Part time work for internation students and what is a National Insurance number?

If you’re looking to earn some extra cash while studying there are a few things that you should know.

The first thing to check is your visa status and how many hours a week you are allowed to work.

If you re from the European Union then you may work as many hours as you like, although this should be cautioned as you still have a degree to pass! If you’re here as a non EU student on the standard tier 4 visa than the usual rules are that you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and unlimited in the holidays. Many employers will not be aware of the rules so you may have to gently educate them. To find out you’re exact status, look in your passport, or talk to UCL Rights and advice.

Once you know how long you can work you need one other bit of legal information. A national insurance number. Now, you can start work without one but you will need to get this sorted fairly quickly. A national insurance number allows you to work in the UK and makes sure you pay tax on your earning above the threshold of £146 per week. Anything you earn above this threshold will be taxed at 12%.

• 12% on your weekly earnings between £146 and £817
• an extra 2% on any earnings over £817

For more info go to the HMRC website (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs)

Now you are ready to find work it’s good to know where to look. The first go to place should be UCL Jobonline. This is where all the employers that like UCL students will place their adverts. You can search for part time/full time work and internships as well as graduate positions for when you finish your studies. There are roughly a 1000 new posting a month.

The next place to look is the UCL union Job shop. It has mainly part time roles and most jobs are fairly local to UCL.

Other sites include

1. UCL Careers website job resources
2. 
   http://www.e4s.co.uk/
   
3. If looking for positions in different countries ie. Not in the UK, then check out Going Global ( you will need your UCL ID and Password to sign in)

When you have found a job you want to apply for, you will often have to provide a CV (resume) and cover letter (Introduction letter) to be able to apply for the role. On the link below are some help sheets to show you how to put them together.

http://www.careerstagged.co.uk/resources/helpsheets~applications/all/popular/1

When you have a draft, come into the careers service and have it checked over by an adviser. We run 15 minute one to one sessions Monday-Thursday that you can book in the morning for later on that same day. There are no advanced bookings. For full instruction on how to book see the link below.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/students/advice

Don’t forget to bring the job advert you are applying for as it’s really important that your documents are tailored to the opportunity.

Similarly if you are invited for an interview, we can run a practice interview with you and make sure you are on peak performance on the day.

Happy job hunting and if your not sure where to look or how to apply and impress, come in and see us for a short guidance appointment. Click on the link above for detail on how to book.

Good luck!

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Thinking of Going Global?

Thinking of heading home or anywhere else in the world to get some work experience?  It doesn’t matter if its internships, part time work or full time graduate roles, the UCL Careers Service can help you access one the best job databases around. 

Going Global is a service specifically designed to pull jobs and placement opportunities from an amazing range of listings and display them for you to search by country.  It’s the only site like this on the internet and you’ll need to log in here: 
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/students/jobs
using your UCL ID.  The job search function has over 16 million (yes, 16 million!!) jobs and is updated daily so choose your country and go for it.

Going Global has over 40 different country profiles so if you’re interested in working anywhere in the world, you can use these to discover the top job websites, visa information and how to format your CV for a specific country.  Don’t miss their blog as well, where often other students will be sharing their experiences of being global citizens.  There is also an employers directory which allows you to search either by country (so you find out who are biggest and best in new countries), by industry or by name – could be very useful if you see a job advert and want to know more about the company.

And finally, for those of you who are keen to get into the Not for Profit or NGO sector, Going Global offers access to both idealist.org and the devex.com NGO listings.  You can find these in the job search section and use them to search for both voluntary and paid work within not for profit organisations by country.

Going Global is a great resource both for research into different countries and for finding work – have a look and see for yourself!

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International Students : October 2012 Events

UCL Careers Service aims to support international students throughout the entire career management process, from understanding the UK graduate labour market to writing CV’s, interviewing and beyond. 

With the Autumn term having started, we offer a series of careers events specifically designed to address the needs of international students considering work or post-graduate study in the UK and overseas.

To book onto any of these sessions, please log in to your My Careers Service account.

—–

Monday 1^st October 2012, 1-2pm

De-mystifying the UK Job Market

An introduction to finding a job in the UK through a variety of different routes.  We will look at how to find job openings including graduate training schemes, examine other strategic approaches to job-hunting and look at cultural differences in the recruitment process.  We will also provide a term-by-term ‘job-success’ planner so you won’t miss important application deadlines.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the UK job market including the different ways for graduates to access it.
• Provide information on current market using data from previous UCL graduates and an employer’s perspective.
• Form a strategic approach to job hunting in the UK using different approaches such as networking, online tools and speculative applications
• Understand the recruitment cycle in the UK.

