My NTU Story: How I built a career in the UK after graduating as an international student

When figuring things out, I relied heavily on the Employability team and their resources. I focused on networking, making connections, attending career events, and using LinkedIn to chat with people in roles I was interested in. I applied to various jobs, even if they weren't a perfect match, and stayed persistent, even when it felt overwhelming. The key was never giving up!

When it comes to networking, NTU will give you chances to build connections and boost your career. They have career fairs and networking events where you can meet potential employers and alumni who can share valuable insights. I highly recommend going to these events. They're a great way to learn about the job market and what employers want, and they also let you practice talking about your skills and experiences in a professional setting. The more you network, the more confident you’ll become — and those connections can really help when you're hunting for job opportunities in the UK.

The Employability team at NTU are amazing! They help students with everything from career coaching to CV and cover letter guidance to finding job opportunities on the job boards, prepping for interviews, and even offering support for up to three years after graduation. They helped me with writing my CV and cover letters, showing me how to tailor each one for the roles I applied to.

I definitely took advantage of the university's career services, and they were fantastic. I went to career fairs, workshops, and even some online webinars. The big moment for me was when I got a lot of help from the International Student Support team when I was transitioning to my Graduate visa in the UK. NTU offers tons of services like well-being support, employability guidance, visa and immigration help, and the Pathway drop-in service, among others. I checked out the job board for part-time jobs and I also registered on Student Circus. All these resources and more are available to all students on myEmployability.

A common mistake students make, and everyone else really, is sending out the same generic CV and cover letter for every job application. It's easy to think one application works for all, but employers want to see how your unique experiences and skills fit what they're looking for. Taking the time to tweak each application for the specific role can really make a difference.

When I tweak my CV and cover letters to stand out for jobs in the UK, I make sure I understand the job, the person specification, and the company’s values. I focus on highlighting my relevant experience and skills that match the role. I throw in keywords from the job description and make sure my professional summary shows how my background connects with the position. For the cover letter, I talk about how my values align with the company and the role, and give examples of how I can help them reach their goals. I try to keep a balance between professionalism and showing a bit of my personality, which I think really helps my applications.

Upon graduating, I got an email from the registry team saying I was eligible for a Graduate visa. I checked out all the guidance from International Student Support on the student hub and went to a session about the Graduate visa. My family and I thought it’d be a great chance to gain some work experience and see what the future holds. The process was pretty smooth and straightforward. My dependents and I applied, and in just 22 days, we got our Biometric Residence Permits!

I'm currently an Immigration Support Assistant with the International Student Support Service, and I help students with all things visas and immigration, like eVisas, graduate visas, living and working in the UK, and traveling. Being an international student myself has been incredibly valuable. I’ve faced some of the same challenges, so I really get what students are going through, both personally and professionally.

I know how stressful visa applications can be, the mixed feelings of settling into a new country, and the expectations and responsibilities as an international student. This experience helps me connect with students in a real way and offer advice that's both practical and reassuring. Communication is key in my role. It’s not just about explaining UK Visa and eVisa Immigration rules, but also really listening to students concerns. Everyone has unique questions, and taking the time to listen helps me understand their needs and provide the right guidance.

I have noticed that every company has its own culture, and it's important to understand it for a smoother work life. What caught me by surprise was the whole work-life balance thing. People really value their personal time here and respect each other's space. Back home, long hours can sometimes be seen as dedication, but in the UK, there's a big emphasis on being efficient during work hours, and it's totally normal for people to leave right at closing time. This balance has been a positive change, and appreciate how it improves well-being.

My advice for others adapting to the UK workplace is to keep an open mind and be patient. Be ready to unlearn and relearn. It's important to observe your surroundings, learn how to communicate with your team respectfully, ask questions to clarify expectations if you're unsure, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.