Palo Alto Networks Jobs for OPT Students
Palo Alto Networks regularly hires F-1 OPT students into cybersecurity, software engineering, and data roles. Your OPT work authorization is accepted for initial employment, and many positions align with STEM OPT extension eligibility, giving you up to three years to build your career here.
See All Palo Alto Networks JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 37+ Palo Alto Networks jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 37+ Palo Alto Networks jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Palo Alto Networks roles.
Get Access To All JobsDescription
At CDW, we make it happen, together. Trust, connection, and commitment are at the heart of how we work together to deliver for our customers. It’s why we’re coworkers, not just employees. Coworkers who genuinely believe in supporting our customers and one another. We collectively forge our path forward with a level of commitment that speaks to who we are and where we’re headed. We’re proud to share our story and Make Amazing Happen at CDW.
Job summary
The Solution Specialist proactively drives revenue and profit in the assigned sales segment and/or region specific to a dedicated brand and product sets. This role works directly with CDW Account Managers, sales leadership, and partners on white space opportunities. The Solution Specialist brings together knowledge of quotes, bid opportunities, and the market to identify deals and win them. This role is integral in identifying net new business for both CDW and the assigned brand.
What you’ll do
- Be a subject matter expert on the designated partner’s products, programs and go to market strategies and communicate them to CDW sales
- Assist CDW sales and designated partner with field alignment and account mapping within assigned territory
- Attend customer facing events and/or conference calls to communicate the value add of CDW and the partner
- Facilitate training for assigned territory on partner’s products, services, and programs
- Assist the partner and Product and Partner Management (PPM) contacts in creating messaging and promotions that directly align with the specific customer set that is being supported
- Develop and execute to quarterly sales plan
- Complete monthly scorecard identifying sales engagement, pipeline, and market trends
- Cultivate relationships between partner sales team, CDW Sales, & Leadership teams
- Act as a liaison between CDW Sales and Product and Partner Management (PPM) to identify opportunities for product, program, and partner alignment improvements
- Understand the market trends and specific needs of assigned segment and/or region as well as be able to identify and communicate wins/challenges of the business internally and externally
- Understand the competitive landscape in assigned segment and/or region and how market conditions can impact CDW, and the partner being supported
- Have excellent knowledge of CDW service offerings and the process in which account managers attach them to client products
- Maintain effective communications with all stakeholders
- Provide monthly progress reports to Partner and internal stakeholders
- Represent the assigned brand in meetings and speak to brand performance, category performance, program/promotion results, and current initiatives
- Provide comprehensive reporting both internally and externally on brand performance, category performance, industry trends, and market share
- Success Metrics: Meet or exceed designated partner revenue expectations for assigned partner and region
- Positive feedback from assigned sales channels through bi-annual surveys
- Meeting or exceeding designated partner controllable margin expectations for assigned partner
- Assigned regions bid pricing usage
- Obtain and facilitate necessary partner and industry certifications
- Travel as needed
- Other special projects upon request
What we expect of you
- Bachelor’s Degree + 2 years sales/marketing experience, OR
- 6 years’ experience in sales/marketing, OR
- 4 years CDW PPM Experience + 2 years’ experience in sales/marketing
Preferred skills, experience, and qualities needed
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with all stakeholders, including partner, CDW, and customer executives
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
- Demonstrated ability to multitask
- Demonstrated financial and business acumen
- Ability to think strategically and analyze information
- Strong willingness to learn
Pay range: $56,000 - $80,400 depending on experience and skill set
Annual bonus target of 10% subject to terms and conditions of plan
Benefits overview: https://cdw.benefit-info.com/
Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials
CDW is committed to being an AI-fluent organization
We’re looking for people who bring curiosity, a learner’s mindset, and a willingness to engage with ever-evolving technology and tools. We value adopting AI as a partner, openness to experimentation, and a shared interest in learning together on AI. Our goal is to create a culture where AI enhances—not replaces—human creativity and decision-making. You don’t need to be an expert today; what matters is your readiness to explore, adapt, and grow with us as we integrate AI responsibly and effectively into our work.
We make technology work so people can do great things.
CDW is a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to business, government, education and healthcare customers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. A Fortune 500 company and member of the S&P 500 Index, CDW helps its customers to navigate an increasingly complex IT market and maximize return on their technology investments. Together, we unite. Together, we win. Together, we thrive.
CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.
CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, CDW’s goal is to get to know you as an applicant and understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. While AI can help you present yourself more clearly and effectively, the essence of your application should be authentically yours. To learn more, please review CDW's AI Applicant Notice.
Description
At CDW, we make it happen, together. Trust, connection, and commitment are at the heart of how we work together to deliver for our customers. It’s why we’re coworkers, not just employees. Coworkers who genuinely believe in supporting our customers and one another. We collectively forge our path forward with a level of commitment that speaks to who we are and where we’re headed. We’re proud to share our story and Make Amazing Happen at CDW.
Job summary
The Solution Specialist proactively drives revenue and profit in the assigned sales segment and/or region specific to a dedicated brand and product sets. This role works directly with CDW Account Managers, sales leadership, and partners on white space opportunities. The Solution Specialist brings together knowledge of quotes, bid opportunities, and the market to identify deals and win them. This role is integral in identifying net new business for both CDW and the assigned brand.
