Get that international job!

Many international students hope to remain in their study country once they graduate, and begin a successful international career. But how easy is that to achieve? This guide to the best countries for post-study work opportunities looks at how the different visa and immigration rules affect your chances of getting work – and perhaps permanent residency.

We’ll also share our top tips for getting the international job of your dreams – no matter where you want to live and work!

First, check your visa rights

Every country has different visa rules for international students. And some countries make it much easier to stay and work than others.

Both the UK and Canada offer international graduates a special work permit. In the UK, the new Post-Study Work Permit allows you to work for up to 24 months, without needing an employer to sponsor you. This period, as well as your student visa time, can count towards the ‘10 years for settlement’ requirement – which can eventually lead to permanent residency in the UK.

To qualify for the UK Post-Study work permit, you will need to have a UK degree, or a postgraduate certificate or diploma, or an HND from a Scottish institution.

In Canada, the length of time you can stay and work under their Post-Graduation work permit depends on the length of your course.

In Australia and New Zealand, there is no automatic right to stay and work once you graduate. But their visa points system favours recent international graduates – so you have a good chance of getting a work visa. The most common option for international students in Australia is the 485 skilled graduate temporary visa, which allows you to stay for up to 18 months if you have just completed at least two years of study in Australia.

In the US, you will need an employer to sponsor your visa – and this is becoming harder with their current economic woes and rising unemployment. It will depend on the reputation of your school, how well you did in your degree, and your perseverance. If you graduated at the top of your class from an ivy-league school… well, you probably already have a job! If not, you’ll need to do a lot more research and plenty of interviews just to get your foot in the door.

In Europe, each country has its own post-graduate visa regulations. In the Netherlands, for example, you can apply to stay for one year after you graduate to look for permanent work. After one year you must apply again for a new visa, depending on your work status.

And working in Japan might be easier than you think. At the International University of Japan, more than 80% of their MBA students come from other countries. Despite a tough economic climate, three-quarters of the 2008 class have already found jobs with organisations such as GE Consulting, Matsushita Group and the UN.

OK, but how do I actually get a job?

Now you know you can work… you need to actually find the right job for you. Here are our top five international graduate job-hunting tips:

1. Use your university resources
Your university careers centre can help you in a number of ways. They may have a job-placement service, employer directories, workshops to develop your job-seeking skills (such as writing a CV or interview techniques), and even work-permit assistance. At Trinity College in Dublin, international students have access to the Vault Online Library, with career and employer guides, inside info on international companies and a career search. They can also attend the College Careers Week.

2. Make the most of your internship
During your studies, you’ll have the chance to meet and network with many potential employers – so don’t be shy! Internships and summer work programmes often lead to full-time job offers once you graduate. Even part-time work during study gives you the chance to meet someone who might know someone who could be your future boss. Networking is a great life skill you can develop right now.

3. Research your job prospects
Use the internet to learn about a company before your interview. Think in advance about what they do, and how real examples of your study experience could add value to their workplace. For example, if you want to work for an accounting firm, you could mention how your final year thesis focused on recent changes to tax law.

4. Understand local business practices
Make sure you follow the local business customs. Did you know that in the US you should always send a ‘thank you’ note (or email) after an interview? In France, you should hand-write your application cover letter (but provide a typed CV). In Australia and Canada, a CV is called a ‘Resume’.

5. During the interview…
Make sure you are on time. Look interested and ask lots of questions. And don’t criticise your former employers, or the country you want to work in!
International study is a huge investment in your future career – and you can kick-start your international career right away if you decide to stay and work after you graduate. Good luck – and remember you can always ask one of our student counsellors for more advice on visas and study options.

What do you think?
Is the chance to work after you graduate important when you decide where to study? Where in the world would you like to work most of all? Tell us in the comments box below!

Comments

[kvoi_longnie]

Dear.
I've read this helpfull information already.
I'm interested in so much. But i have some inconviniences: i'm not an International student, and my specializaton dosen't support me to get extra job.
And maybe in other countries, they do. So please tell me if you know somes job support for Plublic health.
Thank you!

[Wang YaPeng]

Now, i am live in USA. i want to study in it.

[assegaf]

yes I see your mean but to get that it is not easy why, because we much enough skill and clever, and much money so no one free in the world. thanks my brother.

