CPT Program Specialist Jobs
Program Specialist roles in government agencies, nonprofits, and research organizations offer F-1 students on CPT hands-on experience coordinating programs, analyzing policy, and managing stakeholder relationships. Your DSO must authorize CPT before you start, and the work must directly integrate with your enrolled curriculum.
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Get Access To All Jobs1 Big Dream. 4 Iconic Brands. Unlimited Potential. Join us on our journey as we build the most loved restaurant brands in the world.
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Start Date: June 2027
Application Deadline: October 31st, 2026
Who We Are
Restaurant Brands International Inc. is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with nearly $49 billion in annual system-wide sales and over 33,000 restaurants in more than 120 countries and territories. RBI owns four of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands – TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, POPEYES®, and FIREHOUSE SUBS®. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for decades. Through its Restaurant Brands for Good framework, RBI is improving sustainable outcomes related to its food, the planet, and people and communities.
The Program
Onboarding
It all begins with a week of orientation activities at our corporate office. We’ll give you an in-depth snapshot of our business and culture by exposing you to Brand and Functional Overviews and exciting trainings such as problem-solving methodology which will set you up for success during your project-based internship.
Hands on Experience
You’ll gain firsthand experience with our operations by spending a portion of your internship in one of our restaurants, giving you a deeper understanding of both the guest and team member experience. As part of your assigned project, you’ll spend time in the restaurant connecting with team members and managers to gather insights directly from those who bring our operational standards to life every day. This experience will help ensure your recommendations are grounded in the realities of our restaurant operations.
Project Work
After onboarding and training, you’ll jump right into your project. The challenging project assigned to you will enable you to make a big impact on our organization – every project we assign to our interns receives sign off by our CEO and Leadership team to ensure the work supports a key initiative of our organization. Projects assigned to Operations Interns could support teams such as Standards, Execution, Training, Equipment, Analytics, and more.
Ongoing support
You’ll receive plenty of guidance, support, and exposure. Your summer schedule will include training, leadership team lunch-and-learns, formal and informal performance reviews, and social opportunities. You will also meet with current OLDP participants during Onboarding Week and have them as an ongoing resource throughout the summer.
Final presentation
At the end of your internship, you’ll present your final project to your department leadership, sharing your key findings, proposed solutions, and recommendations. At RBI, your work has real impact—your ideas have the potential to be put into practice across our restaurants and help shape the way we operate. You will receive trainings and tips throughout the summer on how to best structure your presentation.
What You Need:
- A good academic track record – you should be a 3rd year student, working towards a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution (expected graduation Spring 2028)
- Available to complete a 10 week-summer Internship (June-August 2027)
- A Bachelors degree – all majors are welcome to apply, and we encourage students with a background in Restaurant or Hotel Management, Retail, Hospitality, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Food Production, Food & Beverage Management, Business Administration, Organizational Behavior, Customer Relationship Management, Operations Control, or Events to consider this opportunity
- Previous restaurant, retail, hotel, or relevant industry experience preferred
- A long-term desire to work with restaurant operators, franchisees and others to deliver growth and a great guest experience
- A performance-focused, results-oriented approach – you will need to have a strong work ethic and drive to achieve results
- Ownership mentality, self-motivation, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit
- Interpersonal, communication and motivational skills
- Extracurricular, volunteer, athletics or professional leadership experience
- Able to communicate effectively (both written and verbal) to conceptualize and present new approaches and solutions
- Solid analytical capabilities and a structured approach to problem solving
Deadline to Apply
RBI reviews applications on a rolling basis with an application deadline of October 31, 2026.
Benefits at all of our global offices are focused on physical, mental and financial wellness. We offer unique and progressive benefits, including a comprehensive global paid parental leave program that supports employees as they expand their families, free telemedicine and mental wellness support.
Restaurant Brands International and all of its affiliated companies (collectively, RBI) are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers that do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, provincial or federal laws, rules, or regulations. RBI's policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities upon request.
1 Big Dream. 4 Iconic Brands. Unlimited Potential. Join us on our journey as we build the most loved restaurant brands in the world.
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Start Date: June 2027
Application Deadline: October 31st, 2026
Who We Are
Restaurant Brands International Inc. is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with nearly $49 billion in annual system-wide sales and over 33,000 restaurants in more than 120 countries and territories. RBI owns four of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands – TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, POPEYES®, and FIREHOUSE SUBS®. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for decades. Through its Restaurant Brands for Good framework, RBI is improving sustainable outcomes related to its food, the planet, and people and communities.