 —–

Monday 8^th October 2012, 1-2pm

Working while you study and CV’s for part-time work

This one hour talk offers advice on how to combine earning money with effective studying, the legal requirements for working in the UK, information about the range of jobs that you might be able to do and where to look for part-time jobs.  We’ll then look at how a CV for part-time work should be structured.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the importance of having UK work experience on a CV for finding post study work in a global job market.
• Outline and signpost legal requirements for working part time while studying, including visa and tax issues.
• Explore different types of part-time work in the UK and sources to find jobs.
• Develop an awareness of the structure and content of typical UK CV’s, for part-time work and how to translate previous experiences to a style that future employers will understand.

 —–

Monday 8^th October 2012, 5-6pm

Effective Job Applications

This seminar gives advice on how to effectively communicate your relevant skills to employers and provides key strategies to better stand out through the entire UK application process.  Discover how to build a sound argument that you have what the employer is looking for and learn how best to communicate that argument in your job applications

Learning Outcomes:

• Gain insight into UK employers or educational institution’s perspective and an overview of the application process.
• Understand how best to structure a UK CV and covering letter, and its key components
• Consider how best to explain your experiences in a way UK employers will understand their value and see how they match their job descriptions.
• Understand how best to answer competency (or other) questions on an application form and complete a personal statement.

 —–

Tuesday 9^th October 2012, 1-2pm

Employer presentation – working in China for Mars

This session is presented by Mars representatives to help Chinese students understand the opportunities open to them within the large international organisation of Mars.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the graduate programmes available from Mars
• Gain insights into working for a large multi-national company in China both as a graduate and beyond
• Learn how the Mars recruitment programme works, including tips on completing the application forms and the assessment centre
• Hear real life accounts of working for Mars from a recent graduate

 —–

Monday 15^th October 2012 1-2pm

Writing a UK CV

How can you make sure that your CV impresses an employer?  If you’re applying for jobs in the UK, an excellent CV is critical to your success.  This seminar gives advice on putting together an effective CV and formatting a powerful cover letter for the competitive UK market.  We will give you an insight into what UK employers are looking for, and point out common CV-writing mistakes.

Learning outcomes:

• Develop an awareness of the structure and content of typical UK CV’s, cover / motivation letters and application forms.
• Understand how to translate skills, experience and personal qualities gained through academic and other experiences to a recruiter.
• Explore techniques used in UK application processes, including reading job advertisements, analysing CV’s and tailor CV’s to specific recruiters.
• Articulate positively and convincingly your reasons for applying for specific jobs based in the UK.

 ——

Monday 22^nd October 2012 5-6pm

De-mystifying the UK Job Market

An introduction to finding a job in the UK through a variety of different routes.  We will look at how to find job openings including graduate training schemes, examine other strategic approaches to job-hunting and look at cultural differences in the recruitment process.  We will also provide a term-by-term ‘job-success’ planner so you won’t miss important application deadlines.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the UK job market including the different ways for graduates to access it.
• Provide information on current market using data from previous UCL graduates and an employer’s perspective.
• Form a strategic approach to job hunting in the UK using different approaches such as networking, online tools and speculative applications
• Understand the recruitment cycle in the UK.

 —–

Monday 29^th October 2012 1-2pm

Effective Job Applications

This seminar gives advice on how to effectively communicate your relevant skills to employers and provides key strategies to better stand out through the entire UK application process.  Discover how to build a sound argument that you have what the employer is looking for and learn how best to communicate that argument in your job applications

Learning Outcomes:

• Gain insight into UK employers or educational institution’s perspective and an overview of the application process.
• Understand how best to structure a UK CV and covering letter, and its key components
• Consider how best to explain your experiences in a way UK employers will understand their value and see how they match their job descriptions.
• Understand how best to answer competency (or other) questions on an application form and complete a personal statement.

—–

For further information please visit:
http://bit.ly/SrBODx

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Do you want access to 16 Million International Jobs?

Well if you’re a student at UCL it’s your lucky day. Here at UCL careers we have just arranged access to THE Amazing, THE Fantastic Going Global site.

If you haven’t been on Going Global before you’re in for a treat. The idea of the site is to give you expert knowledge of the global job market, by giving you a run down on the current economic out look, hot sectors and how to approach job hunting in the country of your choice.

Under the ‘Country Guides’ section you click on the name of the country you want to look at and then can view info on:

Industry and Employment Trends,

Top Companies,

Professional and Social Networking,

Embassy Listings,

Financial Considerations,

Work Permits and Visas,

Résumé/CV Guidelines,

Interviewing Advice and Cultural Advice

What’s more, by clicking on the Jobs and Internships button you can then have access to 16 million opportunities around the globe!

So what are you waiting for………Check it out here Going Global site.!

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Opportunity for Chinese Students – China Employability Workshops tomorrow!

The British Council, operating in China as the Cultural and Education
Section of the British Embassy, will run a series of employability workshop
in the UK from 22-23 October 2011.

