Key advice
Finding vacancies in a different country from the one you are based in requires effort and research.
You are more likely to find a permanent job abroad once you have some experience. Some multinationals operating in the UK recruit graduates for posts abroad, although many expect a period of service here before offering the opportunity to work overseas.
You might also need to learn about new cultures and recruitment practices or research how job markets have changed while you were at Nottingham.
What can I be doing during my studies?
- Get involved in extracurricular activities to develop useful skills valued by global employers, for example, adaptability, initiative, leadership and communication skills, or cross-cultural awareness.
- Start developing your networks in your target country while you are in the UK. Professional associations, online career forums, and social media networks can be useful in this respect.
- Familiarise yourself with job markets, sources of vacancies, recruitment practices and deadlines in your target destination using our continent-specific pages
- Seek work experience during your studies to gain workplace knowledge and references. If possible, use vacation time to undertake work experience in your target country.
Read our blog: Want To Work Abroad After Graduation? Build Up These Vital Skills Now
Networking
The University's Alumni Office has developed a network of international contacts and groups which may be helpful for networking after graduation.
Visit our Networking section for advice on face-to-face and online networking including the use of social media.
What do I need to consider before searching for a job abroad?
Before applying for a vacancy abroad you should consider the following points carefully:
- Where do you want to work? For how long?
- Do you speak the language? How proficiently?
- Do you have the qualifications and experience required? Are yours recognised there?
- How can you present your background effectively to local employers? What are your selling points as a foreign applicant?
- What are the application conventions for CVs, covering letters, and application forms?
- Are your expectations on salary and living conditions realistic?
Your approach will vary depending on whether your priority is to work wherever the best opportunities are for your chosen career, or whether you have a specific destination in mind. In this case, you might need to consider temporary or non-graduate positions as a way of obtaining valuable local knowledge, contacts and references.
How do I find out about visas and other requirements?
Familiarise yourself early with visa conditions and application procedures in your target country. Being eligible will depend on a range of factors such as shortage occupations, qualifications, age, etc.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website provides an up-to-date listing of foreign embassies in the UK which can be a useful source of information on these matters. You should also research other factors that will shape your experience of the country such as living standards or healthcare provision.