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 to meet with Top UK employers?…….. They are on UCL campus right now!

Over the coming weeks UCL is going to be packed full of employers all looking to talk with UCL students. Below is a taste of which companies are going to be around. So if you fancy meeting Lawyers, Management consultants, Bankers and Accountants come along. Each evening there will be a presentation and a chance to ask questions.

Sign up for these events at: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/students/events/presentations

Employer Presentations

◊ Ernst & Young,  – Tues 11^th October, 6.00pm

◊ Qedis,  – Thurs 13th October, 5.30 pm

◊ Linklaters, – Thurs 13^th October, 6.00pm

◊ Evercore,  – Thurs 13^th October, 6.00pm

◊ Grant Thornton,  – Thurs 13^th October, 7.00pm

◊ Cushman & Wakefield,  – Mon 17th October, 6.00 pm

◊ BLP Law, – Tues 18^th October, 1.00pm

◊ Herbert Smith,  – Tues 18^th October, 6.00pm

◊ KPMG,  – Tues 18^th October, 6.30pm

◊ Moelis & Co,  – Thurs 20th October, 1.00 pm

◊ Jones Day, – Thurs 20^th October, 6.00pm

◊ Oliver Wyman,  – Thurs 20^th October, 6.30pm

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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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Get into International Careers Week

Dear student,

UCL Careers Service is running a themed week on ‘International Careers’ from the 28th February to 4th March.

The week will kick off with an introductory talk providing a summary of the range international careers available, factors which make it more likely to achieve and information on how to find work experience. This will be followed by events focussing on ‘Careers in the EU’ and opportunities to hear a variety of professionals talk about their day-to-day work and routes into their field. The programme concludes with an Employer-led CV/Application form checking session on the Friday.

‘Get into…International Careers’ week programme:

Monday 28 February: 1pm-2pm
An ‘International’ Career: why do you want it and how do you achieve it?

A talk by UCL Careers Adviser, Saiyada Smith, covering topics like: finding ways to work internationally; the types of opportunities on offer and how to utilise your skills and experience when applying for roles.

Tuesday 1 March: 5.15pm-8.00pm
EU Careers Event

The UCL European Institute, UCLU European Society and UCL Careers Service are collaborating to deliver this unique event which will offer students an overview over career options with EU institutions, UK Civil Service, regional representations and relevant private and third-sector organisations.

The evening has two parts: a panel discussion (5.15-6.45pm) followed by a networking session (6.45-8.00pm). Organisations include: European Personnel Selection Office; DG Interpretation and the UK Civil Service European Fast Stream.

Thursday 3rd March: 5pm-6.30pm
International Careers Panel

This event provides you with the opportunity to meet a diverse range of experts to discuss international opportunities in a wide range of sectors. Routes into an international career can be challenging to navigate. Learning from our panel of speakers will hopefully clarify ways in which you can embark on your own International Career.

Speakers include:

• Dan O’Rogger – International Economist, ODI
• Claire Lewis – International Ambassador Programme, Oxfam
• Speaker TBC – International Management, HSBC
• Bay Fang – International Correspondent, Reuters

Friday 4 March: 2-4.30pm
Employer-led CV and Application Form Checking

Recruitment advisers from Herbert Smith (legal roles) and Ernst & Young (consultancy) have offered to check CVs and Applications from 2-4.30 pm on Friday 4th March.

For more information, including how to register for events, go to Get into International Careers Week.

Best wishes,

The Careers Service Team

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Time to get you’re hands dirty

Candidates can often have unrealistic expectations about life back in their home country when they return after living in the UK. That was the warning given by Shalini Naagar, the Head of Human Resources with Marks & Spencers Reliance Pvt. Shalini took part in the first employer web-chat for International Futures.

According to Shalini, graduate trainees should expect to work hard and get their hands dirty. This is something that many graduate recruiters in the UK expect too – for example the very well reimbursed Aldi Graduate Scheme requires trainees to spend significant time on the shop floor. This is often seen as being a great way for employees to understand the whole business.

Graduate trainees with M&S India will therefore spend time working their way up to the more strategic positions. But there is a wide range of openings available with recruitment all year round. There are positions in retail in major cities across India. At head office, in Gurgaon, Delhi there are opportunities in IT, Finance, Marketing, Visual Merchandising and HR.

M&S is set to grow in India. There are plans for a further thirty stores to open over the next three years. This could be a great time to get on board. Shalini mentioned that retention rates (i.e., the number of employees who stay on after training) are very favourable compared to other retailers in India.

The recruitment process is similar to the UK with interviews and assessment centres. Shalini wasn’t able to provide details of the competencies used in India but agreed that looking at the UK competencies might help.

You can read the whole discussion online by logging in with your OpenID, Facebook or Twitter account.

Blog credited to the International Futures website.

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Considering Postgraduate Study in Australia or New Zealand?

Study Options is a free advice and guidance service for students looking to study in Australia and New Zealand and the official representative of the universities. Study Options pro­vide information on what courses are available and the universities that offer them and help students decide where to apply. Everyone at Study Options has either stud­ied or worked at an Australian or New Zealand university. Fore more information visit www.studyoptions.com

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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.

Read Full Post »

World Cup Special: Brazil

When the World Cup comes around, the team that usually head the betting odds are Brazil. Having won the tournament a record five times and being the only team to win on every continent it’s been staged on, Brazil are always amongst the favourites and with their flamboyant style of samba football are the team everyone loves to watch.

Now Brazil is starting to make an impact in line with status as a footballing superpower in the jobs market. With one of the world’s fastest growing economies and already with the largest economy in South America, many major companies are expanding into Brazil bringing with them a number of opportunities for graduate employment. Microsoft are one firm who have expanded in to Brazil and have a range of employment opportunities, from sales roles to software development and consultancy, as well as graduate schemes.

However, despite Brazil’s increasing economic stature, large areas of the population are still impoverished. Some 26% of the population of Brazil leave below the poverty line. If working in Brazil isn’t appealing to you, you could try taking up a volunteering opportunity. Latitude is one organisation that provide you with opportunities to work on community projects, like in an orphanage or with street children or environmental projects in the rainforests. At around £1,800 it may not be cheap, but it’s a great way to help people less fortunate, experience another culture and looks good on your CV. A list of other volunteering organisations can be found on the Graduate Prospects website if the schemes Latitude offer don’t appeal to you.

For graduates, Brazil really is Kaka to a graduates Luis Fabiano – always creating opportunities!

Zara Chaudhry, PA to the Head of Service/ Administrator

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