Helping you get to where you want to be when you graduate
This post was accurate at the time of writing, please check online for the latest information.
We know that many of our international students would like to get a job in the UK when they graduate. However, it can be hard to find an employer willing to sponsor you for a Tier 2 visa.
The good news is, there’s an alternative visa route if you’re prepared to be flexible: the Tier 5 (Government Authorised Exchange). You are eligible if you are from outside of the EEA and Switzerland.
The run up to Christmas can be a whirlwind of activity – presents, parties, travel plans, revision for exams. After Christmas Day itself though, as the New Year approaches, our minds often turn to what we’d like to do differently in the year ahead. So often these resolutions can be about “fixing” something we’re not happy with: our fitness, terrible French, suboptimal study habits, excessive Netflix viewing….
This year why not think about building on the positive, instead of focusing on what’s not right. Leading management thinkers are now arguing that our greatest potential for development lies in enhancing our strengths, rather than following the traditional management approach of tackling our weaknesses.
I graduated last summer with a degree in Biology. When I finished I hadn’t got a large amount planned, all I knew was that I wanted to remain in Bristol. I was open to all jobs to start off with but my overall aim was to head down a biological route.
In November I had an opportunity to have a meeting with a member of staff from the UoB Careers Service, this was really helpful in clarifying the types of jobs I could see myself doing and what steps I should take next. She also told me about internship schemes Bristol University offer with local SMEs. (more…)
A student perspective by Annie Elliott
Going into my second year of university, after a fairly idle first year, I was focused on getting my grades higher and taking my studies more seriously. I had never really considered going to a careers fair until I got a job with the Careers Service and I realised how many opportunities people that don’t attend are missing out on. When people asked me what I wanted to do after university my responses were always vague. Thinking about my career and the ‘real world’ was a daunting prospect and I wanted to put it on hold until I had finished my studies. However, attending the careers fair, I realised I had no reason to feel anxious about this topic but rather it was something I could get excited about.
1. New names, new venues, new opportunities
You may know them as careers fairs but this year our employer events are more than just fairs. We have talks, workshops, CV checks, competitions, LinkedIn photo booths and more, all taking place alongside the events. There is a wide range of events covering a variety of different sectors with employers large and small, so there’s something for everyone.
2. There’s an app for that
Yes, the app world has also infiltrated careers events. The Careers Fair Plus App, available on the app store and google play store, allows you to research in advance, filter and search to find employers most relevant to you and view an interactive floorplan.
3. Employers love Bristol students
Employers come to Bristol to promote their company to you and to recruit the best talent for their business. Make the most of this opportunity. You get to speak to the experts, get a feel for the work culture and inside tips that make your applications stand out. Who you know is often just as important as what you know in the world of work so it’s best to make the most of every opportunity to meet employers.
See what’s coming up on our website: www.bristol.ac.uk/careers/events/careers-fairs/
It’s the time of year when degree results are announced and, amid all the celebrations, there are some of you for whom things may not have gone according to plan. It’s understandable to be disappointed if you did not get the classification you hoped for, but if you are worried about what this means for your job prospects, take heart, there are still plenty of options open to you.
1. Look for graduate schemes which accept 2:2s – and beyond!
Increasing numbers of graduate schemes do not require a 2:1 for you to be able to apply. This is a trend which extends across many sectors, so it is worth searching the opportunities out. See this article by Target Jobs for useful links to sector specific recommendations: Also bear in mind that only a minority of graduates end up on these large graduate schemes each year; the vacancies on MyCareer are one good starting point for a wider range of graduate opportunities.
2. Be positive about your achievements
Máire Power participated in our UoB Internship Scheme as a marketing intern for the science company, NuNano Ltd. We spoke to Máire and NuNano about their experiences.
Can you give us a summary of your internship?
‘I spent two months as a marketing intern for the science company, NuNano Ltd, based within the science incubator, Unit DX. NuNano manufacture nanoscale probes for the sensitive measurement technique, atomic force microscopy. I was tasked with designing and creating content such as articles, videos, and social media posts to increase the awareness of their brand.’ (more…)
June 4th sees the launch of Before You Go Week, an intensive week of events, talks and individual appointments to help you make the most of the summer months – whether you are graduating, or coming back to the University in September.
We’d love to support as many of you as possible. Take our quiz to find out if you could benefit from coming in to see us before you go!
Alex secured a role with Selfridges as a Front End Developer after graduating in 2015 with a BSc Politics and the Bristol PLUS Award under his belt.
“The Bristol PLUS Award encouraged me to pursue hours of paid work which helped populate my CV and gave me experience of what to expect in an office. It also helped prepare me with examples that I could talk about in my interview, to help showcase various efforts I made in trying to gain employment.
or those of you who haven’t decided on what you would like to do after you graduate – don’t worry, there’s still time!
Check out what we have on at the Spring Careers Fair 2 & 3 May from 12-3pm.
1. Careers Fair Plus App
Download the Careers Fair Plus App from the App Store or Google Play Store. Check out which employers are attending on each day and use the filters to narrow your search. Don’t forget to let us know your thoughts once you’ve visited via the feedback form.
2. Employers
This is your chance to meet a range of companies of different sizes, and sectors, and to find out about opportunities for future graduate jobs and internships. Also, employers are still hiring; use the filter on the Careers Fair app to find out who.
3. Global Opportunities
Are you an International Student looking to secure work in the UK or back home? We’re holding a short talk on how to secure a job or work experience in the UK. This will be followed up by employer films highlighting their recruitment across the globe. Click here to sign up.