportunity.
The Curry College Advantage: No Employer Agreement Required
At Curry College, they’ve eliminated this barrier. The CPT authorization process is integrated directly into their curriculum for eligible programs, such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA).
How does it work?
Instead of requiring a separate legal agreement, Curry College treats your internship or practicum as an integral part of your academic coursework. To authorize your CPT, they simply require official proof of your employment, such as:
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A formal offer letter on company letterhead.
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A signed employment agreement.
This document simply needs to confirm the essential details: your job title, start and end dates, work location, and a brief description of duties. Once they have this, their International Student Office can process your CPT authorization efficiently.
Why This Benefit is a Major Win for You
Choosing a program that doesn’t require a CPT agreement puts you in the driver’s seat of your career. Here’s how:
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Faster CPT Authorization: The process is significantly streamlined. Without the need for a third-party signature, you can get your CPT approved quicker, allowing you to start your dream job without unnecessary delays.
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A Smoother Experience for Employers: You can confidently tell a potential employer that the process is simple. There’s no extra paperwork for them to figure out or sign. This makes you a more attractive candidate and removes a potential objection from HR.
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Access to a Wider Range of Opportunities: Many incredible companies, especially in tech and innovation, don’t have large, traditional HR departments. By removing the agreement hurdle, you open doors to internships at dynamic startups and other organizations that might otherwise be hesitant to navigate complex university paperwork.
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Less Stress, More Focus: You can focus on what truly matters—acing your interviews and excelling in your new role—instead of worrying about administrative bottlenecks.
Is Curry College Right for You?
If you are an international student looking for a practical, career-focused Master's program that values real-world experience and removes traditional barriers, Curry College’s MBA program is an excellent choice.
Our Day 1 CPT-eligible program allows you to begin gaining valuable work experience from the very start of your studies, all without the complication of a CPT agreement.
Fill out the form below to learn more about this program, our exclusive offers and start the application process with our professional consultants.
