Want to know what it takes to check and set yourself up for profession success in the United Kingdom? While there’s general advice that’s all the time an excellent idea to follow, like selecting an in-demand profession or finding internship opportunities, we’ve done our research to search out more study abroad suggestions for the UK.
We’ve asked academic institutions throughout the UK and Ireland what advice or study abroad suggestions they’d offer international students. Below, we’ll discuss every thing from selecting the right profession path to being job-ready after your studies. Keep reading to search out out more!
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On Choosing a Course or Program
Deciding to check abroad is a giant step, and selecting the right program or institution that matches your needs is a very important a part of the study abroad journey in the UK. Whether you’re still exploring different fields and locations, or have a particular institution or course in mind, it’s vital to take into consideration which aspects are steering your decision.
Here’s what representatives of the University of Nottingham, Brunel University London and London Metropolitan University need to say about selecting a program or institution (emphasis ours).
There are a variety of aspects to contemplate while selecting a program, but I’d also suggest going together with your gut feeling and private desires. Location is vital, particularly travel options … University rankings and repute can even contribute to your profession aspirations. Most universities have a robust research focus in specific areas, so it is advisable to research the ‘best’ university on your chosen profession path … Subject-specific rankings and research are also good to contemplate, in addition to researching the careers and employability opportunities for college students during and after graduation.
– Ruth Walker, International Student Recruitment, University of Nottingham
With many institutions offering the same or similar programs, prospective students have to dig a little bit deeper as to why they need to select a subject area at a specific institution …
Does the institution have direct links with industry; if that’s the case, [with] who?
Does the course include a year-in-industry option which may also help students gain worthwhile work experience?
Where is the institution positioned? Are there firms positioned nearby who seek graduates in specific fields?
What support is on the market to boost students’ skill sets and what networking opportunities can they [access]?
– Simon Stanley, International Recruitment Manager (India), Brunel University London
Prospective students should consider the curriculum, course accreditations, modules offered, and practical opportunities, reminiscent of work placements, internships or industry links. They also have to be certain that the programme provides the knowledge and skills they need to reach their chosen profession path. Students should do relevant research on the university, particularly around academic facilities and resources, profession support, scholarships, location and alumni success.
– Keyan Zhu, Head of International Development, Student Recruitment and Business Development, London Metropolitan University
On Researching Future Careers
When selecting a course or program, it’s all the time an excellent idea to work backwards. Think about specific future profession opportunities during your studies in addition to after graduation. To start, listed below are some study abroad suggestions from education experts from Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Greenwich.
Start what jobs can be found at the same time [as] researching [your] prospective course. There are a variety of web sites and social media options that may send job alerts usually so you may get an insight into what jobs are currently available and get a way of the essential requirements and what the current pay is. … Any form of work experience, [whether] related to the field of study or simply a part-time job alongside studies, will help [students] gain experience working inside a UK work culture and can prepare students for full-time work after they graduate.
– Stuart Easter, Head of International Partnerships & Student Recruitment, Edinburgh Napier University
It’s vital to learn more during undergraduate-level programs with non-specialization, after which look to concentrate on your subjects at the master’s level. These footsteps will aid you to amass wider information and knowledge which is required for the industry by the time you might be able to work with them.
– Graeme Tong, Head of International Recruitment, University of Greenwich
Planning to check in the United States as a substitute? Learn about a few of the biggest mistakes international students make, plus more advice, on our blog.
On Building Networks
Have you ever heard the saying “Your network is your net worth?” This saying implies that the more meaningful connections you construct, the more opportunity or influence you may have in your skilled and social circles. Here are some things leaders at Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Nottingham need to say about constructing networks as a global student.
…It’s an excellent idea to refer to as many individuals as possible inside the industry, to find out how they reached their very own profession aspirations, which will be incredibly powerful. Good people to talk to are academics who’ve industry links, any guest lecturers or placement providers inside a level program, and the university’s profession centres and alumni teams, who can have contacts students can reach out to.
– Stuart Easter, Head of International Partnerships & Student Recruitment, Edinburgh Napier University
Speaking to alumni is an incredible approach to discover profession paths and job opportunities available. Take advantage of any internships or volunteer opportunities … as these will broaden your horizons and offer you loads of opportunities for networking. People skills are only as vital as academic skills, and employers search for individuals who stand out by some means. Volunteer and become involved in as much as you may together with your university careers services and student union.
– Ruth Walker, International Student Recruitment, University of Nottingham
On Gaining Experience
An excellent approach to boost your probabilities of employability after graduation is to construct as much experience as you may during your studies. Many jobs favour employees with related experience, ideally in-country, so it’s smart to pursue available co-op or internship opportunities. To aid you find ways to achieve experience in your field, we’ve included some advice from representatives of London Metropolitan University and Brunel University London.
The best way [for students] to be career-ready on graduation is to acquire some work experience that’s related to their degree course and future profession plans. Students can complete internships, work experience opportunities, and volunteer with a charity. Students can even tackle positions of responsibility, reminiscent of course representative, or turn into involved with the Students’ Union, a student society, or a sports team.
– Keyan Zhu, Head of International Development | Student Recruitment and Business Development, London Metropolitan University
Most institutions, reminiscent of Brunel University London, encourage students to start serious about their profession path from the moment they enroll. We have a dedicated team of staff inside our Professional Development Centre (PDC) whose job is just that. Most institutions even have direct links with industry and can host job fairs throughout the yr. This gives students a direct opportunity to have interaction with prospective employers, and most significantly, network.
– Simon Stanley, International Recruitment Manager (India) Brunel University London
Check out our blog to learn how international students can gain work experience while studying abroad in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the US, or the UK.
We hope these study abroad suggestions make on the brink of study abroad in the UK easier. We wish you the better of luck together with your studies and every thing ahead – you’ve got this!
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