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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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

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Interested in International Development?

Getting into International Development -Thursday 15 March 2012

Our parent body, The Careers Group, is holding a one day introductory course that will set out clearly how the development sector is structured, the different entry roles available and the combination of qualifications, skills and experience needed to get into international development.

• Learn how the  sector is structured and find out about a wide variety of jobs, graduate schemes, internships and short courses.
• Participate in a lunch time careers fair and network with education providers and NGO’s.
• Choose optional workshops on effective applications, working in emergency relief, campaigning and fundraising.

Keynote Speaker: Stephen O’ Brien, Parliamentary Under-Secretary Of  State For International Development, DFID

Organisations involved include:

• Action Against Hunger
• The Book Bus
• Childreach
• Christian Aid
• The Daneford Trust
• Development in Action
• Doctors of the World
• Inspirational Volunteer Journeys
• Mad4Africa
• Medair UK
• Peru Support Group
• PKF
• Raleigh International
• Results
• Skillshare International – International Citizen Service
• SOAS
• The Social Investment Consultancy
• Teach a Man to Fish
• World Service Enquiry
• theIDLgroup
• GOAL UK
• Oxfam
• 2Way Development
• Restless Development
• War on Want
• VSO – newly confirmed!
• The University of East Anglia (UEA)- newly confirmed!
• The University of Manchester -  newly confirmed!
• International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) – newly confirmed!
• One Acre Fund – newly confirmed!
• Inter Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) UK – newly confirmed!

For the latest programme and to register , please visit this website

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A life of fighting crime or working in London? Where do International students end up?

So.. this is from a post we did a little while ago, based on some research from our friends at International Futures. They have a great blog for international students, check it out here.

To the post….

So maybe becoming a caped crusader is a little far fetched. That is unless your local neighbourhood watch scheme has gone militant or you’ve watched the film “Kick ass” one too many times. There is however a mystery surrounding what international students go on to do. Well that is, until now!

Every year a survey is carried out of all students leaving university, 6 months after they graduate. It’s called the DLHE report (Destination of leavers in higher education) and its results are often surprising. For full details of where international students end up  see the destinations page at International Futures.

Did you know that half of international students find employment straight out of University and of that number 62% stay in England while 29% find work in their home country.

Those that landed their first job said that the top tip to securing employment was personal contacts and previous work experience in the company. A massive 24% landed jobs through Networking and 21% said they found their current role because they had completed a summer placement or internship for their employer. For current vacancies check out job online or international job online if working over seas is your dream destination.

The top employers were the NHS and UCL itself it seems, however this is likely due to the large number of Medics trained at UCL. Other big employers were Ernst and Young and Tesco. Almost 60% of students worked for employers with 250 or more employees; however the second largest group of students worked for companies with 1 to 49 employees. The figures show that when applying for job roles it is vitality important to include SME (Small to medium size enterprises) in your search.

So what about those that didn’t go on to employment? Well; about a quarter of student go onto further study after they graduate, while a further 6% combine work and study, 6% were still looking for work and 14% were doing something that didn’t fall neatly into a particular category and classed as “other”.

So there you have it, while many students go on to work in England or sign up for another round of academia, 14% remain men and women of mystery, so when Commissioner Gordon puts up the Bat Call, it could be one of your cohort that answers. Just maybe…..

Thanks to our friends at International futures for the number crunching.

For the full destination break down and more surprising facts click here

AW

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UCL Marketing & FMCG Fair is Tomorrow!

Make your Mark On the World…

UCL Careers Service are hosting the Marketing & FMCG Fair, which is aimed at students considering careers in industries areas like: Marketing, PR, Advertising and New Media.

What? UCL Marketing & FMCG Fair

When? Thursday 27th October from 5.30 to 8.00 pm

Where? Old Refectory and Jeremy Bentham Room, Wilkins Building

There’s a diverse mix of exhibitors on show including some of the world’s biggest brands such as Google, Ogilvy, Trip Advisor, Proctor & Gamble, Ketchum Pleon and Unilever.

Many have never been on campus before and are keen to recruit from UCL, so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity. The fair is open to students and graduates from any degree background.  No booking required – just turn up with your UCL ID card!

To find out more please see: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/students/events/fairs/fmcg/

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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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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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Job search in the USA

If you are thinking about working in the USA here are some top tips, gleaned from our friends at International Futures during Abi Sharma’s time working in the States.

Abi Writes…

Firstly, if you are thinking about working in the US then the first thing that you need to find out about is visas.  There are strict rules on who can work here, but the good news is that you can get visa sponsorship through a US company or come over as a short term intern.  The US embassy provides full information about this and these websites allow you to search for companies who sponsor work visas (note that this isn’t exhaustive but provides a starting point):  Immihelp  and Top Visa Sponsors.

Secondly, only 10-15% of jobs are gained via the typical UK process of application to an advert. In the US 75% of people get their jobs by . .. .  For the full post click here

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UCL’s James Xu is international student of the year

Reposted from our friends at UCL news

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/

James Xi Xu (UCL Italian & Management Studies) has beaten 1,220 students to be named International Student of the Year in a competition run by the British Council.

James, who is 23 and from China, was one of twelve regional finalists selected out of 1,220 students from 118 countries who entered this year’s International Student Awards competition, known as ‘Shine!’ The awards celebrate international students’ contributions to life in the UK, taking into account a wide variety of achievements and activities.

James’s ‘letter home’, describing his experiences of living and studying in the UK, was judged to be the best and the most inspiring by a panel made up of representatives from the British Council, national media partner the Times Higher Education magazine and previous International Student Awards winner Stephenie Tiew.

His letter described how his time in the UK had inspired his passion for the third sector and volunteering. Appointed as a UCL Volunteering Officer, James has helped many students set up their own volunteering projects and work within the community.

He will also be helping the London Olympic Organising Committee select volunteers for the event, and through a summer internship at the British Red Cross became a qualified first-aider and led three projects promoting the medical charity’s role in 2012.

He told his parents: “Despite all the challenges like cooking, washing dishes, going shopping, being homesick and working part-time etc., I never regret being here at all. Thank you so much for sending me to London. My life has been more meaningful and exciting since I am in UK.”

James received his trophy and £2,000 prize last night from TV and radio presenter Angelica Bell, British Council Chief Executive Martin Davidson and BBC Radio 1 DJ Nihal at a ceremony held in London.

“I am so excited about winning the Shine! Award. When I came to UK, I found volunteering is such a big thing and that has really inspired me to help other people. I never expected to win tonight – when I see the achievements of the other regional finalists it makes me feel humble – I am in awe of them.”

Image: James Xu volunteering at Marchmont Community Centre. Credit: UCL Union

For more information  about volunteering at UCL click here

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Insiders guide to securing jobs abroad.

 

 

 

 

Whether you’re planning to work in the UK after you graduate or jetting off to the USA, France or Australia, getting inside information on the recruitment process, employer expectation and work culture is essential.

International student.com has created some insider guides to various countries including: UK, USA, Canada, Europe and Australia.

Their top cultural tips on the British are: “Never Criticise former employers at interview and for meetings the British people are always on time. However in social life, they are almost always ten minutes late.” They also write “Humour is very important, humour is present on every level and on almost every occasion.” So if you’re a fan of Monty Python, Black adder or The Office, you’ll go far.

The guys at International student also talked about the US application process and said it’s very commercial and you have to sell yourself. They write, “The organisational culture within American companies is strongly result orientated. Companies are focused on direct results and short-term gains.” So if you’re a target driven individual with a robust personality the USA could be right up your street.

For more insights go to

http://www.internationalstudent.com/jobsearch/work-guides.shtml

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