When you finish university and get your degree, it’s time to think about your future. If you’re still working out what to do next or wondering where you can find career advice, here are some options for international students.
Options after getting your degree
Every international student’s journey is different. The good news is that after you get your degree, there are lots of options to choose from. Here are some examples.
Get a graduate job or enter a graduate scheme
There are two main types of graduate employment in the UK - a graduate scheme and graduate jobs. They are both amazing opportunities which require a degree but the structure and application process is a little different.
- Graduate scheme: A graduate scheme is a structured training programme. They can last between 18 months to four years, depending on the scheme. These paid opportunities can be competitive so you might need to apply a year in advance. These schemes are common in business, finance, retail, law, IT, media, social work and more.
- Graduate jobs: A graduate job offers training and support but can be less structured than a graduate scheme. Recruitment can take place all the time and you might be able to start a graduate job straight away.
Become self-employed
If you can’t find your dream job then create your own by setting up your own company. You might have a great business idea which has a lot of potential. If you have the skills to run your own business, many universities offer services to help you get started.
Study to get a postgraduate degree
If you really liked your undergraduate course, then a Master’s degree might be the perfect option for you. Some career areas such as law and psychology require further study to qualify. But if a postgraduate degree can help you get your dream job, then speak to your university’s careers service, family and friends to help you decide if you should do it.
Take a gap year
Studying in the UK might have made you realise that you love travelling. You might want to see more of the world, learn other languages, experience different cultures or meet new people before entering employment.
Here’s some more guidance on the pros and cons of taking a gap year. This will help you decide if taking time out is for you, any opportunities that might be available and some extra advice.
Look for a full-time job or internship
Getting a full-time job after finishing your degree will help you gain experience. You’ll start earning your own money and you’ll see how everything you have learned in your degree will help you in your new job. A full-time job is a good way of showing your skills and will help you progress in your career.
Internships provide opportunities to gain graduate-level work experience. An internship can help you decide what your interests are, make contacts within sectors, get references for future applications and much more. Find out more information about the benefits of doing an internship and more helpful advice here.
Where you can find career advice
If you don’t know where you can find helpful career advice, don’t worry. We’ve listed some of the best places where you can find out what options are available to international students like you.
University careers services
The most helpful place to get careers advice is from your university’s careers services. At Newcastle University, our careers service will offer you a lot of advice and support to help you decide what to do next. They can also help with:
- CVs and applications
- first-hand advice and career tips from graduates
- career planning
- further study
- latest events
- employers and advertising vacancies
- and much more
UCAS
You will have come across UCAS before when applying to study at a UK university. UCAS operates the application process for UK universities but it’s also an amazing resource for career advice.
UCAS can help you explore different job options, offer advice on starting businesses, volunteering and so much more. They also have a careers quiz which can help you find what your strengths are.
Career advice websites
There are a lot of websites that specialise in career advice. Here’s a list of some of the most popular ones that students love:
Fairs and events
Universities also hold recruitment fairs and events that you should attend. They’re a great way of meeting face to face with potential recruiters. Employers attend and can offer internships, work experience placements, opportunities for further studies and more. This gives you a chance to speak with experts and get career advice directly from them.
University blogs
Another good place to get regular careers advice is the blog section of universities. At Newcastle University, we have a dedicated blog just for international students. You’ll find useful information on careers advice, studying abroad, managing money and so much more. Keep checking in regularly to find helpful career advice.
You might be looking for a graduate career, starting your own business or finding a postgraduate course. If you ever need any advice, visit Newcastle University’s award-winning careers service for help and support.
Develop your perfect career at Newcastle University
Not only do we have an amazing careers service team at Newcastle University but we’ve also created a free careers guide for you to download.
It includes information on how to plan the ideal career path, your very own checklist, what previous Newcastle University students have to say and much more. Get your free copy now and see how we can help you build a successful career.
