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Some 73% of UK graduates say university got them the job they wanted

Going to a UK university as an international student is a huge commitment – but there’s a wealth of evidence to show that it’s well worth your investment! Let’s take a look at the latest research into UK graduate employability, and hear from recent international graduates who are embarking on the careers of their dreams.

Developing career skills

Ever doubt that going to a UK university will give you the edge? You needn’t worry!

Research from Universities UK has found that an impressive 73% of graduates credit their university education with enabling them to land a job reflective of their ambitions within a year.

Unsurprisingly, 79% say they built skills at university that have proved valuable in their careers. That backs up an earlier finding from separate research, the National Students Survey 2024, that 82.9% of students believed their course was developing the knowledge and skills they would need for their future.

Plus, according to the Universities UK research, 78% of UK graduates say the support they received at university helped them gain employment.

And if you’re the first in your family to get a university education, you’ll be keen to learn that 71% of such graduates said the experience has opened doors to companies to them.

This highlights the strong links between universities and business, with 28% of graduates getting their first job through a direct connection to their university or degree course.

Rapid career development

The Universities UK poll was conducted not only among 3,500 UK graduates, but also the same number of business leaders. Their views also make for encouraging reading for current and prospective students looking to advance their careers swiftly.

A staggering 97% of business leaders said that graduates reach managerial positions faster thanks to their university degree, while 85% believed that they will earn more than non-graduates in the same role within three years.

Meanwhile, 71% believe that students build essential transferable skills at university, preparing them for the demands of the modern workplace. And 70% state that graduates build good sector and industry knowledge at university.

Finally, 78% of business leaders and 76% of graduates agreed that going to university helped build their self-confidence – an essential quality for a successful career.

Technical and soft skills

So how are universities achieving these exceptional results? Let’s ask some recent graduates of UK higher education institutions!

Lawrence from Jordan is one of those graduates who has landed his dream job: in the emerging electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) sector.

He says: “It’s actually my course at UWE which led me to becoming a systems engineer.”

He cites not only the systems engineering module as crucial, but also higher level topics that gave him an overview of the aviation industry as a whole: e.g. airworthiness; advanced manufacturing; and sustainability.

Plus, the continuing professional development (CPD) element of his degree proved instrumental in his becoming a chartered engineer.

And as well as practical technical skills, he learned essential soft skills such as communication and teamwork.

He says: “All the modules involved some kind of collaborative teamwork, and often working with experienced professionals, which also enabled me to start building contacts in my industry. This approach to learning has been invaluable for my career.”

Building a professional network

Meanwhile, Zhicheng Xie from China works as a business support team leader at a UK hospital after graduating in IT.

He says: “My course at UWE, which integrates business and IT, offered a unique opportunity to apply IT knowledge in a business context. The invaluable project experiences gained during the program have been instrumental in shaping my career development and planning. This dynamic combination of IT and business knowledge has directly equipped me with the skills required for this job.”

And he has the following advice on how to ensure future international graduates of UK universities contribute to those success statistics.

“My key advice to international students aspiring to begin a career in the UK is to proactively build a professional network. Attend industry events such as open days, and seek out informational interviews.

“Additionally, keep in touch with the university's career services and explore internships or work placements to gain valuable experience.

“Invest time in understanding the UK job market, its specific requirements, and the necessary visa regulations.

“Lastly, embrace cultural diversity and adaptability, as these traits can set you apart in the UK's diverse workplace.”

Register with Gradlink today

To find out more about careers for international graduates of UK universities, register with Gradlink today for access to our database of global employers, jobs and free careers advice.