Getting to know a new labour market and how to navigate it can be difficult. That’s why we’ve put together this handy timeline for international students looking to find a job in the UK.
Start early
If you are an international student studying a one-year degree in the UK, finding a job and finishing your degree at the same time can be an extremely demanding task. While the Graduate Route post-study visa allows for a two-year stay in the UK (three years for those who have completed a PhD) to work or look for employment opportunities, many of you may wish to extend your stay in the UK beyond this period, but may not know how to do so.
If that’s the case, you may want to explore graduate schemes typically offered by large employers in industries such as finance, consulting, and engineering. These schemes are usually structured to provide recent graduates with training and development opportunities, and employers within these industries are willing to sponsor visas beyond the post-study work period (some, not all). One of the advantages of these graduate schemes is that employers often welcome applicants from all academic backgrounds, so you can apply even if your degree isn’t directly relevant to the field.
Keep in mind that applications typically open a year in advance, and competition for these schemes can be fierce, so it’s important to begin preparing early to ensure your application stands out.
Graduate scheme timeline
Recruitment cycles, application processes and requirements in the UK may differ from those in your home country, so we have prepared the following timeline that outlines the key stages of the application process for graduate schemes and other employment opportunities in the UK, to help you play your time as a student effectively:
July
- Understand what you want to do and what you can do with your degree. Narrow down which roles and employers you are interested in, through self-reflection and research. Take a look at our Explore Your Career Course. If you are still unsure about your career direction book a Guidance appointment with a Careers Adviser. If you would like to do this or have any other career-related questions, Speak to us on livechat or drop-in at 5 Tyndall Avenue.
- Review your experience and summarise key skills you have developed to help you understand where your strengths lie.
- Find out what skills, knowledge and experience your potential employers are looking for by looking at job profiles and previous job descriptions.
- If you are unsure about your career direction, or have any other career-related questions, speak to us on livechat, or visit us at 5 Tyndall Avenue.
August
- Sharpen your application skills by getting your CV ready, using our online CV feedback tool and learning how to complete an online application form.
- Ask a friend to proofread your CV and application form, particularly if English isn’t your first language.
- If you still feel you need a Careers Service advisor to review your application documents, book an Information and Advice appointment or use our Drop In service.
September
- Check which graduate scheme applications are open, many start around this time. Platforms like Student Circus and Bright Network can be useful resources for finding job openings. (Please note that apart from jobs advertised on Student Circus, not all job postings on other platforms may be open to sponsoring you. It’s important to contact the HR department to confirm their hiring policies.
- Keep a record of all the applications in process and those that you are planning to send.
October to January
- Attend career fairs and events hosted by the Careers Service, and talk to employers to gain insight into what they are looking for in job candidates.
- Prepare for interviews. You can use our online interview simulator (Shortlist.me), to practise interview questions and learn how to make improvements to your interview technique. You can record and review your answers, and you will receive AI feedback.
- You can also request an interview practice appointment (subject to availability) if you have an interview coming up and you can book this via livechat.
February
- While most graduate scheme deadlines have passed by this point, you may still find some opportunities with later deadlines or rolling recruitment. Check out resources like Student Circus and Bright Network to see if there are any current openings that fit your interests and qualifications.
Mid-December to May
- Assessment centres and interviews usually take place during this period. Have a look at our helpful resources on Assessment centres and selection tests, including free practice selections tests.
April to June
- Check to see if any early-closing graduate schemes have Reopened applications due to unfilled positions.
- Keep in mind that you typically cannot apply more than once for the same scheme within the same year. However, if there is a scheme that you have applied for and you are interested in reapplying, reach out to the HR department in that company.
- Don’t limit yourself to graduate schemes. Graduate roles can also be sponsored and are open to you through the Graduate Route visa. These roles are available all year round. For information on where to find both Graduate scheme roles and graduate roles then a great place to start is with our career options guides Each guide has sector information and a comprehensive list of job opportunities.
- If you’re specifically looking for sponsorship, it is always best to check with the company’s HR department before applying, to ensure that they are willing to sponsor you. If they are not willing to sponsor you straight away, it is still worth applying and indicating in your application that you are eligible to work under the Graduate Route visa.
July
- This is a quiet month, but it is a perfect time to focus on your graduation projects and dissertation.
- You should still be able to find graduate jobs to apply to. Have a look at our guide Graduate jobs and schemes to help develop your job search strategy using a range of resources.
August to September
- Graduate schemes start around this time.
- Speak to us on live chat or drop-in at 5 Tyndall Avenue if you think you need some guidance or an action plan.
- Remember that you will still be able to access the Careers Service for up to 3 years after you finish your course.
Additional advice
Before applying for graduate schemes, it is highly recommended to gain relevant experience by participating in work experience, internships and placements. This experience will enhance your application and make it stand out for potential employers, but it will also prepare you for the application process and interviews.
Don’t forget to tap into the hidden job market. Many jobs are not advertised publicly, so networking and building connections within your desired industry can be valuable in uncovering these opportunities. Check out our resource on speculative applications.
Here at the Careers Service, we offer a range of resources to help you navigate the UK job market as an international student. Our online resource for international students, is a great starting point to help you make the best applications to the right employers in the UK.