June 24, 2025, by Jackie Thompson

From UoN classrooms to a UK career: My journey as an international student

By Kanchan Subhash Shelke, graduate

I moved to the UK in 2023 to pursue an MSc in Data Science at the University of Nottingham. I had always been interested in data and finance, so I hoped to find a career in that space. What I didn’t expect was how much the support from the university and my own network would shape that journey.

Applying for internships

During the summer term, I applied for as many internships as I could. I must have sent out dozens of applications and got interview calls for three of them!

The initial interviews for all three internship roles were a single face-to-face session that covered technical, managerial, and behavioural aspects. It was intense but straightforward. With a lot of perseverance—and guidance from the Careers team—I received internship offers for all three of them. I chose Datagum, a start-up in the data and financial technology space, because it aligned perfectly with my interests.

From day one, I loved the work and the team. The environment was dynamic, and everyone was super supportive. I got the chance to work on real projects with real impact, from building internal data tools to working with clients on cost optimisation and technology migrations.

Gaining a graduate job

The team recognised my contribution and offered me a full-time Business Data Scientist role after my degree. This time, the interview process was much more relaxed—it felt more like a catch-up with our CEO than a formal interview. I am grateful for the way that my career transitioned smoothly from classes to an internship to a full-time job.

My role today is quite versatile. At Datagum, I wear two hats. I work as a consultant with our clients, helping them solve real business problems with data. I also contribute to our internal product development, tackling technical challenges the company faces. Being part of a start-up means I’m constantly learning and growing, which I really enjoy.

Seeking support

The Careers and Employability team at the university played a big role in my journey. From refining my CV to helping me prepare for interviews, they were always available. I also found their job boards and career events extremely useful—I landed both my part-time and internship roles through those platforms.

My advice to you

To international students hoping to find a job in the UK, here’s my advice:

• Keep applying, even if you face rejections—they’re part of the process and make you a stronger candidate in future applications.
• Make the most of the Careers team. They genuinely care and offer brilliant resources.
• Attend career fairs and employer events—you’ll learn a lot and might meet someone who opens the next door for you.
• Be authentic. In a world of AI-generated content, your real voice and unique experience stand out.

Lastly, stay informed. From the beginning, I kept myself updated about visa rules, the job market, and hiring cycles. I also made it a point to network—some of the best advice I got came from flatmates and mates from part-time roles. One of them actually encouraged me to apply for summer internships, and that small suggestion changed my whole career path.

We have a dedicated section on our website for international students covering gaining work experience, graduate jobs in the UK, support with applications and much more. Check out the vacancies for internships and graduate roles, events, and book an appointment with an adviser through MyCareer, your personal careers account – simply log in with your usual UoN email and password.

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