December 6, 2024, by Business School Postgraduate Careers
Career Crossroads: How the Right Support Changed Everything
Ruehie Jaiya Karri is an MSc Marketing student at the University of Nottingham, originally from India with a background in Computer Science and content marketing. With over five years of professional experience as a Content Marketing Specialist at HackerEarth and a Java Software Developer at TATA Consultancy Services, she shares her transformative journey of securing part-time roles and her first full-time job in the UK, highlighting the incredible support she received from the Business School Postgraduate Careers team throughout her job search.
Let’s be real—job hunting as an international student is no walk in the park. I started applying for part-time work in the UK during my second semester at the University. Already grappling with imposter syndrome, navigating the job application process in a new country and believing I began the process too late; the constant stream of rejection emails did not help. My confidence was at an all-time low. Every “we regret to inform you…” gave me a surge of anxiety, making me question if I’d ever break into the UK job market.
The Turning Point: People on the Streets (POTS)
My breakthrough came from an unexpected place. When the Postgraduate Careers Team posted a placement opportunity on the the Microsoft Teams channel, I decided to apply, not expecting anything out of it. But, Oliver Bream McIntosh at POTS took a chance on me when countless others hadn’t. Even though my profile wasn’t exactly what the organisation was looking for, Ollie believed I had what it takes to complete this placement successfully. This wasn’t just a job—it was a lifeline. But getting there? That was a journey in itself.
As soon as I got the email about my being selected for the interview, I booked an appointment with the Postgraduate Careers team. The day of the appointment was a culmination of late nights of two assignment submissions, practically living in the library and endless cups of coffee. I was sleep-deprived when I arrived for the appointment but my Careers Consultant, was incredibly understanding. She introduced me to the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result), helping me transform my experiences into compelling narratives. More importantly, she saw that I was visibly low on self-esteem and gave me a much-needed boost in confidence. It helped me prepare well for the interview and go into it with the right frame of mind, which I believe is what sets you apart from other talented candidates.
Pro-tip for international students: Understand your limitations. You need to reach out and ask for help as the right support can transform your approach.
Marketing Magic: Nottingham City of Literature
Just when I thought my first opportunity was a one-off, the Nottingham Summer Internship Scheme opened up a world of possibilities. Five interviews, five offers – and I chose Nottingham City of Literature. This was possible entirely due to my previous careers consultation. The tips and tricks that I gained from that gave me the roadmap for how I approached each interview.
The internship with the City of Literature team was more than just a part-time role; it was the first time I would be stepping into an office in the UK instead of working remotely. It was daunting, to say the least. But, from the moment I stepped through those doors, I was welcomed by a lovely team that made me feel right at ease. From creating social media campaigns for International Youth Day to developing content for the Our Cities Our Stories project, every task was an opportunity to learn and grow.
Takeaway: In the beginning, applying for jobs isn’t about finding the perfect role, but about building your professional narrative. Every experience, no matter how small, adds a valuable chapter to your career story and helps you grow in ways you never anticipated
The Full-Time Dream: National Institute of Teaching
Landing my first full-time job felt like winning an Olympic gold. Picture this: I’m exhausted, having just submitted my dissertation, my lease is ending, and I’m in the middle of moving. Most professionals would see a frazzled, overwhelmed student. My Careers Consultant saw so much more, and became my rock throughout this time. Together, we prepared for the interview by going through the job description line by line. We scheduled a second meeting right before my final interview to conduct a mock interview and assess my presentation skills. The feedback this provided wasn’t just constructive—it was transformative.
I was offered the job and fortunately the Postgraduate Careers team are well-versed in the complexities of hiring international students. When HR-related challenges arose such as confusion around the Graduate Route visa processes, they were able to provide calm and actionable solutions. What made the Careers team support truly exceptional was how they anticipated potential roadblocks. Whether it was explaining the Graduate Route Visa processes for an international student or providing strategic advice on negotiating terms, especially related to sponsorship capabilities, they were always one step ahead.
The process wasn’t just about getting a job; it was about transforming from an uncertain international student to a confident professional ready to make her mark in the UK job market.
What I’ve Learned
-Support Matters: Utilise your university’s career services. They’re not just a resource; they’re your career allies. The idea that there was someone with specific expertise in this area, watching your back for you helped me feel decidedly less alone.
-Know your visa requirements: I cannot stress this enough. Understanding your visa requirements is not just important – it’s absolutely critical for international students seeking employment in the UK. The Graduate Route Visa is relatively new, and many employers are still unfamiliar with the intricacies of international student work rights, which means the responsibility falls on you to be the expert.
To every international student feeling lost or discouraged—your dream job is out there. It might take time, effort, and a lot of resilience, but with the right support and mindset, you’ll get there.
A massive shout out to the Postgraduate Careers team at Nottingham University Business School—you didn’t just help me find a job; you helped me build a future!
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