Tag: Networking

Top Tips from International Alumni on Securing a Job in the UK 

Posted on by Careers Service

There’s nothing more encouraging than hearing from someone with a similar background who has successfully navigated the UK job market. We recently invited five international alumni from various sectors to share their experiences of securing graduate roles in the UK.  

We were joined by Adil Shaikh from India, a Computer Vision Engineer at DeGould Ltd; Livia Iriawan from Indonesia, an Auditor at KPMG; Linlu Ye from China, the Equality, Liberation and Access Officer at Bristol SU; and Rose Sharon Chin from Malaysia. The event was a full house! If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry, here are the key takeaways that might help you on your own journey: 

Don’t underestimate the skills you have gained as an international student 

Every international student has a unique story. Adapting to a new education system, adjusting to cultural differences, and navigating day-to-day life builds far more than academic knowledge. Our alumni reminded us that these experiences develop adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the teamwork and communication skills gained through societies, group projects, and part-time work.  

Customise your CV  

Every speaker emphasised the importance of a well-crafted, tailored CV. Especially from Rose, who has worked in HR, saying that if your CV isn’t tailored to the role, it’s unlikely to get through. Rather than sending out dozens of generic applications, put time into researching the role and company, and show clearly how your experience aligns with what they’re looking for. We also offer detailed CV guidance and 1:1 appointments with our advisors to help you stand out.  

It’s okay not to have it all figured out 

Not knowing your exact career path after graduation is completely normal. In fact, most of our alumni felt the same way. Trying out short-term experiences like internships, volunteering, or university programmes, such as City Challenge, Bristol Skills Accelerator, or working towards the PLUS Award, helped them explore options and gain clarity. 

Rejections are part of the process 

Every alum we heard from had their fair share of rejections. The key is to focus on what you can control: improving the quality of your applications, developing your skills, and staying proactive. 

And remember, it’s a two-way street. Employers are not just assessing whether you’re right for them; you’re also figuring out if the job and company are right for you. So be humble, stay curious, and don’t let setbacks shake your confidence. 

Landing a job isn’t easy, but with the right guidance and advice, the journey can feel a lot more manageable. If you’re interested in hearing more inspiring stories from our international alumni, keep an eye on upcoming events on mycareer. Just filter by ‘International’ under event type to find sessions specifically designed for international students. 

  • Use Student Circus to search for sponsored UK roles as well as graduate opportunities in many countries around the world  
  • Find more tailored advice as well as stories from international students and graduates on this blog, using the” International students” tag. 

Could you benefit from the Business School Micro Internship programme?

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Gain valuable experience and boost your employability skills as a Master’s student on this 3-week internship with the Business School. 

The University of Bristol Business School offers Master’s students the chance

 to take part in a 3-week authentic industry project designed to prepare you for the workplace through real business challenges. 

The programme is running twice this year with two different groups of students.  Our next intake is in June 2025 and you can express your interest here. 

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Rethinking networking: Finding your own way as a neurodivergent student or graduate

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Hi, I’m Caitlin – a recent graduate and Careers Support and Graduate Engagement Intern here at the Careers Service.

I’m also neurodivergent and, to be honest, the idea of ‘networking’ has always felt a bit confusing to me.

What actually is it? Who is your network? Is it something you do, or something you build? For many of us – especially neurodivergent students and graduates – the word can come with a lot of pressure.

It might bring to mind images of busy careers fairs, fast-paced conversations, or having to ‘perform’ confidence on demand. That version of networking doesn’t suit everyone, and it doesn’t have to.

Black and white illustration of three people sitting at a table. Two individuals are talking, with speech bubbles containing smiley faces, looking very happy. The person in the middle, who is also smiling, is wearing headphones and has a neurodivergent infinity badge on.
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Last City Challenge of the year: Brave Bold Drama

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It was our final City Challenge event of the year at the Careers Service recently. We had the wonderful Brave Bold Drama join us with their challenge. 

City Challenges logo

City Challenges are a programme of events providing students with the opportunity to engage with charities and social enterprises.

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Reflecting on the Expansive Futures career series

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Careers Service launches first-ever Expansive Futures series for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences students

The past teaching term saw a Careers Service first – a month-long multi-disciplinary career development series, Expansive Futures: Careers in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. When we sat down to design the series, we knew it’s going to be a good one, but the end result exceeded even our most optimistic expectations!

