OPT Jobs in Louisiana
Louisiana's energy corridor, healthcare systems, and growing technology sector create F-1 OPT sponsorship opportunities concentrated in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the greater Gulf Coast region. Employers in petrochemical engineering, software development, and academic research regularly hire international graduates on OPT work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsSpecial Instructions
Nicholls State University adheres to the equal opportunity provisions of federal civil rights laws and regulations that are applicable to this agency. Therefore, no one will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964); sex (Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972); disability (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; or age (Age Discrimination Act of 1975) in attaining educational goals and objectives and in the administration of personnel policies and procedures. Anyone with questions regarding this policy may contact Alison Hadaway, SHRM-CP, Director of Human Resources at 985-448-4041 / alison.hadaway@nicholls.edu / P.O. Box 2105, Thibodaux, LA 70310. For anyone needing ADA Accommodations, please contact Carolyn Kern, Director of Environmental Health & Safety at 985-448-4782 / carolyn.kern@nicholls.edu.
Position Details
Position Title Consultant SBDC
Position Number 500021
Salary Range $50,000.00
Position Type Unclassified Staff
Department College Of Business Administration
Job Duties
Responsibility / Duty
Provide management assistance, technical advice, and problem-solving help to assist small businesses adversely affected by natural disasters. Assist entrepreneurs and small businesses in developing business continuity plans and risk management consulting and training. Provides answers to questions and requests for information from clients and other interested parties. Provide research to assist clients in finding effective data or reference materials, and refer clients to other resources when appropriate.
Percentage Of Time 45
Responsibility / Duty
Supports organizational training activities, which may include design and development of workshop content, and presents business workshops and seminars in consultation with the LSBDC Director. The Consultant maintains and documents client records and related work activities in a manner consistent with program guidelines. The Consultant assists in providing narrative reports on activities and accomplishments for inclusion in progress or special reports to the public, sponsoring agencies, host institutions, and other stakeholders. The consultant will attend professional development training related to business continuity, risk management, and as directed.
Percentage Of Time 35
Responsibility / Duty
Other functions of the Consultant involve developing and expanding cooperative working relationships with public and private entities and improving public awareness of the program and its services. The Consultant will represent the LSBDC and his/her host institution as a public speaker to community groups, private sector partners, co-sponsors, and similar entities. The Consultant is expected to assist organizational actions to promote positive publicity and recognition of the LSBDC program. The LSBDC Consultant will assist in developing and recommending new or revised program activities consistent with the LSBDC mission, its strategic plan, and his/her individual work plan. The Consultant will be required to maintain and enhance consulting capabilities and technical knowledge through ongoing professional development, personal study, and other activities that expand his/her skill set. LSBDC consultants may also be assigned responsibilities in relation to special projects as determined by the director. LSBDC consultants are expected to meet or exceed performance standards as determined by an annual work plan.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Percentage Of Time 20
Minimum Education Required
B.A., B.S., or Masters Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or related field. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of five (5) years of experience in either business ownership and operations and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for this position may be accepted.
Other Minimum Requirements
- Knowledge of business planning, marketing, and financial management.
- Strong financial skills.
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Computer software proficiency.
- Ability to develop and teach small business seminars.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Proven ability to solve complex business challenges and issues.
- Demonstration of leadership and management skills.
Other Preferred Requirements
- Must be comfortable working independently.
- Strong time management skills.
- Adaptability.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; speak (with clarity) and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk, sit, and climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must have the ability to drive a vehicle to deliver and pick up materials and to attend meetings on and off campus.
Employment Year Fiscal Year
Employment Basis Full-time
Posting Date 09/04/2026
Closing Date 11/12/2026
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
- Names and Contact Information for a Minimum of THREE References
- Letter of Reference 1
- Letter of Reference 2
- Letter of Reference 3
- Copy of Transcript
Optional Documents
- Other Document
Special Instructions
Nicholls State University adheres to the equal opportunity provisions of federal civil rights laws and regulations that are applicable to this agency. Therefore, no one will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964); sex (Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972); disability (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; or age (Age Discrimination Act of 1975) in attaining educational goals and objectives and in the administration of personnel policies and procedures. Anyone with questions regarding this policy may contact Alison Hadaway, SHRM-CP, Director of Human Resources at 985-448-4041 / alison.hadaway@nicholls.edu / P.O. Box 2105, Thibodaux, LA 70310. For anyone needing ADA Accommodations, please contact Carolyn Kern, Director of Environmental Health & Safety at 985-448-4782 / carolyn.kern@nicholls.edu.
Position Details
Position Title Consultant SBDC
Position Number 500021
Salary Range $50,000.00
Position Type Unclassified Staff
Department College Of Business Administration
Job Duties
Responsibility / Duty
Provide management assistance, technical advice, and problem-solving help to assist small businesses adversely affected by natural disasters. Assist entrepreneurs and small businesses in developing business continuity plans and risk management consulting and training. Provides answers to questions and requests for information from clients and other interested parties. Provide research to assist clients in finding effective data or reference materials, and refer clients to other resources when appropriate.
Percentage Of Time 45
Responsibility / Duty
Supports organizational training activities, which may include design and development of workshop content, and presents business workshops and seminars in consultation with the LSBDC Director. The Consultant maintains and documents client records and related work activities in a manner consistent with program guidelines. The Consultant assists in providing narrative reports on activities and accomplishments for inclusion in progress or special reports to the public, sponsoring agencies, host institutions, and other stakeholders. The consultant will attend professional development training related to business continuity, risk management, and as directed.