What you’ll do
- Be a subject matter expert on the designated partner’s products, programs and go to market strategies and communicate them to CDW sales
- Assist CDW sales and designated partner with field alignment and account mapping within assigned territory
- Attend customer facing events and/or conference calls to communicate the value add of CDW and the partner
- Facilitate training for assigned territory on partner’s products, services, and programs
- Assist the partner and Product and Partner Management (PPM) contacts in creating messaging and promotions that directly align with the specific customer set that is being supported
- Develop and execute to quarterly sales plan
- Complete monthly scorecard identifying sales engagement, pipeline, and market trends
- Cultivate relationships between partner sales team, CDW Sales, & Leadership teams
- Act as a liaison between CDW Sales and Product and Partner Management (PPM) to identify opportunities for product, program, and partner alignment improvements
- Understand the market trends and specific needs of assigned segment and/or region as well as be able to identify and communicate wins/challenges of the business internally and externally
- Understand the competitive landscape in assigned segment and/or region and how market conditions can impact CDW, and the partner being supported
- Have excellent knowledge of CDW service offerings and the process in which account managers attach them to client products
- Maintain effective communications with all stakeholders
- Provide monthly progress reports to Partner and internal stakeholders
- Represent the assigned brand in meetings and speak to brand performance, category performance, program/promotion results, and current initiatives
- Provide comprehensive reporting both internally and externally on brand performance, category performance, industry trends, and market share
- Success Metrics: Meet or exceed designated partner revenue expectations for assigned partner and region
- Positive feedback from assigned sales channels through bi-annual surveys
- Meeting or exceeding designated partner controllable margin expectations for assigned partner
- Assigned regions bid pricing usage
- Obtain and facilitate necessary partner and industry certifications
- Travel as needed
- Other special projects upon request
What we expect of you
- Bachelor’s Degree + 2 years sales/marketing experience, OR
- 6 years’ experience in sales/marketing, OR
- 4 years CDW PPM Experience + 2 years’ experience in sales/marketing
Preferred skills, experience, and qualities needed
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with all stakeholders, including partner, CDW, and customer executives
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
- Demonstrated ability to multitask
- Demonstrated financial and business acumen
- Ability to think strategically and analyze information
- Strong willingness to learn
Pay range: $56,000 - $80,400 depending on experience and skill set
Annual bonus target of 10% subject to terms and conditions of plan
Benefits overview: https://cdw.benefit-info.com/
Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials
CDW is committed to being an AI-fluent organization
We’re looking for people who bring curiosity, a learner’s mindset, and a willingness to engage with ever-evolving technology and tools. We value adopting AI as a partner, openness to experimentation, and a shared interest in learning together on AI. Our goal is to create a culture where AI enhances—not replaces—human creativity and decision-making. You don’t need to be an expert today; what matters is your readiness to explore, adapt, and grow with us as we integrate AI responsibly and effectively into our work.
We make technology work so people can do great things.
CDW is a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to business, government, education and healthcare customers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. A Fortune 500 company and member of the S&P 500 Index, CDW helps its customers to navigate an increasingly complex IT market and maximize return on their technology investments. Together, we unite. Together, we win. Together, we thrive.
CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.
CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, CDW’s goal is to get to know you as an applicant and understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. While AI can help you present yourself more clearly and effectively, the essence of your application should be authentically yours. To learn more, please review CDW's AI Applicant Notice.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Palo Alto Networks
Highlight hands-on security or engineering projects
Palo Alto Networks values demonstrated technical depth. Internship experience, CTF competitions, cloud certifications like AWS or Azure, and open-source contributions all signal readiness for their production-level cybersecurity and engineering environments.
Bring up your OPT timeline early in recruiter conversations
Recruiters appreciate transparency. Mentioning your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility upfront removes ambiguity and lets the hiring team confirm sponsorship capacity before you invest time in a lengthy interview process.
Understand Palo Alto Networks' H-1B sponsorship track record
The company consistently files H-1B petitions for qualifying employees. Searching OFLC public disclosure data by employer name shows the volume and job titles they've sponsored, giving you realistic expectations before applying.
Get your EAD card details right on your application
When listing work authorization, select OPT and note your EAD expiration date accurately. Errors here can delay background checks or create compliance concerns for a large employer like Palo Alto Networks with strict HR processes.
Palo Alto Networks jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Palo Alto Networks JobsSee all 37+ Palo Alto Networks jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Palo Alto Networks roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does Palo Alto Networks hire F-1 OPT students?
Yes, Palo Alto Networks hires F-1 OPT students into software engineering, security research, data science, and product roles. Your EAD card authorizes you to work without any additional filing from the employer during your OPT period. You can browse current Palo Alto Networks OPT-eligible openings on Migrate Mate.
Which Palo Alto Networks roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Roles in software engineering, data science, machine learning, and cloud infrastructure typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, provided the position falls under a STEM-designated CIP code and your degree matches. Security analyst and threat intelligence roles may also qualify depending on your specific degree field. Confirm the CIP code eligibility with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Does Palo Alto Networks sponsor H-1B visas?
Palo Alto Networks has a consistent history of H-1B sponsorship for full-time employees in technical and engineering roles. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and depends on the specific role, team headcount, and H-1B lottery selection. Discussing sponsorship intent directly with a recruiter during the offer stage is the most reliable way to confirm your situation.
What should I prepare for a Palo Alto Networks technical interview as an OPT student?
Palo Alto Networks technical interviews typically include coding assessments, system design questions, and security-specific problem-solving depending on the team. For cybersecurity roles, expect questions on network protocols, threat detection, and cloud security concepts. Software engineering interviews follow standard data structures and algorithms formats. Practical lab experience or certifications in platforms like Prisma or Cortex strengthen your candidacy significantly.
How much time do I need on my OPT to apply to Palo Alto Networks?
Most employers, including large technology companies, prefer candidates who have at least six to twelve months remaining on their OPT authorization at the time of hire. This ensures enough runway to complete onboarding and begin the STEM extension or H-1B sponsorship process before your status expires. If your OPT timeline is tight, address it proactively with the recruiter.
See which Palo Alto Networks employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Palo Alto Networks Jobs