2a : a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisionsb : a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable procedures especially of a governmental body.
1 The work may be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, which take place off-campus. 2  CPT is granted for a specific position, employer, and period.  You are not required to obtain work authorization to engage in bona fide (legitimate) volunteer activities or unpaid internships. However, if possible, we recommend that you apply for CPT if you are engaging in an unpaid internship. Please see our page on âVolunteering and Unpaid Internshipsâ for more information.
However, unpaid interns, when offered jobs because of their internship, fail to receive higher salaries as a result of their experience. Deciding between an internship and volunteer position requires careful study with a focus on your career goals. Experience gives you an insight into prospective job duties. Shadowing a professional at work allows a view of the career position, but many times the experience is an idealized view of the workday. Volunteering and internships offer a candid look at your prospective employer without the veneer of a guest experience.