Working in the U.S. is a complicated matter for international students. As a foreigner we need a special permit to work in the U.S. Either an actual work visa or a temporary permit based on serious financial needs. As a student you could apply for such permit but that means you would automatically lose your FI (Student Visa) status, which complicates paperwork and scholarship issues with your university.
What you are able to do if you want to get a job is look for a job on-campus. On campus jobs are the only ones you are allowed to take legally as a foreign student that does not require a permit. Check with your particular university but usually the maximum number of hours you are allowed to legally work per week is 20hrs.
Once you get a job on campus you will have to fill out some paperwork, make sure you do all of it!!! You have to fill out some forms with information regarding your address, social security, visa, passport, status, etc. It is very important that you get your social security number prior to receiving any paychecks/payment. The advantage of getting a job on campus is that you are allowed to get a social security number (See the blog on Social Security Benefits and How to Obtain One).
