Building your career as an international student.

 

 

First off, all university students should start thinking about employability at the start of their courses, not the end. Unless the person has intentions of not working for anyone.

But if you plan to work after graduation, you need to start preparing early, and here are some tips on how to ensure you start preparing for a career early.

International education can open many opportunities, but you need to make the most of the experience to really benefit. Ensuring that you start to think about your career from the very beginning of the time you’re at university will ensure that you maximize all the opportunities available to you.

 

1. Plan ahead

Don’t leave career planning to the final months of your studies. Instead, begin thinking about your career early and fit it in alongside your studies. Your time at university will be busy and it will go fast, but you’ll have many opportunities to develop skills, explore career paths, meet with graduates and hiring managers, and ultimately develop your career plan.

Start exploring career options early. As you move through university, start to think about what you want from work. You could also apply for internships, placements, projects, and study exchanges. A part-time job or an internship can help you develop skills, build networks, improve your language and earn money. Be sure to stay within the work-limit stated in your student visa. All these can help shape your future and will look great on your CV.

As you enter your final lap, be ready to act. It’s important to be aware of early deadlines for graduate jobs so you don’t miss out. To be prepared, make sure you’ve spent time preparing your CV, developing cover letters, and getting ready for interviews and other selected events.

 

2. Document your abilities

Keep a record of your achievements during your time at university. At the end of each month or academic term, reflect on what you’ve learned, what activities you’ve been involved in, and what skills you can now evidence. You can use social media to do this. Write about your activities during your studies.

This may include academic content and technical competency along with “transferable skills” such as the ability to deliver presentations, work with others, and write reports. Documenting your skills can help you identify what you’re good at and can help you think about career paths that would match your abilities.

  

3. Research your career options

Your university will provide many learning opportunities and networking events to help you explore different careers. Keep up to date through newsletters and check out what activities are available to you from your campus careers service.

Most universities will host employer presentations, job fairs, mentoring schemes, and talks from graduates. You can also search online job boards and company Twitter feeds for job and internship opportunities.

  

4. Get involved

A strong academic performance should be your priority; that’s the whole reason for attending university. But employers look for a range of skills, and work and extracurricular experience in addition to your degree.

You’ll have access to a massive range of clubs and societies allowing you to meet new people, try new things, and take on additional responsibilities. Your university will also advertise internships, part-time jobs, and project work through job boards and newsletters. Please, by all means, get involved. Get out there, and get noticed.

 

5. Challenge yourself

It’s natural to feel a little homesick and to gravitate towards students from your home country, but try to start conversations with other students, too. You’ll find your language skills improve and you’ll develop a better understanding of the local culture. You’ll probably also make lifelong friendships. Don't stick with what you're comfortable with doing for a long time. Go ahead and socialize with others who are not from your country or continent. Be intentional about this.

For detailed information on how to travel abroad through the study route, please attend our FREE webinar. It is prepared for all international students, who want to travel abroad for their graduate and postgraduate studies.