OPT Reservation Agent Jobs
Reservation Agent jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in hospitality, tourism, communications, or business. Most roles qualify under OPT's standard 12-month work authorization, and employers in hotels, airlines, and travel agencies regularly hire international candidates with customer service experience.
Find OPT Reservation Agent JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 79+ Reservation Agent jobs
See all 79+ Reservation Agent Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Reservation Agent roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
When was the last time you changed the world?
In Virginia Tech’s Division of Student Affairs, that’s exactly what we’re doing every day—guiding, nurturing, and supporting students as they learn and grow into the leaders and world-changers of today and tomorrow.
We’re currently searching for a Reservations Coordinator to join Student Engagement and Campus Life team in Blacksburg, VA to help us in our mission. So, if you’re passionate about providing outstanding experiences for our 30,000+ students, please keep reading.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1) You’ll be joining the Student Engagement and Campus Life team; a department centered on uplifting the student experience by cultivating affirming environments, promoting holistic well-being, and providing exceptional services, programs, and facilities.
2) You’ll be reporting to the Assistant Director for Event Services, a Regular twelve-month, 100% staff appointment.
3) You’ll be responsible for meeting with event clients and assisting them with the reservations which include but is not limited to scheduling use of meeting/event spaces, creating event layouts and assisting with securing proper approvals.
4) You’ll have the chance to grow and take advantage of a developmental plan with opportunities to advance within the Department and the Division.
5) You’ll be offered a base compensation package between $43,000-47,000 along with a comprehensive benefits package which includes health insurance, paid leave, retirement, tuition assistance, VT discounts, and so much more!
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management; event management; communications and public relations; outdoor recreation, etc.
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, independently managing multiple assignments, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.
- General office and/or customer service support experience in an academic or professional environment
- Proficient computer skills such as electronic mail, scheduling, word processing, and spreadsheet
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact respectfully and comfortably with all individuals in a diverse, multicultural environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous experience working with events in either a high-volume/fast-paced or higher education/student affairs environment.
- Experience working with and/or supervising college students.
- Working knowledge of event scheduling equivalent to Event Management Systems software (EMS), or CollegeNet’s software (25Live)
PAY BAND
3
OVERTIME STATUS
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
APPOINTMENT TYPE
Regular
SALARY INFORMATION
$43,000 - $47,000
HOURS PER WEEK
40
REVIEW DATE
06/01/2026
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Luciana Monika at luciana23@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
INTRODUCTION
When was the last time you changed the world?
In Virginia Tech’s Division of Student Affairs, that’s exactly what we’re doing every day—guiding, nurturing, and supporting students as they learn and grow into the leaders and world-changers of today and tomorrow.
We’re currently searching for a Reservations Coordinator to join Student Engagement and Campus Life team in Blacksburg, VA to help us in our mission. So, if you’re passionate about providing outstanding experiences for our 30,000+ students, please keep reading.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1) You’ll be joining the Student Engagement and Campus Life team; a department centered on uplifting the student experience by cultivating affirming environments, promoting holistic well-being, and providing exceptional services, programs, and facilities.
2) You’ll be reporting to the Assistant Director for Event Services, a Regular twelve-month, 100% staff appointment.
3) You’ll be responsible for meeting with event clients and assisting them with the reservations which include but is not limited to scheduling use of meeting/event spaces, creating event layouts and assisting with securing proper approvals.
4) You’ll have the chance to grow and take advantage of a developmental plan with opportunities to advance within the Department and the Division.
5) You’ll be offered a base compensation package between $43,000-47,000 along with a comprehensive benefits package which includes health insurance, paid leave, retirement, tuition assistance, VT discounts, and so much more!
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management; event management; communications and public relations; outdoor recreation, etc.
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, independently managing multiple assignments, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.
