OPT Spotlight Series: Pratik Tolani (Calico Energy)
Pratik Tolani鈥痠s a CU 麻豆影院 graduate鈥痺ho鈥痠s currently鈥痝aining experience while鈥痮n Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). ISSS reached out to Pratik to ask about the type of training he is doing and how鈥痯ost-completion鈥疧PT has helped him gain practical training in his major field of study (Mechanical Engineering).鈥疘SSS is鈥痚xcited to spotlight Pratik鈥檚 experience and advice for other F-1 students who might be planning to apply for鈥Post-Completion OPT鈥痑苍诲鈥STEM OPT.鈥
Pratik is working as a Technical Analyst at which creates successful energy management programs and effective IT solutions for utilities and their partners. When asked about the type of projects Pratik is working on, he said, 鈥淚 am working closely with team members who manage multiple utility programs like learning the details of the Demand Response program integrations and interactions with the grid. Additionally, I am working with the team on reporting and visualizations using RStudio (a data analysis tool) to analyze and improve program functionality and outcomes. My duties directly utilize the skills and knowledge I acquired from my coursework and degree in renewable energy.鈥&苍产蝉辫;
Before applying for OPT, Pratik wishes he knew about the power of networking. Pratik says that he gained a lot from informational Interviews, networking on LinkedIn, conferences, and guidance from professionals in his field as opposed to just online applications as they are screened by applicant tracking systems. Pratik encourages students to instead aim for the unadvertised hidden jobs.
When seeking OPT authorization and applying for his current position, Pratik stated, 鈥淚t was definitely smoother than I expected. I applied for positions online and emailed professionals from the company. I also set up an informational interview call with the company's CEO to get the gist of the company (always have thoughtful and unique questions ready for any interview). After the call with the CEO, I had interviews with 2-3 employees from the company to check for cultural/skill fit that eventually led to an offer letter.鈥濃疘SSS wants to remind students that the鈥Career Services Office鈥痑t CU 麻豆影院 is a valuable connection for students in their career pursuits.鈥
Pratik鈥檚 advice to a student applying for OPT is, 鈥Research your industry as there are certain websites that are more effective for getting a job and focus on those. I will not deny the difficulty we face as international students, but it's all worth it in the end.鈥 ISSS is here to help support each of our F-1 students who wish to pursue OPT. Students can and should take advantage of鈥ISSS resources,鈥workshops, and鈥advising opportunities鈥痶o understand the application process, reporting requirements, and status maintenance requirements associated with an OPT authorization.鈥
Pratik wants others who are applying for OPT to, 鈥Strive for progress not perfection. Always challenge yourself for you will be surprised by what you can achieve through sheer determination and hard work.鈥&苍产蝉辫;Furthermore, Pratik reminds students that OPT is a very good chance to gain practical experience through interaction with industry leaders and experts in your field. Make the most of it!
F-1 students are eligible to apply for post-completion OPT after they have completed all degree requirements or after completion of all coursework (excluding thesis or dissertation credits). The first day that F-1 students can apply for OPT is 90 days before the last day of enrollment in the final semester. The last day F-1 students can apply is 60 days after the last day of enrollment.
ISSS is鈥痯roud鈥痮f our students who are engaging in practical training. If you鈥檇 like to be featured in our OPT Spotlight Series鈥痠n the future, please fill out鈥