Career Opportunities in the UK for Indian Students after Graduation
The United Kingdom is one of the top study abroad destinations for Indian students who wish to pursue higher education and enhance their career prospects. The UK offers a diverse range of courses, from undergraduate to postgraduate degrees, in almost every field of study. The UK is also home to the world’s best and oldest universities, like Oxford and Cambridge. But you must be wondering what happens after you complete your studies in the UK. Can you stay back and work in the UK? What are the career and job opportunities for Indian students in the UK? This blog will try to give you clarity on what lies ahead of you after you finish your degree.
Stay Back Options for Indian students in the UK
One of the most significant factors you should consider when considering studying abroad is the possibility of returning to or staying back in the host country after graduation. The good news is that the UK government has a post-study work visa scheme called the Graduate Route. This visa scheme allows international students who have completed an eligible course in the UK to stay and work in the UK for up to two years (or three years for doctoral students) without any restrictions on the type or level of work you can do. This means that you can look for and take up any job that suits your skills and interests without needing a sponsor or an offer letter from an employer.
For Indian students, a Graduate Visa is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience and enhance your employability in the UK. It also gives you more time to look for long-term career options and apply for other types of work visas, such as the Skill Worker or the Global Talent Visa, if you are looking to settle in the UK permanently.
Job Opportunities for Indian students in the UK
The UK is one of the largest economies in the world, with a working population of 32.4 million people. The country boasts of an employment rate of over 75%, which is why many international students plan to stay back after studies in the UK. There is a wide range of job opportunities in the UK for Indian students across various sectors and industries, such as IT, healthcare, engineering, finance, education, creative arts, and more. However, some jobs for International students in the UK are more in demand than others, especially those on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). This is a list of occupations that face a shortage of skilled workers in the UK and are therefore eligible for preferential treatment when applying for a work visa.
Some of the top job fields on the SOL are:
- IT & Tech: software engineer, data scientist, web designer, cyber security analyst, etc.
- Healthcare: doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, veterinarian, etc.
- Engineering: civil engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, chemical engineer, etc.
- Finance: accountant, auditor, actuary, financial analyst, etc.
- Education: maths teacher, physics teacher, chemistry teacher, Mandarin teacher, etc.
- Creative Arts: film director, graphic designer, animator, musician, etc.
If you have studied or are interested in any of these fields, you have a higher chance of finding a suitable job in the UK after your studies. However, this doesn’t mean you cannot pursue any other career of your liking that is not on the SOL. The UK has a diverse and dynamic job market that offers many opportunities for talented and qualified professionals from different backgrounds and disciplines. All you need to do is research well and prepare accordingly, and you’re golden.
How to Find a Job in the UK as an Indian Student
Finding a job in any country is no piece of cake, especially if you are an international student who is not so familiar with the local culture and norms. However, with careful planning and preparation, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job in the UK after your studies. Below are some tips to help you with your job search.
- Start Early
Don’t wait until you graduate to start looking for a job. Start exploring your options and building your network as early as possible. You can use various online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, etc., to search for any job openings and apply for them. It would help if you also considered attending career fairs, workshops and events organised by your university or other organisations to meet potential employers and get better insight into the industry trends and requirements.
- Update your resume and drafting a cover letter
Your resume and cover letter are the first impressions you make on prospective employers, so make sure they are well-written, relevant and tailored to the job you are applying for. Highlight your achievements and qualifications that match the job description and demonstrate how you can add value to the organisation. Avoid spelling or grammatical errors and use clear and professional formal language. Join any workshops on writing a Resume and cover letter so you can improve yours.
You can check out our Resume Guide to get more clarity on how to make you resume stand out.
- Prepare for the Interview
Preparing yourself well for an interview is crucial once you have been shortlisted. Research the company and the role you have applied for, and anticipate the possible questions you may be asked. Though it might seem cliched, rehearsing before a mirror is an effective way to prepare. Although the mindset of interviewers in India may be different from that in other countries, it is essential to note that they will focus not only on your academic knowledge but also on your social skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you can add value to their company while fitting in with the rest of the team.
- Follow up
Following up after an interview is crucial yet often overlooked. It’s important to show gratitude for their time and consideration. A thank you email should be sent within 24 hours of the interview, expressing your interest and suitability for the role. You may also request feedback or updates on the hiring process and stay in touch until a final decision is made.
Best Cities to Find a Job in the UK
The UK is a diverse country with many cities that offer different opportunities for Indian students who wish to work in the UK after their studies. However, some cities are more attractive than others regarding job availability, salary levels, cost of living, quality of life, and cultural diversity. Here are some of the best cities to look for a job in the UK according to various factors:
- London
London is the capital and the largest city in the UK, with a population of over 9 million people. It is also one of the world’s most important financial, cultural and educational centres. London offers a plethora of job opportunities for Indian students across various sectors and industries, such as banking, media, fashion, tourism, etc.
- Manchester
It is the second largest city in the UK, with a population of over 2.7 million people. It is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK, with a strong economy driven by manufacturing, digital technology, creative industries, etc. Manchester does offer many job opportunities for Indian students who want to work in fields such as engineering, software development, media production, etc.
- Edinburgh
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and second-largest city, with a population of half a million people. It is also one of the UK’s most beautiful and historic cities, with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant art scene. Edinburgh offers many job opportunities for Indian students who want to work in finance, tourism, education, health care, etc.
The United Kingdom is one of the top study abroad destinations for Indian students seeking higher education and career opportunities. After graduation, the Graduate Route visa allows you to work in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for doctoral students) without restrictions. It offers a gateway to diverse fields like IT, healthcare, engineering, finance, etc. While some careers benefit from being on the Shortage Occupation List, don’t limit your aspirations. Start early, network, craft an impeccable CV, and prepare for interviews, emphasising academics and interpersonal skills. Consider cities like London, Manchester and Edinburgh for job prospects. Your UK education is not just a degree; it’s a key to a world of opportunities. Embrace the journey, explore, and pave your unique path to success in the UK.
Are you ready to make your dream of studying and working in the UK a reality? Book a free 1-to-1 counselling session with our experts to kickstart your journey.