The China Employability workshop will give Chinese students an insight into
career opportunities available to them; help Chinese students to better
understand employer’s needs as well as the current job market in China, and
how to get ahead of the competition by enhancing their understanding of the
job market.

HR executives from major employers in China have been invited to give an
overview of the competitive job market in China, talk about various aspects
of recruitment from the employer’s side and share job opportunities with
Chinese students. Students will also have opportunities to raise questions
they might have about job hunting and career development in China.

Companies attending

. Microsoft
. 58.com
. Nokia Siemens Network
. Nestle
. Deloitte
. Hay Group

Event Details

London Session
Time: 14:00-16:30, October 22nd 2011, Saturday
Address: Lecture Hall, Central Hall Westminster, Storey’s Gate, Westminster,
London SW1H 9NH

Manchester Session – nearly full!
Time: 14:00-16:30, October 23rd 2011, Sunday
Address: Lecture Theatre B, University Place, The University of Manchester,
Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL

Workshop registration
The workshop is open to all Chinese students currently studying in the UK.
Due to limited venue capacity, RSVP will be required. Interested students
are required to choose one session from the below itinerary and fill in the
registration form online. Registration will be closed after capacity is met
or the stated closing date, whichever comes first.
Students who have registered successfully will receive a confirmation by
email after the registration is closed.

Please visit below link for more event details or to sign up to attend this
workshop:

http://www.educationuk.org/China/Article/China-Employability-Workshop
?

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Welcome!

Welcome to all new International students and welcome back to all of our returners!  I hope you had a great holiday and are ready to be busy this Autumn term.

To help you on your way the UCL careers service has a jam-packed programme over the next few weeks including our specialized International programme, the Masters Quickfix events, 7 fantastic fairs, loads of employer events and some great skills for work forums.  Don’t miss out as many of the events you will need to book for so get familiar with your “My Careers Service” account.

Next week our talk topic is Application Forms where you can get a better understanding of what an employer wants you to write when your applying for job.  To find our more information, or to book, please visit the International Students Programme page at the careers service website.

All the best for this Autumn term everyone, and remember, we’re here if you need us – all you have to do is call for a one-to-one appointment!

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Exclusive access to Financial Alternatives employer speed meet

So you’ve considered investment banking, but you aren’t sure it’s the career for you. What else can you do in finance? Assess. Advise. Comment. Investigate. Regulate. Report.

Financial Alternatives is your opportunity to find out more about your options.

With a small group of other students, you will have a few minutes with each professional. They will tell you about their job and how they got there then you can ask them your own questions.

Employers involved include:

• Financial Times
• Allianz
• Factset
• Burns Anderson
• Tesco Finance Scheme

Venue
This event will be held in Beveridge Hall, South Block, Senate House, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HU. 20 October 2011. It runs from 5.00pm – 7.00pm.

If you require any special assistance (including induction loops or large print materials) please let us know in advance and we will do our utmost to facilitate your access to this event. Contact us at cs@careers.lon.ac.uk or on 020 7863 6042 to discuss arrangements.

Cost
£16 – current students from colleges within The Careers Group, University of London Consortium and members of GradClub.
£20 – for all other participants.

You should be informed within two working days from receipt of your application whether you have been given a place on the course. All applicants who are not successful will be given a full refund. PLEASE NOTE: There is an administration charge of 10% of the total booking on all cancellations and refunds cannot be given after 5pm on 14 October.

How to apply

To register please click here and set up an account.

Important: Once you have set up an account you need to search the calendar for 20 October and select the Financial Alternatives event.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are a current student at any of the following colleges: Goldsmiths, King’s College London, Queen Mary, Royal Holloway, SOAS, St Mary’s or UCL or you have signed up to receive JobAlert, you will already have an account. Sign in using your College Careers Service or JobOnline username and password and then search the events section for Financial Alternatives.

NB you will not be given a place on the course until we receive payment. After you have registered for the event, please pay online using the link given in the event description.

Please register before making payment.

For general enquiries, call 020 7863 6042.

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Should you disclose your nationality on your CV?

Lately I have seen a number of International Students who have asked me the same question, “should I put my nationality on my CV?” and “will this affect how employers view my application?”

My view is to be upfront about this… Remember an employer will read your CV and may well work out you are from overseas by simply looking at your previous education.

So if you are from outside the UK, be clear about your nationality on your CV whilst clarifying how this impacts your eligibility to work in the UK. For example, if applying for a part-time job whilst studying put something like:
Nationality: Indian, eligible to work part-time in the UK for up to X hours.

(Make sure you know the current position by always keeping up to date with information on the UK Borders website)

If you are looking for work in the UK after you have finished your studies, try something like
Nationality: Indian, Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) Migrant, eligible to work in the UK for 2 years.