Percentage Of Time 35
Responsibility / Duty
Other functions of the Consultant involve developing and expanding cooperative working relationships with public and private entities and improving public awareness of the program and its services. The Consultant will represent the LSBDC and his/her host institution as a public speaker to community groups, private sector partners, co-sponsors, and similar entities. The Consultant is expected to assist organizational actions to promote positive publicity and recognition of the LSBDC program. The LSBDC Consultant will assist in developing and recommending new or revised program activities consistent with the LSBDC mission, its strategic plan, and his/her individual work plan. The Consultant will be required to maintain and enhance consulting capabilities and technical knowledge through ongoing professional development, personal study, and other activities that expand his/her skill set. LSBDC consultants may also be assigned responsibilities in relation to special projects as determined by the director. LSBDC consultants are expected to meet or exceed performance standards as determined by an annual work plan.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Percentage Of Time 20
Minimum Education Required
B.A., B.S., or Masters Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or related field. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of five (5) years of experience in either business ownership and operations and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for this position may be accepted.
Other Minimum Requirements
- Knowledge of business planning, marketing, and financial management.
- Strong financial skills.
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Computer software proficiency.
- Ability to develop and teach small business seminars.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Proven ability to solve complex business challenges and issues.
- Demonstration of leadership and management skills.
Other Preferred Requirements
- Must be comfortable working independently.
- Strong time management skills.
- Adaptability.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; speak (with clarity) and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk, sit, and climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must have the ability to drive a vehicle to deliver and pick up materials and to attend meetings on and off campus.
Employment Year Fiscal Year
Employment Basis Full-time
Posting Date 09/04/2026
Closing Date 11/12/2026
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
- Names and Contact Information for a Minimum of THREE References
- Letter of Reference 1
- Letter of Reference 2
- Letter of Reference 3
- Copy of Transcript
Optional Documents
- Other Document
Search F-1 OPT Jobs by Industry in Louisiana
Tips for Finding OPT Jobs in Louisiana
Target Louisiana's energy and petrochemical employers
The Gulf Coast energy corridor between Baton Rouge and Lake Charles employs significant numbers of OPT workers in engineering and technical roles. Companies operating refineries and chemical plants regularly hire international graduates with relevant STEM degrees.
Leverage your university's employer network
Louisiana State University, Tulane, and Loyola maintain career centers with employer relationships built around OPT hiring. These offices often have direct contacts at companies that have previously navigated OPT paperwork, which significantly reduces friction in early conversations.
Search verified sponsorship listings on Migrate Mate
Finding employers confirmed to hire F-1 OPT workers saves weeks of outreach. Migrate Mate filters jobs by visa type and state, so you can browse Louisiana-specific F-1 OPT roles without sorting through listings from employers unfamiliar with work authorization requirements.
Prioritize STEM OPT-eligible roles for a 24-month extension
Many Louisiana roles in engineering, computer science, and applied sciences qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Identifying whether a role falls under a STEM-designated CIP code before applying lets you evaluate your full timeline with that employer.
Connect with international professional associations in New Orleans and Baton Rouge
Local chapters of engineering societies and industry groups in Louisiana's two major metros regularly include employers familiar with OPT sponsorship. These in-person networks surface hiring managers who already understand work authorization, making initial conversations more productive.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Louisiana employers, particularly smaller firms in chemical processing or healthcare, may be unfamiliar with OPT timelines. Beginning your job search three to four months before your program ends gives employers adequate time to onboard you before your work authorization activates.
See all 1,632+ F-1 OPT jobs in Louisiana
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Get Access To All JobsF-1 OPT Jobs in Louisiana: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in Louisiana sponsor the most F-1 OPT visas?
Energy and petrochemicals lead F-1 OPT sponsorship in Louisiana, with refineries and chemical plants along the I-10 corridor regularly hiring STEM graduates. Healthcare systems in New Orleans and Baton Rouge are another consistent source, alongside higher education institutions, information technology firms, and environmental consulting companies supporting coastal and industrial projects.
Which cities in Louisiana have the most F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
New Orleans and Baton Rouge account for the majority of F-1 OPT sponsorship opportunities in Louisiana. New Orleans has stronger representation in healthcare, hospitality technology, and professional services, while Baton Rouge concentrates engineering, petrochemical, and government-adjacent roles. Lake Charles and Shreveport offer smaller but active markets in energy and manufacturing.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Louisiana?
Roles in chemical engineering, software development, mechanical engineering, data analysis, environmental science, and biomedical research are common qualifying positions in Louisiana. Healthcare roles such as clinical research coordinators and lab technicians also appear frequently. For the 24-month STEM OPT extension, the position must directly relate to your STEM-designated degree field.
How do I find F-1 OPT jobs in Louisiana that confirm sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters job listings by visa type, including F-1 OPT, and by state, so you can find Louisiana employers already comfortable with work authorization. Combining that with outreach through your university's career office and local industry association events gives you the broadest coverage of verified opportunities.
Are there any Louisiana-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship I should know about?
Louisiana's economy is heavily tied to energy markets, which can be cyclical. When oil prices drop, engineering hiring in the petrochemical sector often slows, so diversifying your target industries across healthcare, technology, and academia provides a buffer. Louisiana also has a smaller overall employer pool than states like Texas or California, making direct networking and early outreach more important than in larger markets.