Working in the UK

We strongly recommend you consult UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and ensure you understand the government visa regulations, before you start to apply for graduate jobs in the UK. More information on Visas and Work Permit can be found from the links below:

• Visa Guidance from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)
• Graduate Route (Formerly Post-Study Work Visa) - The Graduate route is for those who have a degree or other relevant qualification from an approved UK Higher Education provider. Applications opened on 1 July 2021. Your application does not need sponsorship or any endorsement by an employer or by your institution.
• Skilled Worker Route (Formerly Tier 2 Working Visa) - In order to apply under the Skilled Worker route you need sponsorship by a licensed employer to do a specific job that meets minimum levels of skill and salary. Ensure the employers have visa sponsor licence before you make job applications.
• Start Up and Innovator Schemes - The Start-up route is aimed at people, including those with Tier 4, Student and Graduate route permission, who wish to establish a business in the UK, and who have a business plan endorsed by a Home Office-approved endorsing body. 

Please be aware that Careers Network is not authorised to give advice on work permit or visa applications. For advice regarding your visa or work permit applications, please contact the International Student Team.

Working for large companies 

If you plan to work in UK after graduation, then try to start your job search as early as possible. Large companies typically recruit a year ahead of the start date for their graduate schemes of 2-3 years’ duration and direct entry jobs. You will need to apply during Autumn Term when you start your course.  

Working for Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)  

Although there are plenty of graduate opportunities with large companies, the competition can be extremely intensive. When you are considering your future career in UK, don't think that graduate schemes or direct entry jobs in large companies are your only option.  SMEs are increasingly offering job opportunities for international students in recent years. You will benefit from gaining a good understanding of different parts of the business quickly by experiencing different tasks and functions within the company. You can also take on a high level of responsibility at an early stage.  

There two things that we suggest you need to bear in mind when you apply for jobs in SMEs:  

• Check job boards regularly - these kinds of opportunities are advertised according to business need.

• Make sure the SMEs have visa sponsorship licences if you plan to apply for the Skilled Worker Route Visa, before making applications.  

Sources of vacancies include:

• University of Birmingham Career Fairs - Our career fairs run throughout the academic year and are a great opportunity to meet employers and find out about their graduate roles. For more information visit: 

• University of Birmingham Careers Connect - Log in to Careers Connect and go to the Opportunities section. The job vacancies advertised on this live job board are posted directly by the employer. We also suggest visiting employer websites for up to date information.  

• Student Circus  

• Prospects 

• TargetJobs 

• Milkround 

• Graduate-Jobs 

• Graduate Recruitment Bureau 

• Inside Careers 

• LinkedIn Student Jobs 

• Indeed 

Careers Network can support you to find and apply for work experience opportunities in the UK.

Important considerations

International students who hold a Student Route Visa to study in the UK are subject to working restrictions imposed by UKVI (UK Visas & Immigration). However, most international students should still be able to undertake work experience.

We recommend you read the guidance written by the International Student Team before applying for any work experience. If you have any questions about working rights and visas, please contact the International Student Team.

Where to find work experience

We would recommend you use our Opportunities Board on Careers Connect as a starting point to look for vacancies. Other sources include:

• Our bespoke internship programmes, exclusive for UoB students and recent graduates. 
• External jobs boards, such as: Rate My Placement; Target Jobs; Bright Network; Employment 4 Students (e4s); LinkedIn (Find support for using LinkedIn from Careers Network)
• We would also encourage you to look at alternative forms of work experience, such as: Mentoring; B:Enterprising projects; Part-time jobs; The Birmingham Project; Volunteering 

If you are struggling to find advertised opportunities, you could make a speculative application to a company. 

Don’t forget to network with companies to find out about their opportunities. Careers Network run a range of employer-led events that you can get involved with. 

Final tip! Look out for your WOW (Work Opportunities Wednesday) newsletter, sent fortnightly to your inbox in term-time.

Funding work experience

If you’re worried about money affecting your work experience options, Careers Network has funding to support you. Find out more information about our work experience bursaries here.

Further guidance

Finally, if you would like to talk through your options with an Internships Officer, you can book a 1:1 appointment via Careers Connect. You can also send an email to Careers Network: careersenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk. 

We also offer various mentoring schemes where we connect you with industry professionals who can support you with your career development. 

Our mentors are from a wide range of sectors and job roles. Many are based in the UK but we also have international mentors from China, USA, India, Singapore, Australia and many more. They can share with you their experiences of living and working abroad and their tips for finding and applying for work experience.   

Find out more about our mentoring programmes here. 

• Career support for Postgraduate Taught Students - make the most of your postgraduate study, and find out more information to help you develop effective career strategy. 
• Career support for Postgraduate Researchers 
• University of Birmingham LinkedIn - Join the University of Birmingham LinkedIn Group to network with students and alumni. This could be a good resource for you to share your experience and get advice for seeking for jobs in UK. 
• UKCISA - The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) is the UK’s national advisory body providing advice, guidance and information about all aspects of the international student experience, from immigration and student works to mental health, culture shock and orientation.
• Guide to Job Hunting for International students (TargetJobs)

Careers Network have launched our own podcast 'Career Talk', hosted by International Employer Liasion Officer, Cate Linforth. This podcast is designed to be of particular interest to international students and graduates.

Each week, Cate will chat to alumni to find out about their career journey after graduating, and to employers to find out what advice they would give to students and graduates interested in working in their industry.

Listen to Careers Network podcast: 'Career Talk' on our website, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.