Again there are excellent guidance notes from UKCISA

For specific question relating to your right to work in the UK contact UCL Rights and Advice.

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Tips for new graduates: How to make yourselves more employable by Enterprise Rent-A-Car

 

Car hire giant Enterprise Rent-A-Car, one of the UK’s ten biggest graduate recruiters, has set out some hints and tips for graduates looking to make themselves more appealing to potential employers.

1. Experience matters

Work experience and internships will often make you stand out. Employers know that a taste of the commercial world will sharply reduce the learning curve when you join the workforce full-time.

2. Volunteering

Unpaid volunteering highlights graduates with a social conscience and proactive work ethic.

3. On-campus activities

Make the most of clubs, sports teams and social groups on your CV, particularly in positions of responsibility. Remember to show how they  helped build teamwork and leadership skills.

4. The academics isn’t everything!

Unless you’re going down a route where you need explicit technical skills, it’s often good to position yourself as a well-rounded individual. A good degree matters but so does everything else you did at university.

5. Confidence shows

Some people are great at writing CVs but lack interpersonal skills. How well do you communicate what’s on your CV? How well do you sell yourself? Do you say “I’m afraid I’ve only done this…” or “Actually, I’ve achieved this…”?

6. Have you done your research?

Ensure you know at least something about the business where you’re applying for a job. A question that begins “I was looking at your website and wondered…” is a good sign to employers. Also, it’s often worth calling the company up before the interview to ask for more details about the job on offer.

7. Professionalism

It’s amazing how many new graduates don’t turn up on time for their interview or dress appropriately. Not every company expects a suit, but you should at least make the effort to find out about its dress code.

8. Using your initiative

For employers, the most promising recruits are usually those who really made an effort. That can mean everything from entering undergraduate awards and competitions while at university, to making the best use of your contacts afterwards.

9. Networking skills

Business is a social environment, so you will often have to demonstrate your skills at listening, making small talk and putting other people at their ease.

10. Motivation

If you get asked “Why do you want to work here?” you should have a real answer and not just a pat response. You might not yet be thinking in terms of a lifelong career, but you should at least know why you’ve chosen that company.

 

With thanks to Enterprise Rent-a-car

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Master class in securing a graduate job – with Tim Webster from FreshMinds.

If there’s a question I get asked time and time again it’s the one that goes something like, ‘Do you have any extra special advice that would make the employer love me and give me the job.’ So today I’ve got a man who maybe able to answer that question and also shed some light on the world of being a graduate recruiter.

Tim got involved with grad recruitment at FreshMinds after working in a business start up for 3 years. He moved across to further his ambition to have a career with a strong people focus. Tim works with some for the biggest players in graduate recruitment and specialises in the consultancy sector.

I asked Tim his killer tips for the must hire candidate:

Number 1 – Passion and knowledge

The golden rule is always; always demonstrate a passion and knowledge for the company that’s interviewing you. Rocking up having just skimmed the website is a big mistake as it shows you have no real interest in the company. Good things to do are meet the employer at an open day, read the companies news section and annual report, do an information interview with someone from the business, possibly an alum of UCL.

Number 2 – Know the differences

When applying for several companies in the same sector in is crucial to know how they differ. Tim says the candidate that tells the interviewer all consultancies are the same, is the candidate that’s going home. Really do your home work in this area and understand the different values and cultures at each firm.

Number 3 – Experience

Employers are looking for people that will quickly integrate into their business and start giving them a return on their investment. The best way to demonstrate your desire to perform in a role is having evidence you’ve done it before. Work experience placements or part time work are a tried and tested way of letting an employer know you’re a safe bet and have the relevant skills.

Number 4 – Perseverance

If you don’t get the degree result you expected and the sky seems to be falling down. Tim suggests taking a few days out to reflect on your change in circumstance. This should give you some perspective; as the great qualities you had before the result was announced are still yours today and with hard work you can still make your career a success.

Number 5 – Securing jobs as an international student

Tim said that the market has become tougher in recent months due to changes in Visa regulations but maintained that Top employers were still hungry to employ star talent. There seems a consistent message; that for great candidates there is still plenty of opportunity.

I also asked Tim what it was like to work in the graduate recruitment industry. He said it was fast paced with lots of client interaction and expectation. The role was based around building strong rapport quickly to gain buy in from candidates and employers. Tim said to expect the unexpected as working with people can throw up interesting challenges. He’s seen people drop job offers because they’ve just split with their girlfriend or suddenly decided to go travelling. It does keep it interesting.

His final tip was that if you’re a technical student particularly with a degree in computing there lots of operations roles within finance and banking that companies are having trouble filling. So if you have a Computer science degree and some first class communication and teamwork skills the market is looking for you!

For other insights see Nomura, JP Morgan

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