The Program
Onboarding
It all begins with a week of orientation activities at our corporate office. We’ll give you an in-depth snapshot of our business and culture by exposing you to Brand and Functional Overviews and exciting trainings such as problem-solving methodology which will set you up for success during your project-based internship.
Hands on Experience
You’ll gain firsthand experience with our operations by spending a portion of your internship in one of our restaurants, giving you a deeper understanding of both the guest and team member experience. As part of your assigned project, you’ll spend time in the restaurant connecting with team members and managers to gather insights directly from those who bring our operational standards to life every day. This experience will help ensure your recommendations are grounded in the realities of our restaurant operations.
Project Work
After onboarding and training, you’ll jump right into your project. The challenging project assigned to you will enable you to make a big impact on our organization – every project we assign to our interns receives sign off by our CEO and Leadership team to ensure the work supports a key initiative of our organization. Projects assigned to Operations Interns could support teams such as Standards, Execution, Training, Equipment, Analytics, and more.
Ongoing support
You’ll receive plenty of guidance, support, and exposure. Your summer schedule will include training, leadership team lunch-and-learns, formal and informal performance reviews, and social opportunities. You will also meet with current OLDP participants during Onboarding Week and have them as an ongoing resource throughout the summer.
Final presentation
At the end of your internship, you’ll present your final project to your department leadership, sharing your key findings, proposed solutions, and recommendations. At RBI, your work has real impact—your ideas have the potential to be put into practice across our restaurants and help shape the way we operate. You will receive trainings and tips throughout the summer on how to best structure your presentation.
What You Need:
- A good academic track record – you should be a 3rd year student, working towards a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution (expected graduation Spring 2028)
- Available to complete a 10 week-summer Internship (June-August 2027)
- A Bachelors degree – all majors are welcome to apply, and we encourage students with a background in Restaurant or Hotel Management, Retail, Hospitality, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Food Production, Food & Beverage Management, Business Administration, Organizational Behavior, Customer Relationship Management, Operations Control, or Events to consider this opportunity
- Previous restaurant, retail, hotel, or relevant industry experience preferred
- A long-term desire to work with restaurant operators, franchisees and others to deliver growth and a great guest experience
- A performance-focused, results-oriented approach – you will need to have a strong work ethic and drive to achieve results
- Ownership mentality, self-motivation, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit
- Interpersonal, communication and motivational skills
- Extracurricular, volunteer, athletics or professional leadership experience
- Able to communicate effectively (both written and verbal) to conceptualize and present new approaches and solutions
- Solid analytical capabilities and a structured approach to problem solving
Deadline to Apply
RBI reviews applications on a rolling basis with an application deadline of October 31, 2026.
Benefits at all of our global offices are focused on physical, mental and financial wellness. We offer unique and progressive benefits, including a comprehensive global paid parental leave program that supports employees as they expand their families, free telemedicine and mental wellness support.
Restaurant Brands International and all of its affiliated companies (collectively, RBI) are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers that do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, provincial or federal laws, rules, or regulations. RBI's policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities upon request.
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Get Access To All JobsProgram Specialist CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Program Specialist role qualify as a valid CPT position?
Yes, if the work is directly tied to your enrolled program of study. A Program Specialist role involving policy research, grant administration, or stakeholder coordination typically integrates with public policy, international affairs, business administration, or social science curricula. Your DSO makes the final determination based on how well your specific job duties align with your declared major and coursework.
How do I find Program Specialist positions that accept F-1 CPT students?
Search Migrate Mate to identify employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for Program Specialist roles. LCA filing history signals that an organization has navigated work authorization paperwork before and is more likely to understand CPT. Government agencies, research institutes, and federally funded nonprofits are common sources of these positions.
Can I work full-time as a Program Specialist on CPT?
You can, but full-time CPT lasting 12 or more cumulative months eliminates your post-completion OPT eligibility entirely. Many Program Specialist internships at government contractors or nonprofits run 40 hours per week. Confirm the weekly hour commitment before accepting the offer and discuss the tradeoff with your DSO if you're weighing a long-term full-time placement against preserving OPT.
What documents does my employer need to onboard me under CPT?
Your employer needs your I-20 with the CPT authorization page showing the specific employer name, work location, and authorization dates. They'll also complete Form I-9 using your CPT-endorsed I-20 and unexpired foreign passport as identity and work authorization documents. If the employer uses E-Verify, your CPT details must exactly match the I-20 to avoid a tentative nonconfirmation.
What happens if my CPT end date falls before my project wraps up?
You must stop working once your CPT authorization expires. Continuing without a valid authorization violates your F-1 status. If the project extends, return to your DSO before the end date to request an extension. Your employer will need to provide updated employment dates in writing, and your school may require proof that the extended work still satisfies the academic requirement.