Pre-arrival careers information for international students

Welcome to The University of Manchester! We’re delighted to have you join our diverse and vibrant community. As an international student, we understand you may have unique questions and goals—and we're here to support you every step of the way.

The information here aims to help you understand

How can the Careers Service help you?

The Careers Service is here to help you take the next step, whether you're exploring career options, applying for jobs, or preparing for interviews.

We offer flexible and accessible support through both online and on-campus services. Once you're fully registered as a University of Manchester student (for most students this usually happens during or after Welcome Week in September) you can book a range of one-to-one appointments and our other services through our CareerConnect portal.

Types of appointments available include:

  • CV and application advice
  • Careers advice and guidance, to help you make career decisions
  • Interview preparation (including simulations)
  • Drop-in support

We also offer a range of events, access to vacancies and online guides to help you. Wherever you are on your career journey, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.

Introduction to the UK job market

Navigating the UK job market for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially with unfamiliar vocabulary. To support you, the Careers Service has created this glossary to explain key terms: Common vocabulary used in the UK job market

Focus on skills and building experience

  • UK employers value your skills and qualities (this may be more important than your degree subject for some roles) and often ask for real examples. These skills don’t have to come from formal work—they can be developed through volunteering, societies, part-time jobs, or peer mentoring.
  • Strong English language skills are key to succeeding both at university and in the UK job market. Most employers expect clear, confident communication on a wide range of topics. To build your business English, immerse yourself in English-language media, learn industry-specific terms, and get involved in societies, volunteering, or part-time work. Gaining experience in UK workplaces and using university resources like language support and career workshops can boost your confidence.
  • Many jobs are open to graduates from any discipline, so use your time at university to build relevant experience and don’t let your degree limit your job search.

To help you maximise your chances of meeting a wide range of application deadlines, we created the timelines below. However, we understand that each student's journey is unique, and you may choose to complete activities earlier or later than suggested, based on your individual circumstances.