Leverage UK University Career Services for International Success

In this article, we have provided a brief guide on how to leverage university career services for international success in the UK, involving taking advantage of the resources and support offered to students. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Career services offered by the university: Many UK universities allow you to use their career service after graduation, which means you can ask for advice and support even while you are in steady employment. If you move away from the UK after your studies, it is possible to do this over the phone, University Career App, or by using video-conferencing software like Teams, Zoom, and other virtual platforms. The university's online jobs board /App is available to students from the first day register at the university. Here students can find thousands of current vacancies that include graduate roles, internships and placement opportunities.

To find out more, students can contact a respected university’s careers service and ask what support it can offer to you after you graduate.

The top few universities providing the best career services are:

• Durham University

• University of Manchester

• University of Strathclyde

• University of Bath

2. Attend workshops and job fairs: All universities in the UK organise job and career fairs for their students, and they are an extremely useful way to meet employers and learn more about potential careers. Typically held on campus, these job fairs give you the chance to meet representatives from different industries. Networking is crucial for building professional connections in the UK, and career services often facilitate such opportunities.

You will get the opportunity to share your CV (Curriculum Vitae) with these recruiters, find out about new openings, and ask questions. Most importantly, Career fairs are your chance to make many industry connections in a fast, efficient, and effective way to find a career that suits your field of study.

3. Career counselling: Career counselling services are widely available in UK universities throughout the year which includes support on how to apply for both commercial and academic roles. Career counsellors in universities offer a range of services, including individual career counselling sessions, one-to-one appointments, career assessments, skills assessments, job search assistance, CV/resume guidance, interview preparation, and support in exploring different career options and pathways.

Utilise CV/resume review services. Career advisors can help you create a compelling resume that aligns with UK standards and highlights your international experiences and skills. Request mock interviews to practice and receive feedback. This can boost your confidence, help you refine your interview skills, and adapt to the expectations of UK employers.

Seek assistance with your job search. Career services can help you navigate online job portals, company websites, and other resources to identify suitable jobs.

4. Alumni connect: Search Alumni Networks associated with your university. Alumni can provide shadowing opportunities and placements, offer valuable insights, mentorship, and potentially job leads in your chosen field. Join University LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media Groups where you can find classmates, discover alumni from every sector, and expand your professional network. Attend Alumni Connect events organised by the university. Alumni networks provide a platform to build professional and social connections with your fellow alumni.

5. Exploit internship opportunities: Internships provide an amazing opportunity to build professional skills by offering a fixed period of employment within a particular field. This makes it a fantastic way to apply your learning, build a better understanding of your chosen profession, and even find a job. In fact, many companies use internship programs to assess a graduate’s capabilities before recruiting them into a full-time position.

Most careers service departments also post internships, work experience, fellowships, and full-time job opportunities on their portal or dedicated job boards. Since these are often exclusively available to the students at that university, they are a great resource for you to access! As a student, you can log in to the portal and access opportunities from employers seeking students and alumni, including graduate jobs and internships. These are advertised thousands over the year.

In addition to the opportunities posted on job boards, careers teams also provide exclusive, vetted internship opportunities by developing relationships with local businesses and organisations.

Uncover the array of benefits provided by internships:

• Facilitate the transition from study to work

• Improve the understanding of a particular job or industry

• Helps gain insight into the operations and challenges of organisations, fostering a strong network with professionals in the field

• Prepares you to face job interviews and highlight real work examples

Enquire about Both On-campus and off-campus internship opportunities in the university career centre. Few universities offer Summer Paid internships in the UK such as the University of Edinburgh, the University of Loughborough, the University of Imperial College London, etc. Take advantage of online career platforms and resources recommended by your university. These platforms often provide job listings, career advice, and industry insights specific to the UK.

Stay updated on UK visa regulations and work permits for international students. Your university's career services or international student office may provide information and resources to help you understand and comply with the requirements.

Exploit your College or University's career centre. A valuable resource can help you with everything. Be open to different opportunities. Do not limit yourself to one particular career path. Be open to incompatible opportunities, even if they are not exactly what you had in mind. Remember, building a successful career takes time, dedication and effort, but with a dynamic approach, you can achieve your goals quickly.

Want to know more about studying abroad? Get in touch with our international education experts at IDP. They will guide you with the end-to-end admission process.

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Jyothi Egatani is a Senior Counsellor at IDP Education in the Somajiguda, Hyderabad office, specialising in counselling for the UK. Certified by the British Council as an Agent & Counsellor for UK education, she brings five years of valuable experience to her role at IDP. She is recognised for her expertise as a study abroad counsellor, boasting a proven track record in guiding students towards achieving their study and career aspirations in the UK. She has adeptly assisted numerous students in navigating the visa application process seamlessly.