Closing Workforce Gaps with International Student Talent Through CPT and OPT Opportunities

During our December 13, 2024 Workforce Solutions Breakfast, Nic Hockenberry, Director of Workforce Programming with Greater Dubuque Development, spotlighted a promising strategy to address the Greater Dubuque region's growing workforce needs: retaining international students as local talent through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). This initiative, developed in partnership with the Better Together Committee of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque along with area institutions of higher education, highlights a largely untapped talent pool that is ready and waiting to contribute to our regional economy.

International students, currently studying at our regional colleges and universities in high-demand fields like engineering, business, and healthcare, offer a unique solution. These students bring a global perspective, specialized skills, and the motivation to remain and thrive in our community.

One key takeaway for employers was the simplicity of hiring international students:

• Curricular Practical Training, or CPT, allows students to work part-time during their studies, typically in internships or co-op roles.
• Optional Practical Training, or OPT, enables graduates to work full-time for up to 12 months, with STEM graduates eligible for a 24-month extension, without the need for visa sponsorship.    

These programs are straightforward, require minimal paperwork, and provide employers in the Greater Dubuque region access to highly skilled, motivated talent. To help navigate these pathways, employers were provided with a CPT/OPT informational handout, offering guidance on how to connect with this talent pool.

As part of Nic’s presentation, employers present were called on to engage with this initiative by:

1. Connecting with him or Alex Baum, Director of Advocacy, Data and Learning, at the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque to learn more about hiring through CPT/OPT.
2. Expanding internship opportunities for all students, including international students.
3. Participating in Greater Dubuque Development's AccessDubuqueJobs.com Spring Career Fair on March 26, 2025 at the Grand River Center, which will offer a unique opportunity to connect with international student talent.

If you are ready to explore how international students can address your workforce needs, contact Nic Hockenberry, Director of Workforce Programming at Greater Dubuque Development Corporation for more information at nicolash@greaterdubuque.org or 563-557-9049. Together, we can strengthen our economy and make the Greater Dubuque region one where YOU can be great here by leveraging the talent of our existing international student population.