So you have a degree from a prestigious university in the UK?
What’s next?
After the United States, UK has to be the second-most loved country for its educational infrastructure and opportunities. It attracts a large pool of international students who are on constant lookout for a great work culture and good-quality life. But when it comes to the job market in the country for international students, is there something additional that we need to do?
Let’s have a look.
The graduate job market in the UK
We all are aware of the huge impact Covid-19 has had on the job market throughout the world which obviously hasn’t spared the UK. But the good news is that despite the turmoil and the economic uncertainties, almost two-third of country’s best employers are all set to tap into the graduate market.
To give you a glimpse of how 2020 looks for graduate jobs in the UK, High Fliers Research has come out with this exceptional study of graduate job market. According to this study, out of fifteen industries and business sectors, twelve have come up with the brilliant initiative of employing more graduates. The study also revealed that for this year alone, almost 700 new vacancies will roll out in banking and financial sectors, accounting and professional sectors and online retailers thereby leading to a whopping 3.3% increase in graduate recruitment.
Finding a job in the UK
After you’re done with your graduation and ready to take the next plunge, there are two options available to you. First, are the graduate training programmes and second is direct entry. Graduate training programmes are usually offered by huge organisations that will train you for two or more years and eventually, as you start understanding their organisational structure, they convert this training role into a full-time opportunity. These training programmes are application based unlike the direct entry opportunities that are available all year round. The underlying issue with direct entry is that they might require prior experience. Therefore, our advice to you would be to go for the training programme and then get into the hardcore UK work culture.
Can International Students Work in the UK After Graduation?
All hail to the new visa rule, international students are now permitted to stay back for almost two years post their graduation in order to find a suitable job. This is a huge jump from the previous rule that permitted international students to stay in the country for only four months. The technical jargon identifies these visas as PSW (post-study work visas) which will be open to all students on Tier 4 visas. These new rules will come into effect by August 2020, right on time for all those students who will graduating amidst this global pandemic, which has come as a huge breather. Like Gavin Williamson, the Education Secretary, says:
“The important contribution international students make to our country and universities is both cultural and economic.”
Is It Hard for International Students to Get a Job in UK?
There is no doubt that the job market in the UK is extremely competitive, not just for the international student but for residents as well.
It is imperative that international students applying for a job in the UK should tap the right market and the right kind of job they would want to pursue a career in.
Of course you will need to brush up your language skills when it comes to working in the UK and you must know how to use your international status to a point where the employer has no choice but to hire you. Like Ellen O’Brien, International Careers Adviser, University of Birmingham intelligently puts it that as an international student;
“You may have language or enhanced numeracy skills that home students don’t have.”
Where to Find a Job in the UK After Graduation?
There is never a dearth of great opportunities in the UK employment market for international students, provided you know your niche. If you are a medical practitioner or a scientist or someone who is associated with the hospitality industry, then you’re in luck because these industries have the highest employee turnover. Also, most of the students pursuing degree in the UK opt for part-time employment opportunities in their field of interests because a little experience on the side always comes handy.
Talking about a few off-beat options, opportunities in the field of creative arts, dance and choreography, teaching and music are also something you can explore.
How Can International Students Find a Job in the UK After Studies?
If you’re someone who has tried everything under the sun and are done with filing applications and cover letters, then this point is for you.
Get your social media ticking and stay on a lookout for the right job. Sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn are your support system and it is essential that you stay abreast with all that’s trending. This is also the right platform to make connections with the right people who might help you in future.
Another point to remember is that you need to keep your CV updated on all the professional recruitment sites. Recruiters in the UK are always scanning through and you can never be too careful. So punch in those super professional titles and get going.
We understand the anxiety one goes through to land up a great job in the UK, especially if you’re an international student fresh out of college. But, all we can say is that at the end of the day, if you know how to stay relevant then there is nothing that can stop you. Be an early bird, stay updated with all the recent challenges and changes, make sure your documentation is complete and set your mind towards the goal.