July 6, 2015, by Business School Postgraduate Careers
Returning home: employability tips for international students
By Megan Davies
International students at universities in the UK have a range of career options when they finish. Many of you will be interested in the possibility of working in the UK or internationally and the idea of further study, in the UK or in another country may be attractive. Most international students will return home, however, and here are a few tips which will make the transition into work in your home country easier and ultimately, more successful.
Start planning early
You need to think about returning home almost as soon as you arrive in the UK. A lot depends on the length of your course but if you are studying for a 12-month master’s, for example,
you will be surprised how quickly time passes. When you arrive in UK you may be overwhelmed by the pressures of a new way of life but don’t forget to plan your future.
Keep in touch with developments in your home country and be pro-active
Follow the graduate recruitment scene on-line. National newspapers and journals will show which employment sectors and growing and which organisations expect to recruit graduates. Which UK, US and European organisations are active in your home country? You should target specific sectors and employers to make sure your knowledge is up-to-date. Indian students, for example, should be following economic trends on such websites as the Times of India.
Expand your network and contacts
Using social media effectively, particularly LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook is a great way of building contacts with particular employers and helps put you in touch with managers, not just the organisation’s HR department. Moreover, employers now expect graduates to be confident users of social media and to be aware of its uses as a business tool. See our blogs on Staying Connected and Five myths of LinkedIn for more hints and tips.
Are there any UK careers fairs for international students you could attend? As an international student you will probably be welcome to attend most but check beforehand. Talking to an employer at a fair after previously making contact through LinkedIn can be very effective.
Ask about any networks of ex-students of your UK university who are now working in your home country. These alumni networks are growing in importance and you already have a lot in common! As a NUBS graduate you can join the alumni networks of both the Business School and the University – both have active LinkedIn groups, and host reunions and networking events are regularly in venues all over the world.
Be aware of the employment cycle in your home country
Know how and when employers recruit. Employers’ schedules vary: the main season for recruitment in the UK is October-January but in China activity is concentrated in two periods: mid-September-November and March-May. Employers in Malaysia tend to recruit all year round.
Useful websites include Gradlink and TargetJobs – plus see here for links to more regional websites and to access ‘Passport Career’, our new resource for advice on a global career.
Ensure that your CV conforms to what the employer would expect and understand the relevant “application culture.” Employers in the UK value personal achievements and voluntary work but such details tend to be disregarded in India. Examples of how CVs/resumes differ from country to country can be found on Passport Career.
Understand what you have to offer and what you have gained from your time in Britain
What did you gain from your course of study? How could it benefit your employer?
Your proficiency in English is important but you will also need to show employers that you are culturally aware and can understand how Europeans do business.
You should be clear about your ability to adapt to new environments and learning situations and you will need to explain how you have overcome the challenge of studying and working in the UK. These qualities are vital and you need to sell them in a pro-active way because they will not speak for themselves.
Your fellow students will probably have come from around the world so as well as experiencing life in the UK, you have had a truly international experience.
Be realistic
You should be aware that employers in your home country may not pay you a higher salary simply because you have a British qualification. The career benefits of your time abroad my not be apparent until you look for promotion. Be patient and do not give the impression that you know everything.
Be prepared for “reverse culture shock”
Do you remember how demanding it was when you arrived in the UK? All your energy seemed to be spent on adjusting to a new country. How tiring it was to speak English all day!
Going back home can feel the same. You will be different and so will your friends and family and they may have little understanding of how your experience has changed your outlook. The most dangerous time for space modules is when they re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere. You may get depressed and feel slightly alienated from what is now a new environment. It may not happen but be aware that it is a possibility. The UK Council for International Student Affairs has some great advice to help you prepare.
Stay in touch
Your university stays with you forever and there will be plenty of opportunity to maintain contacts through the Alumni groups.
As a graduate of NUBS and the University of Nottingham, you can continue to use our services to help you build your career. It’s easy to stay in touch through email and Skype and we offer remote support for those who have left Nottingham. You can still book appointments in the same way by emailing BusinessPCS@nottingham.ac.uk, or send documents such as CVs or application forms through for review.
Finally … Good luck!
This blog was produced as part of a series by the Midlands International Group – a working group of careers professionals from universities across the East and West Midlands regions.
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