When studying abroad, apart from experiencing a different international life, the most crucial aspect is, of course, paving the way for your future and securing your dream job. The UK is a sought-after destination for many Hong Kong students, so is it easy to find work in the UK after graduation? How many types of work visas are available for UK graduates? And what exactly is the Graduate Scheme offered by UK employers? Before embarking on your study journey, let's first explore the employment prospects after graduation in the UK!
Source: Unsplash
Visa System for UK Graduates
During their academic tenure in the UK, students typically hold a Student Visa. However, for those wishing to work in the UK after graduating, the option is to apply for a Graduate Visa, which is valid for two years. The validity of the Graduate Visa cannot be extended, but after completing the two-year term and meeting specific criteria, it can be switched to a Long-Term Work Visa, often referred to as the Skilled Worker Visa.
The eligibility criteria for a Long-Term Work Visa include ensuring that:
- You are employed by an employer recognized by the UK Home Office.
- You are working in a qualified industry.
- You have obtained a "Certificate of Sponsorship" from your employer, which details the nature of your work and contributions to the UK.
For further details, you can refer to the UK government's official website, gov.uk. Upon successfully obtaining a Long-Term Work Visa and working in the UK for five more years, you can apply for permanent residency and citizenship in the UK. This provides an alternative path to immigration and citizenship in the UK for students who do not possess the British National Overseas (BNO) status, benefiting both themselves and their parents.
Source: GOV.UK
UK Employer Programs - Graduate Schemes
When nearing graduation in the UK and embarking on the job hunt, it's highly recommended for students to consider the UK's Graduate Schemes. These are specialized job programs tailored for recent university graduates. Graduate Scheme positions are typically offered by government entities or large corporations and generally span from one to four years. Key features of these positions include:
Rotational Departments for Enhanced Experience: One of the most significant advantages of Graduate Schemes is that employers intentionally rotate graduates through various departments within the same company. This allows them to gain insights into different aspects of the company's functions and operations, helping them discover their areas of interest.
Structured Training: Most Graduate Scheme positions provide new employees with comprehensive and systematic training. This training may cover industry-specific knowledge, skill development, and introductions to the company's culture and values.
Long-Term Career Prospects: If graduates perform well during their time in the Graduate Scheme, they often have the opportunity to be promoted to permanent positions within the company. Companies typically aim to cultivate future leaders through these programs.
To successfully secure a position in a UK Graduate Scheme, it is generally expected that graduates have achieved at least an upper second-class honors degree (2:1). In exceptional cases, graduates with a lower second-class honors degree (2:2) may be considered if they demonstrate special potential and have an outstanding resume. Therefore, for the sake of their future, students should not only enjoy their study abroad experience but also excel academically!
Source: Unsplash
Job Hunting Strategies in the UK
In recent years, global political and economic uncertainties, including events like Brexit and conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, have created challenges in the UK job market. In this evolving landscape, students aspiring to find work in the UK must be proactive and diligent. Here are some methods to enhance your employment opportunities:
- Check Job Vacancies on Student Websites: Explore job vacancies through student websites, which often feature positions suitable for recent graduates.
- Consult Your University's Career Services: Seek guidance and assistance from your university's career services centre. They can offer valuable insights and resources for your job search.
- Participate in University Job Fairs: Attend job fairs organized within your university to meet recruiting teams, gather more information about job opportunities, and make connections.
- Attend UK Job Expos: Engage in job expos and career fairs across the UK to expand your professional network.
- Follow Companies on social media: Keep an eye on companies' social media profiles, such as Facebook and Instagram, to stay updated on their latest developments and values.
- Network with Professionals in Target Companies: Actively network with individuals employed in companies that align with your interests to strengthen your connections.
If your goal is to study in the UK and secure employment after graduation, and you have questions about topics like UK graduate work visas, the UK Graduate Scheme, or selecting the right field of study and career path, feel free to consult Cyclopes. In addition to utilizing big data AI to help you choose the ideal field of study, our professional advisory team will also tailor a personalized roadmap based on your academic performance and interests.