By Soham Nayak, (BA PPE 2020, MRes Social Policy 2022)
Soham spoke at our Life after a Masters event in December 2023
Soham shared his experiences of applying for graduate jobs in the UK as an international student. He had some helpful advice and tips to increase your chances of success – some of them might surprise you!
Sponsorship
It isn’t just big companies with graduate schemes who sponsor visas. Consider small companies too; Soham had more positive responses from smaller companies. So broaden your job search. If you’re hoping to work in consulting, for example, a smaller organisation may offer you more client exposure than a job with one of the “Big 4”.
Applying for visas
The process can be quick! In Soham’s case his graduate visa, and later his skilled worker visa, only took a week to come through. (However, be aware that the Government website states a visa processing time of up to eight weeks.) Use the share code from your graduate visa to prove to employers that you are eligible for work. Look at the shortage occupation list to identify jobs where you are more likely to secure sponsorship.
Prepare
Make sure you research the company you’re applying to, and tailor your application to their interests and priorities. Follow organisations, and contact people on LinkedIn. Use forums such as Student Room, Reddit, Glassdoor and Fishbowl for company insights and salary ranges; look at competitors and smaller firms as well as the one you’re applying to.
Make the most of opportunities and experiences: use feedback from assessment centres and applications. Soham applied for a placement year and didn’t get one but described it as a useful process, for example learning about CV/resume differences in different countries. Don’t forget to talk about work experience in your home country, in addition to any UK experience.
Know your selling points
As well as your degree or Masters, and previous work experience, be sure to talk about your cultural knowledge and language skills (useful for international projects), and the adaptability and resilience you have shown as an international student.
Get the most out of university
Join in the English for Employability sessions, use the Maths Skills centre for statistics and Maths advice and workshops; get involved with York Strengths and York Award; use Careers and the University’s wellbeing support services. Look at possible roles in the university alongside your studies – student ambassadors, college tutors, Graduate Teaching Assistants (PhDs only), York Internships (some part-time, term-time roles).
We hope you find these tips useful – do keep in touch with the Careers and Placements team, and let us know how you get on with your job hunting and applications.
Useful links
Careers information for international students
Applying and interviewing – tips on CVs and applications, and the UK recruitment process
Talk to us – careers appointments and how to book
University of York Careers and Placements 