Unlock UK Career Opportunities: Insider Advice for International Students from Dr. Samantha Cathro

Looking to stand out as an international graduate in the UK? Dr. Samantha Cathro, Careers Consultant at the Careers and Employability Service, shares practical insights on how students can make informed career choices and boost their employability.

She talks about:

• Why flexibility in location can open up more opportunities beyond London
• Key skills employers are looking for and how to showcase them
• How research, networking, and tailored applications make all the difference

Introduction

Dr. Samantha Cathro, Careers Consultant at the Careers and Employability Service, discusses with Leap how international students can navigate the UK job market, make their applications stand out, and utilize research and skills to find the right opportunities.

Q. How would you describe the current job market in the UK for recent graduates?

 There’s been a lot of media speculation, and the government has made changes regarding visas. There’s also quite a bit of misinformation circulating. That said, there are definitely job opportunities in the UK for international students, but they need to be flexible in their approach, and their applications must be of really high quality.

Q. What sectors or industries are currently experiencing the most growth?

 The UK is predicting significant growth in areas like big data, AI, fintech, and machine learning. But for all students, especially international students, it’s crucial to consider regional opportunities and research what’s happening in specific areas. For example, in Scotland, the green energy sector is currently experiencing substantial growth. 

Q. How does the job market in London differ from other parts of the UK, and what factors should students consider when choosing the right location? Are you seeing any shifts in this trend? 

 Many international students choose to study in London and then look for graduate jobs there. London does offer more jobs and slightly higher advertised salaries, but the cost of living is significantly higher than in other parts of the UK. There’s a balance to consider. Other cities, such as Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, also offer numerous opportunities and generally more favorable living costs. I would strongly encourage international graduates to be flexible with their location. With many students competing for a small percentage of jobs in London, looking beyond the capital can increase both opportunities and competitiveness in applications.

Q. What specific skills are UK employers looking for right now?

 Employers in the UK are looking for tangible skills and evidence of how students have developed them through academic work, extracurricular activities, clubs, societies, or work experience. Key skills include resilience, adaptability, agility, and the ability to embrace change. Equally important are basic communication skills and professionalism, showing up on time, sending professional emails, and behaving appropriately in the workplace. Providing concrete examples of how you’ve developed these skills can make a big difference.

Q. How can international graduates make themselves stand out in the UK job market?

Evidencing skills is key, using real-life examples to show how you’ve developed them. International students should also highlight how they’ve adapted to living in a new culture and working in a non-native language. This can be particularly powerful for global organizations that value employees who can communicate effectively across cultures and languages.

Q. What are some common mistakes you see students making when applying for roles in the UK?

 Many students don’t thoroughly research roles before applying, which means their CVs and cover letters are often not targeted and consequently get rejected. Tailoring your CV to the specific opportunity is crucial; think about the person reading it and what they need to see. UK CVs should be concise; you don’t need to include everything, just what’s relevant and important for the position. Common mistakes include making the CV too long or including irrelevant information.

Q. How important is networking in the UK job market?

 Networking is important, but there’s a lot of misinformation about what it actually means and how to do it. It’s not just about meeting new people for job opportunities; it’s part of your research. Use your existing network to gather information about the labour market, sector, and specific employers. Talk to employers and alumni at careers fairs and community events, and connect with academics on your course. Approach networking as a research exercise, not as an interview.

Q. Could you share a few tips for writing CVs and cover letters that resonate with UK employers?

 Keep your CV concise and tailored; avoid relying on templates. Research the company and use language from the job description to inform your application. Avoid quick-apply features and ensure each application is tailored to the specific role.

Q. Do you think AI will create more opportunities or challenges for graduates?

 Students need to be careful with applications; employers can spot AI-generated CVs and cover letters, and they’re unlikely to be effective. AI can be useful for feedback, like comparing your CV to the person specification in the job description. Tech literacy is also important; even if you’re not from a technical background, you should be able to understand and communicate about tech in your field. Students should embrace this opportunity.

Q. What career resources at the university do you wish more students made use of?

 Research resources, like labor market data, sector insights, employer information, and career planning tools, are essential. Many students jump straight to job ads without knowing their skills, strengths, motivations, or values, which can be overwhelming. Using these resources first provides students with a clearer direction before they start their job search.