Advice on Applying for Manager, International Student Program at Cypress College

North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD)

Are you passionate about international education and excited about creating a welcoming, diverse, and globally connected environment for students? As you consider applying for this International Student Program Manager position, take a strategic, internationally-minded approach to showcase your qualifications and experiences. Below, we outline some helpful tips to guide you through the application process while attending to the unique demands of this role, particularly from an international education perspective.

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1. Demonstrate International Expertise

This role centers on supporting and advancing the needs of F-1 international students while ensuring compliance with immigration requirements. In your application:

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Showcase your expertise with F-1 visa regulations, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and U.S. immigration policies. Detail whether you’ve handled compliance, advising, or admissions work regarding international students’ legal requirements.
• Include Intercultural Competence: Emphasize previous professional or personal experiences that demonstrate your ability to work across cultures, whether through study abroad programs, living and working in international settings, or fostering diversity in workplace environments.
• Marketing and Recruitment Savvy: If you have built or participated in initiatives (such as recruiting students globally or creating promotional content for educational programs), provide concrete examples of how you successfully increased visibility, enrollment, or engagement in an international context.

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2. Showcase Your Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

An equity-minded and inclusive approach is crucial for this position, especially to serve the diverse community of international students effectively.

• Share Specific Examples: Highlight projects or initiatives where you worked to support underrepresented groups, closed achievement gaps, or provided interculturally competent services. Discuss how you’ve created welcoming environments for students from various socioeconomic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds.
• Engage with Broad Diversity: Beyond international students, emphasize your ability to foster supportive educational frameworks for groups such as African American, Latinx, Native American, Asian-Pacific Islander, and other disproportionately impacted communities.

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3. Education Qualifications & Transcripts

The job requires at least a Bachelor’s Degree (related to education, intercultural communication, or another relevant discipline) with preference given to a Master’s Degree in these areas.

• If your degree(s) were earned outside of the United States, ensure:

– You submit an evaluation of your degree(s) prepared by a credential evaluation service (e.g., WES, NACES).
– You clearly demonstrate equivalency to U.S. post-secondary standards in any cover letter or supporting documents.

• For degrees earned in the U.S.: Provide legible transcripts that include the degree award date. Double-check that all necessary information is clear and visible to avoid delays in processing.

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4. Highlight Administrative and Leadership Experience

This managerial position carries significant administrative responsibilities, from program budget management to staff supervision. If possible:

• Document Supervisory Experience: Describe your experience leading teams or mentoring staff—this is particularly relevant if it included intercultural collaboration within higher education settings or international programs.
• Budget Oversight: Specify prior involvement in developing, maintaining, or reporting on program budgets. Include specific numbers, if applicable, to quantify the scope of your responsibilities.

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5. Tailor Your Technology and Marketing Skills

With responsibilities including program promotion, advertising, and new technology adoption, demonstrating proficiency in these areas will help your application stand out:

• Discuss experiences using marketing tools like website platforms and social media to attract international student audiences. Provide examples of campaigns or strategies used.
• Emphasize familiarity with software such as SEVIS, student information systems, and tools for virtual program delivery or student engagement.

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6. Prepare a Strong Equity-Minded Cover Letter and Resume

Your cover letter is your opportunity to share your passion for international student education and explain why you are uniquely qualified for this role within the California Community College system. Consider these best practices:

• Focus on Intercultural Themes: Show how your background contributes to intercultural understanding and student success. Highlight how educational equity resonates with your values.
• Customize Your Submission: Tailor your resume to include terms and descriptors specific to international student programming, such as “F-1 visa advisement,” “diversity and inclusion initiatives,” “cross-border recruitment,” or “global marketing strategies.”
• Address the Key Minimums: Directly respond to each minimum qualification outlined in the job description to avoid your application being disqualified.

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7. Understand SEVIS System Eligibility

Note that this position requires U.S. Citizenship because only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are authorized to use the SEVIS system per federal regulations. Be prepared to provide proof of eligibility, such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization documents.

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8. Plan for Two Rounds of Interviews

The hiring process includes a screening interview (to assess basic qualifications) and a possible second interview (to dive deeper into your leadership, intercultural competence, and technical skills).

• Prepare a Presentation: If asked to participate in a presentation or written exercise, focus on a topic directly tied to international education best practices. For example, you might discuss strategies for recruiting and retaining international students or creating equity-minded orientation programs.
• Demonstrate Vision: In interviews, speak to how you would grow and enhance the International Student Program at Cypress College, aligning it with state and federal guidelines while making it welcoming and accessible.

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9. Consider Hybrid Work Arrangements

This position may offer flexible remote work options. Be sure to ask thoughtful questions about what percentage of responsibilities require in-person engagement if you’re offered an interview.

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10. Actively Follow Application Guidelines

To avoid being disqualified:

• Provide at least three professional references.
• Complete all application fields (never write “see resume”).
• Meet all deadlines, keeping the May 12, 2025 close date in mind.

If you have questions about the application process, reach out to Human Resources at NOCCCD ahead of time.

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By demonstrating your global qualifications and commitment to diversity and equity, you’ll ensure your application stands out and positions you as an ideal candidate to shape the future of international student success at Cypress College. Good luck!