Why did you choose to study in the UK?

I chose the UK as the opportunities in my field are varied and as Edinburgh is a festival city, which hosts a lot of various events, I thought this was a perfect place to study festival and events.

What’s your career aspiration?

I would like to work at managerial level so I can apply the experience that I already hold and progress in my work and field. I would like to eventually lead teams and impart my experience, knowledge and education to my colleagues, ensuring that knowledge obtained can be shared and everyone helps each other to become more professional and exceptional at their jobs. I am keen to join a suitable organisation that invests their faith in me so I can grow along with progressing the organisation's goals making it a lucrative relationship at both ends. 

What were/are the main barriers and challenges you faced as a Tier 4 international graduate to getting a job in UK?

• Organisations not having the ability to provide visa sponsorship for an international student 
• Opportunities being provided to less deserving candidates due to their current citizenship and visa situation 
• Not living up to what organisations/ people advertise about providing equal opportunities but instead prioritising those with predefined conditions such as experience, nationality, languages , industry experience etc. 

What advice would give to a current Tier 4 international student who wants to secure a graduate role in UK?

• Do not get turned off with what is advertised
• Be diligent and hopeful that you will get one of the many positions you apply for
• Always have recommendations from professors and lecturers who have supported your personal and professional development so that you have a good profile to put forward to your employers 
• Seek career counselling by worthy professionals like Bianca 
• Don’t get disheartened by rejections. Have a positive frame of mind that someone deserving will reach out to you
• Look on various job search sites regularly, such as,  Linkedin, and Indeed. 

Looking back, what advice would you give yourself as an international student in UK to develop your employability skills?

I would definitely be more prepared to meet the preconceived demands and notions that employers put forward before applying for roles. I would like to have spent more time in the market as my Visa allowed me only 6 months post my education to stay and search for a job. I would like to have that time frame extended for 18 months to 24 months at least which is a valid timeframe I believe to comfortably secure and and get an opportunity.

Do you think careers support should be different for international students compared to home students?

Yes because the challenges faced by international students are definitely more complex than local students. They have the added responsibilities of rent, taxes, medical bills etc which they need to look after over in addition to the double amount they pay in tuition fees.  Hence career support should be provided to them keeping in mind all the above factors and if there is a possibility of providing personal one to one attention to International students to ensure they are successful with securing a graduate job.

What’s your definition of employability?

As we are entering into 2021, I am looking out for what everyone is doing that we can learn from each other. We can spend a lot of time focusing on things that didn't work but it would also be great to spend some time on how to approach this critical time with some creative, insightful thinking.
No matter what problems we all are facing, its ultimately our approach that differentiates us from others. So what are you doing differently today? Think about it.

Employability similarly needs to be looked upon from a similar approach. Employers should look at the candidates desire and passion rather than what great education background and if they check all the boxes.  Yes experience in the industry matters but that does not discount the fact that a fresher will not be able to do the job if provided with the right training and mentorship. I encourage recruiters to think out of the box and sometimes go with your heart to provide that deserving candidate an opportunity to prove themselves even if they don’t have the theory to support them but have practical and hands on experience and  are dedicated to prove their worth in the industry.

Thank you to Anoop for taking the time to answer these questions and we wish him all the best with his future career.

If you are an international Tier 4 graduate or student and have something to say, I am always happy to hear from you. Please get in touch.  careers@praino.co.uk. 

Thanks for reading and ciao for now! 

Bianca