- General office and/or customer service support experience in an academic or professional environment
- Proficient computer skills such as electronic mail, scheduling, word processing, and spreadsheet
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact respectfully and comfortably with all individuals in a diverse, multicultural environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous experience working with events in either a high-volume/fast-paced or higher education/student affairs environment.
- Experience working with and/or supervising college students.
- Working knowledge of event scheduling equivalent to Event Management Systems software (EMS), or CollegeNet’s software (25Live)
PAY BAND
3
OVERTIME STATUS
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
APPOINTMENT TYPE
Regular
SALARY INFORMATION
$43,000 - $47,000
HOURS PER WEEK
40
REVIEW DATE
06/01/2026
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Luciana Monika at luciana23@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
See all 79+ OPT Reservation Agent Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Reservation Agent Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Reservation Agent
Emphasize bilingual skills on your resume
Reservation agents handle international clients daily. If you speak Mandarin, Hindi, Spanish, or another language fluently, lead with that. Many hospitality employers actively recruit multilingual candidates and are more willing to support OPT students who bring that advantage.
Target hotel chains over small independents
Large hotel groups like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt have established HR processes for OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship. Smaller independent properties often lack the infrastructure. Prioritizing corporate chains significantly improves your chances of getting OPT-compatible employment and future visa support.
Apply before your OPT start date whenever possible
Many hospitality employers hesitate if your OPT hasn't started yet. Apply two to three months before your program end date so you can begin onboarding the day your EAD card becomes valid, removing uncertainty for the hiring manager.
Frame OPT duration clearly in interviews
Employers unfamiliar with OPT may worry about a short authorization window. Explain that standard OPT lasts 12 months, with a potential 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies. Clarity here prevents offers from falling apart over misunderstood immigration timelines.
Highlight customer relationship management experience
Reservation agents are evaluated heavily on CRM software proficiency and client communication skills. Showcase any experience with booking systems, call center environments, or customer-facing roles. This directly offsets any hesitation employers may have about sponsoring an OPT candidate.
Get your EAD and supporting documents ready before applying
Employers often request proof of work authorization early in the hiring process. Having your EAD card, I-20, and visa documents organized and ready to share shows professionalism and removes a common friction point that causes delays or lost offers.
Reservation Agent OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as Reservation Agents?
Yes. Reservation Agent roles qualify under F-1 OPT as long as the position is directly related to your field of study. Degrees in hospitality management, tourism, business, or communications typically satisfy this requirement. You must be working in a role that aligns with your declared major, and the work must begin after your EAD is valid.
Do Reservation Agent employers typically sponsor OPT students for H-1B after OPT ends?
It depends on the employer's size and immigration policy. Large hotel chains and airline corporations are more likely to sponsor H-1B petitions for strong performers than small travel agencies. The hospitality industry overall has moderate H-1B sponsorship rates. Establishing yourself as indispensable during your OPT period significantly improves your sponsorship chances. You can find OPT-friendly employers on Migrate Mate.
Does a hospitality or tourism degree qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension in Reservation Agent roles?
Most hospitality and tourism degrees do not appear on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List, so the 24-month STEM extension is generally not available for those fields. However, if your degree is in information systems, data analytics, or a STEM-designated business program, your DSO can confirm eligibility. Check your specific CIP code with your international student office.
What should I do if a Reservation Agent employer asks for immediate work authorization with no delays?
Be upfront about your OPT start date and provide your EAD card or an approval notice if your card hasn't arrived yet. USCIS issues receipt notices that many employers accept as interim proof. If your card is delayed, your DSO can provide a letter explaining the authorization status. Avoid accepting roles before your OPT period officially begins.
How do I find Reservation Agent jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate lists Reservation Agent roles specifically filtered for F-1 OPT students, so you won't waste time applying to employers who won't consider work-authorized candidates. Standard job searches rarely surface OPT-friendly postings clearly. Using a platform built around visa sponsorship and work authorization saves time and reduces the frustration of applying blindly to unreceptive employers.