Employability essentials for international students
A selection of tips and strategies from our international alumni and from global graduate employers who recruit at Manchester.
Make the experience count
Getting involved in extra-curricular activites can help you to develop skills and experience for your CV. Excellent English language fluency and communication skills are a priority for many graduate recruiters too so make the most of opportunities to practise.
- International Society Meet other international students and learn new languages through the International Society or local language clubs.
- Student societies Join a student society that interests you and enables you to mix with UK and other international students.
- What should I do this year? Ideas for extra-curricular activities and actions to take in each year of your degree.
- University College for Interdisciplinary Learning Study an accredited module from outside your degree discipline such as the Manchester Leadership Program.
Understand how the job market operates
- Graduate jobs and schemes Graduate employers recruit up to one year in advance in the UK so start looking for opportunities at the start of your final year or masters course.
- Working in the UK after graduation Research your UK work visas options early.
- Search CareersLink for events and workshops Find skills workshops and recruiter events to develop your knowledge of careers and the graduate jobs market.
Get work experience
Many graduate employers look for previous work experience when selecting graduates and see commercial awareness as a quality lacking in many applicants. Consider internships, placements, part-time work, projects or volunteering as a starting point to building experience.
- Work during study Specific information for international students on working during study.
- Get experience Explore different ways to build your work experience such as internships/placements, volunteering, part time work and more.
Market yourself effectively
It's not just about what you have to offer, but how you communicate that to an employer. Find out how to adapt your CV/resume for the UK market and how CV styles differ around the world.
- CV and application advice for UK and international jobs
- Interviews and applications Advice on CVs, covering letters, application forms and interviews.
