How To Increase Your Employability As An International Student In The UK
The UK is a hub for international students to study abroad. And with great diversity, high quality of living and excellent work employability, there is no denying many want to continue living and working after graduation.
Since there is a competitive job market, it’s essential to make yourself stand out from others while you complete your course.
Language Skills
English is widely used around the world, and being fluent in the language will help give you that extra step forward. It’s understandable to find it difficult to learn or improve your English, especially as it will be your second language (for non-English speaking countries). But as you’re studying, socialising and making friends is the best way to practice your speaking as well as hone your listening skills to understand different accents and pronunciations.
Clubs & Societies
You may not get your dream job just from your academic achievements. This is because recruiters/employers are interested in someone who has hobbies, passions or other interests outside of work. It’s crucial to find some clubs or groups at your university, where it will also serve as a perfect place to find some like-minded, future friends, or a skill or two. You may want to enrol in a group similar to your industry interest. This will keep you updated on world events as well as your networking contacts – all of which increase your employability potential.
Networking
You may have heard or seen people successfully employed simply because they know someone within or close to the company. The same thing can apply to you and knowing people can take you far. Consider attending various events to broaden your potential networking range. Don’t forget to maintain professional relationships with professors, alumni, and peers too.
But to achieve the above, you will first need to improve your social etiquette skills. Learning how to shake hands, manage body language, and keep eye contact among others can help you look more confident.
Soft Skills
Soft skills are necessary for a professional environment. Also known as ‘C-skills’. soft skills are personal attributes and interpersonal skills that help build, maintain and improve professional relationships. Recruiters often look for skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and more as key skills for any role. Contrary to myths, you can master the art of soft skills, so begin the journey now rather than later.
Work Experience
You may not be employed without relevant work experience. Learning in a classroom is theoretical knowledge, but practice knowledge is when those skills are applied hands-on in an internship or part-time role. It’s a general rule that one should start an internship or part-time role during your course so one can apply the newly learned material in a practical environment instantly. Not only will it increase your confidence, but you could also gain that valuable transferable experience taking you a step closer to your goals.
CV Updates
Last on the list is to always keep your CV up to date. You never know when you come across an opportunity and need it right away. Make a habit of updating your CV every time you complete an internship, online course, training or relevant activity. Leaving this all to the last minute will likely decrease your employability prospects.
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