OPT Specifications?

[chrissbe17 3]

Hello, I have a question about the OPT. When you are granted OPT, I know that it stipulates that you have to find a job within your field of study. What does that mean exactly? Is there somewhere I can go to get information on that? For example my Masters is in Mental Health Counseling, can I only get jobs as a Counselor or can I get a job as a Student/Academic Advisor as technically this falls within my field? Please help!

[canadian_wife 1,822]

I am not sure how you spin Academic Counselling as a Mental Health counsellor. To me, those are different fields of study

Clarify with your DSO

Good luck

PS - To me, you're looking at a hospital or other health facility to counsel, not a school

[chrissbe17 3]

I am not sure how you spin Academic Counselling as a Mental Health counsellor. To me, those are different fields of study

Clarify with your DSO

Good luck

PS - To me, you're looking at a hospital or other health facility to counsel, not a school

Well one of the requirements of an Academic Advisor is a counseling/social work background (at a potential job). The job description includes providing support to students (e.g. there may be situations where suicidal thoughts arise) which I am trained to deal with. My masters is in counseling with an emphasis in Mental Health. I would contact my DSO except he is not very helpful- takes months to respond to my questions, etc.

[Bsze 50]

IMHO, I think you're fine.

Most academic advisers have degrees in psychology/social work/counseling like you said.

[chrissbe17 3]

IMHO, I think you're fine.

Most academic advisers have degrees in psychology/social work/counseling like you said.

Thank you I just re-read the job description of the Academic Advisor and it plainly states that a requirement is having either a Social Work or Counseling background, Masters preferred. I think if I provide my DSO with that it should be fine (if I do get that job).