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International students face numerous challenges when arriving from overseas. These include new approaches to study and culture shock, which can lead to students having less time to dedicate to their employability when entering a highly competitive job market. The reality is that finding a graduate job is more than just grades; it requires a more holistic approach with support from careers experts, research, and strategic thinking. There is a range of support for international students, and today we’re talking about how you can access these and create a strategy to engage in employability activities.
When applying for a course, consider the support provided for international students. Many offer pre-arrival programmes built with international students in mind. UWE Bristol offers a course called Thrive that helps international students adapt to living in the UK and includes practical careers skills to get you started. Deputy Partnership Manager, Gael Milligan says “Thrive is an online survival toolkit designed to support international students with their transition to UK academic culture and also to help them get ready to live in the UK, study at UWE Bristol and work in their future career!”.
CareerLaunch is an online course offered at City St George’s University of London. Deputy Director of Careers and Employability, Helen Kempster, explains that “CareerLaunch helps students coming to study in the UK by giving them a head start in understanding how they can develop their employability whilst at university, and what support is on offer to them”. The course is designed to help new students recognise their skills while developing professional networks and understanding the career options available and includes specific support to help international students navigate their career challenges.
These courses may look slightly different at each institution, so check online to see which course meets your needs.
An underused but powerful feature of LinkedIn is the Alumni Tool, which allows students to connect with former students from your university and already working in your chosen industry, country, or company. Using the Alumni Tool will help to increase your social capital, which is how to effectively create valuable networks that allow you to advance towards your goals. These networks are particularly important for international students to utilise due to limited professional networks in a new country. LinkedIn’s tool helps to bridge this gap and connects you to a global network with expertise in your chosen field. Deputy Head of LUMS Careers at Lancaster University, Noeleen Hammond Jones, shares these career strategies for the Alumni Tool for students planning to study in the UK:
“Identify possible role models and mentors.
Understand the local job market and employer expectations.
Research your post-study visa options, which can inform your career decision-making.
Discover internship and graduate opportunities others have accessed.
Develop your LinkedIn profile and online presence accordingly.”
Look out for careers support that is built with you in mind. Studying in a different country means that aside from the differences in learning and living, careers and etiquette around employability will be different. GradLink is a free site built for international students and graduates with the aim of giving careers advice, sharing knowledge, and championing international talent. You can find country-specific advice from writing a CV to apply for a role, job opportunities with a wide global network, and the latest news to help advance your career options. GradLink can be used pre-arrival, during studies, and as an alumni to help support you at each step of your career and work alongside your career strategy. To access the latest jobs, global employers, and news, register here today!