10 Must-Have Employability Skills For International Students To Gain Employment In The UK After Graduation
Introduction
In today’s competitive job market, having a degree is just not enough. Employers are looking for candidates who have a well-rounded skill set that goes beyond academic qualifications. This is particularly true for international students who are looking to gain employment in the UK after graduation. According to the British Council, international students contribute an estimated £25.8 billion to the UK economy, and they are an important part of the UK’s workforce. To be successful in finding a job in the UK after graduation, here are ten must-have employability skills for international students:
1. Communication Skills
Effective communication is a fundamental skill that employers look for in candidates. In the UK, communication is critical, and international students should be able to communicate effectively in written and spoken English. This includes being able to articulate their opinions, ideas, and thoughts clearly and concisely.
2. Teamwork Skills
Employers want to see evidence of team-working skills when applicants come to them for a job. International students should be able to work collaboratively with others, listen effectively, share ideas and work towards a common goal. Employers want staff who can step out of their comfort zone and who are not afraid to take initiative.
3. Problem-solving Skills
Problem-solving skills are important for any job, and employers want to see examples of how applicants have overcome challenges in the past. International students should be able to solve problems creatively, be analytical in their approach, and demonstrate resourcefulness. Knowing how to effectively research and identify potential solutions is also key.
4. Adaptability Skills
Companies like to see candidates who can adapt to new situations and work environments without difficulty. This shows that the candidate is resilient and able to handle difficult situations. To be adaptable, international students should be open-minded, flexible, and willing to learn new skills.
5. Time Management Skills
Employers expect staff to be able to manage their time effectively, especially in high-pressure environments. International students must be able to prioritize tasks, manage their time effectively, and meet deadlines while maintaining a high level of performance.
6. Leadership Skills
Employers value candidates who can lead others, delegate tasks, and take responsibility. International students should be able to demonstrate leadership skills, whether through extracurricular activities or work experience. Leadership skills can also be demonstrated through examples of problem-solving and decision-making.
7. Resilience Skills
Resilience is the ability to handle rejection, disappointment and challenges without giving up hope or becoming overly discouraged. Employers want staff who can bounce back from difficult situations and who can remain focused during periods of uncertainty. International students should be able to demonstrate their resilience through examples of perseverance and determination.
8. Digital Literacy Skills
In today’s digital age, it is important for individuals to be digitally literate. International students must be able to use technology effectively and efficiently, including social media, digital marketing, and online collaboration tools.
9. Cultural awareness Skills
International students must be able to work in a multicultural environment and be sensitive to cultural differences. Employers will be impressed by candidates who have experience of living and studying abroad, as this demonstrates their ability to adapt to new cultures.
10. Networking Skills
Networking is essential in today’s job market, and international students should take advantage of any networking opportunities during their time in the UK. Engaging with employers, attending career fairs, and making connections with industry professionals are all important ways to expand their professional network and gain exposure to potential job opportunities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, international students are required to have a broader range of skills to compete in today’s job market in the UK. Good academic grades are important but they are not enough. To be successful in finding employment after graduation, students must have the above-mentioned employability skills. Employers look for candidates who have a blend of technical, personal, and interpersonal skills. Employers want to hire candidates who are adaptable, creative, and resilient. Hence, to make oneself an attractive candidate, they must look to develop these skills and integrate them into their job applications and interviews.
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Works Cited
British Council (2021). International higher education in facts and figures. Retrieved from https://www.britishcouncil.org/education/ihe/facts-figures
Cavanagh, J., Burston, M., Southcombe, A., & Bartram, T. (2015). Contributing to a graduate-centred understanding of work readiness: An exploratory study of Australian undergraduate students’ perceptions of their employability. The International Journal of Management Education, 13(3), 278–288.
Hegarty, N. (2014). Where we are now — The presence and importance of international students to universities in the United States. Journal of International Students, 4, 223–235.
Jackson, D., Sibson, R., & Riebe, L. (2013). Delivering work-ready business graduates-keeping our promises and evaluating our performance. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability, 4(1), 2–22.