[santosh paudyal]

how can i get visa and haw much money i spend all process? And how i can get the best job of my qualification?

[usman ola]

pls l what to can this conutry l give me visa to come canada to study

[Rizal]

Dear all,

Thank a lot for your kind information, wish I can study and work at france.

[Ammar R. Kairaldeen]

I'm looking for grant

[nafees muhammad]

Dear sir,

yes i am an international student n want get and join job or study but should be study 100% free if you may, help me so then inform me via even telephonic at +923004986958

thanks a lot,

nafees here
from
Pakistan
54000.

[nafees muhammad]

Dear sir,

yes i am an international student n want get and join job or study but should be study 100% free if you may, help me so then inform me via even telephonic at +923004986958

thanks a lot,

nafees here
from
Pakistan
54000.

[Imran Hussain]

Please I am need suite able job.

[Ricardo Simatupang]

i,m Ricardo Simatupang. I interest to get a job in other country,but i dont how to apply my CV and can u give me many information about my skill specialy accounting.
Thanks Ricardo Simatupang
Indonesia.

[chea sokeang]

Dear Madame/Sir
How can i both study and work there? How much do i spend? And can i go there without spend money?
I hope that i'll get the good answer . Thank beforehand.

[suraj]

halo
i am 12th cllass plz halp me i amindian

[ari]

peace..
what a good chance it is !!
i think i`m interested..
but how??

[Mei]

I'm really interest to work in other country, especially Singapore or Aussie, but I don't know how & how much should I spend to apply for work permit.
Could you help me? Really appreciate it..
Thank you!!

[Mei]

Dear Sir,
I'm really interest to work in other country, especially Singapore or UK, but I don't know how & how much should I spend for work permit (it's not free, right?)
Could you help me (until I have a job in other country)?
Thank you..

[vimal]

hi,

i don't have IELTS SCORE. how to apply without

ielts socre .

mail me
ASaP

[VIKAS]

HELLLO MS MYSELF IS SO MUCH INTERESTED TO STUDY ABROAD(UK) TELL ME ABOUT TOTAL EXPENCES N VISA REGULATION . CAN I GET PR THERE ,WHAT IS THE CRITERIA TO GET PR IN UK

[junaid]

iwant any suitable job hve u-

junaid shafique

[GORDON OUKO]

Am from apoor family in Kenya but interested in studying abroad.How can i be assisted by you to a chieve ma dream.

[barkat ali qureshi]

yes i already studying in quest nawabshah .i complete my two year out of 4year when i complete 4 year B.E electrical. then i want get study post graduate or join job but should be study 100% free if you may, help me so then inform me via even telephonic +923337537855

[arif]

Sir
I m not international student and financially i m not so much strong. Do you think that i am able to get the job in foreign.

[jamil]

dear sir
i am postgraduate in UUM university (utara malaysia university) in malaysia i hope to find jop to work and study in the same time .
i am enternational student

thank you for helpping

jamil dohni

[Shree]

Dear sir / madam,

Im interested to further my studies to a postgraduate level. I currently hold a BA(Hons) in Business Administration. Im interested to do my studies in Australia. Still sourcing for a University. Im really interested to work and explore for an internationa career in Australia during and after my studies there. Please let me know on the visa's i need for part-time jobs and how to plan my career there in Australia and eventually get a PR there. What is the pathway for this? Is Australia the best place comparing to USA & UK or Cananda?

Thank you
Shree
Malaysia

[viji]

hi

i need to know regarding mystudies those how i apply for the aalication fron uk, how i wiil conduct ourself regarding my studies, when will it possibele,what i want to do for apply and getting visa, how i fill up application and where i want to send or submit.those are the think i need. i am a ba holdr.currently following ma in university.

thanks

from

viji

[mayy]

Dearest,
I'm an iranian studying in Malaysia. Having an ELS cert & going to enrol in Taylors University College in MARCH. I am desperate for partime job as to sustain my daily expenses here. I really appreciate ur two-cents. Thank u very much.

[NARESH KUMAR]

Dear Madame/Sir
How can i both study and work there? How much do i spend? And can i go there without spend money?
I hope that i'll get the good answer . Thank beforehand.

[vivek]

Give me some infomation about workpermite after study. sent me email on

[Links of London]

During your studies, you’ll have the chance to meet and network with many potential employers – so don’t be shy! Internships and su