  • 14 different panels were arranged, covering topics from film and TV to marketing, from public sector to heritage, from charity to law.
  • 48 panellists, including alumni and representatives from local businesses, volunteered their time to share their insights.
  • Over 650 of you engaged with the events, many joining us for more than one event.

We were delighted to get some really positive feedback, so read on to find out what some of our lovely students had to say:

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Bristol City of Sanctuary runs a City Challenge event

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This month we had Bristol City of Sanctuary on campus to host a City Challenge with us.

City Challenges are a programme of events providing students with the opportunity to engage with charities and social enterprises and support worthwhile organisations, whilst developing skills to improve employability. By taking part in a City Challenge, students gain experience in group working, problem solving, public speaking and presentation, innovative thinking, and community engagement.  

Bristol City of Sanctuary

The Bristol City of Sanctuary logo. 
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Chambers of Commerce: the successful job hunter’s best kept secret

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Chambers of Commerce are membership organisations which businesses can join to access services to help them grow and play a part in their local business community.

They exist around the world at the local, regional and national level. Bristol Chamber of Commerce is run by Business West.

You can easily find Chambers for your nearest home town or city by searching online.

Members come from a wide range of sectors; financial services, the legal sector, engineering, education, manufacturing, marketing, media, property, and many more.

Whilst Chambers of Commerce exist to help their business members, not students or graduates directly, here’s how you can use them to dramatically increase your job or work experience prospects:

1.Access up-to-date sector information

Chambers typically run committees or forums dedicated to different sectors and regularly publish reports or blog posts. You can find a wealth of detail about sectors you’re interested in, wherever you wish to work in the world. Example reports include Detroit’s automotive industry. Subscribe to Chamber newsletters and social media accounts to keep informed on the latest developments.

2. Develop useful relationships

Chamber networking events present an excellent way to make professional connections.  You can attend many of these as a non-member, and they are often free or low cost. Look for events aimed at students or young professionals, or which are more informal rather than those aimed exclusively at business development. If in doubt about whether you would be welcome, contact the Chamber to ask. Although independent of Bristol Chamber, Bristol Young Professionals offer another way to meet people in the city and they are happy for professionally-minded students to attend their events.

3. Find jobs and internships

Many Chambers advertise positions suitable for students and graduates, either within the Chamber itself or with their members. You can also access the “hidden job market” by approaching members speculatively, ideally having first built a relationship with people working for your target employers. See our sample cover letters and advice on making speculative applications.

TOP TIP for international students or anyone wanting to work abroad

Seek out British Chambers based abroad, or similar business organisations which exist to develop trade between the UK and another country or region. Just a few examples are British Chamber of Commerce in Beijing , the UK India Business Council the UK-ASEAN Business Council, and the British African Business Alliance. In Bristol, the West of England China Bureau offers student membership and hosts a range of fun events where you can forge invaluable professional connections.

Members of these organisations will value your knowledge of the UK, and your knowledge of (or at least interest in) the overseas country.

Explore the Expansive Futures careers series

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Are you interested in hearing from professionals who have built interesting and fulfilling careers in arts, humanities and social sciences?

Do you want to know how the arts, humanities, and social sciences develop crucial skills that allow you to thrive in the modern world?

If so, the Expansive Futures series is just what you need!

What is the Expansive Futures series? 

The series takes place between 11 February and 18 March and consists of 14 events to help you explore the career options available to you with a degree in arts, humanities and social sciences.

These events will give you an opportunity to hear from expert professionals on career opportunities and pathways in particular fields of work. No matter what year you are in or how much you thought about your next steps, the Expansive Futures series will have something for you.

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From awkward to awesome: navigating networking events like a pro

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Several exciting networking events are coming up within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and the Faculty of Science and Engineering – see mycareer events to book on.

These will allow you to network with professionals working in industries linked to your degrees.

However, some words will always strike fear into hearts – and ‘networking’ is one of them. Speaking to professional people you’ve never met before can be intimidating – particularly with lots of other students and staff around.

So, what is networking, why do we do it, and how can you make the most of it?

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