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What is the value of a UK degree for international students in a changing jobs market?

For most international students, the decision to study in the UK is not taken lightly. Moving to another country to study is a big decision but made for good reasons such as the quality of the education gained and the job prospects after graduation. Degrees from UK universities are well respected worldwide and can attract employers when included on a resume so its clear to see why the UK is one of the top countries worldwide to attract international talent. The British Council cite that the benefits include “A higher standard of education with institutions that consistently rank among the best in the world”. They explain that students receive not only a world-class degree in the UK but also short and flexible courses that are tailormade to support getting the most from your studies as quickly as possible. These degrees specifically help prepare students for their career and are supported by post-study work opportunities through the new graduate route.

What does a UK degree provide?

Studying at a UK university can be prestigious due to the high level of teaching resulting in graduates who are prepared for the working world. Many courses are linked to industry professionals, meaning that students are either taught by or have access to the industry they hope to work in giving greater insight into how work is approached in that area. The support doesn’t end there, as the careers teams at most UK universities also work with graduates who have finished studying if they need further careers advice or information meaning that alumni can keep connected to experts usually for years after graduation. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, UCAS explain that “having an international degree demonstrates that you took the initiative to live and study abroad, and international experience is highly valued by employers.”

It's not just connections to graduate roles that attract students from across the globe, but the academic and non-academic skills that are learnt while studying.

 A degree provides skills that directly translate to the workplace, such as time management, research skills, critical thinking, group work and presentations and public speaking. Skill such as these and many others are instilled during the years spent at university from interactions and learning autonomy. Academic skills are important as they can increase your productivity and add to success in the workplace.

How can this help with a career in the UK?

International education news site The Pie News have shared reports that show that over 60% of international graduates have found work in the UK within 9 months of graduation showing that the majority of students looking for careers in the UK have been successful. The skills learnt while studying can directly influence the trajectory of your career. By progressing through a degree course, you will undoubtably learn not just how to navigate academic skills but expand your wider knowledge by living in a new country, absorbing a new culture and learning to budget and communicate in a new country. It’s important to remember what value you bring to employers due to your international status when applying for jobs in the UK. Ensure you sell the skills you have gathered from university, and those that also give you the edge as an international student. These include language skills, cultural awareness, adaptability and motivation. Share these with employers to show what areas you are able to match the job description. For more news, register with GradLink today for access to our database of global employers, jobs and free careers advice.