Whether you’re a UK student considering a career abroad or an international student seeking a role outside your home country, we’ll help you turn your jet-setting ideas into a reality.
Where to start
Your desire to work in another country may have come from falling in love with somewhere on holiday, an appetite to use your language skills in your career to wanting to immerse yourself in the international global economy. Whatever your motivation, here are some useful tips to get you started.
Have you been to the country you want to work in?
If not, maybe you should go out there for a short period of time before committing yourself to the move. You'll get a feel for the place, experience the culture and understand potential living expenses. Travelling enables you to meet a wide range of people and chance encounters when travelling can lead to employment offers.
Are you looking for a graduate role?
Graduate employers in the UK may have opportunities for overseas travel, but this can’t be guaranteed and often you need to remain in the UK while completing the initial training period. Typically, larger employers with global offices would be most likely to relocate employees. Look on LinkedIn for employees from your country based in other countries and make contact with them to ask for their advice.
Using UoN networks to explore opportunities and seek advice
University of Nottingham graduates work all around the world, so make use of international alumni groups and associations. Find out about the connections you can make as an alum on the university's Alumni Relations website.
What do you know about the job market? What are the application norms in the country you're interested in?
We subscribe to an international careers information package called GoinGlobal. It provides essential information for you to explore your career options overseas and will help you answer the following questions.
- What sectors and job roles are in demand in my target country?
- How and where are jobs advertised?
- How do I format my CV and covering letter?
- Do I need a visa?
GoinGlobal contains:
- 42 country guides from Argentina and Japan to the United States and Vietnam. Each guide contains job search resources, resume/CV guidelines, hiring trends, industry overviews, professional and social networking groups, work permit and visa regulations, financial considerations, interview tips and cultural advice.
- 32 global city guides from Amsterdam and Delhi to Shanghai and Vancouver plus 47 US city guides
- Job and internship vacancy database of 16 million employment listings updated daily
- Directory of US employers who can employ international talent via the H1B visa
My top tip if you are thinking about working abroad would be to be open-minded and willing to adapt to change. Living in another country really will be what you make it; you will have to put yourself out there to make friends and explore your surroundings. More practically, there will be a lot of paperwork.
Moving abroad has been an incredibly enriching experience - both professionally and personally. It challenges you, expands your worldview, and forces you to reflect on what you value in both personal and work life. If you’re considering it, I couldn’t recommend enough, especially the Netherlands.