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Did you know that graduating international students can work in the UK for 2 years under the Graduate Route?
Many students choose the UK for its high-quality education and then remain there after graduation because it offers a plethora of opportunities for them to explore.
If you are interested in Business Studies, read this article to explore your options:
5 Amazing Top UK Universities for International Students to Study Business in the UK.
University of Southampton Malaysia’s (UoSM) Engineering students, get to gain industrial experience as early as Year 1.
4 Career Tales From 4 Students Who Work in The UK
UK Career Tale #1: Jeremy Fong Jia Wei
MEng. Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace
Control Engineer, Rolls-Royce
I am responsible for producing control systems for aircraft.
I found out about Rolls-Royce through the IT, Science and Engineering Fair held by the University’s Careers and Employability Service. Moreover, To help me prepare for Rolls-Royce’s interview, I also got my CV examined by a career service staff and visited the mock assessment centre.
During my course, I participated in two summer internships at Dyson, which gave me an idea of what I wanted to do. These experiences taught me more about teamwork and helped me adapt to a fast-paced environment.
To me, a small student-to-lecturer ratio at UoSM encourages two-way learning. This ratio is essential for Southeast Asian students as we tend to be more quiet and passive learners.
Aside from Professor Phil Joseph and Dr Michael Kingan, I couldn’t think of better supervisors during my studies in the UK. Professor Phil and Dr Michael were always there to help me, even when that meant having Skype calls after office hours.
Jeremy’s Pro Tip:
Choose companies that you really want to work for, so it motivates you throughout the application process.
Thoroughly check your CV for errors and when you have successfully been invited to an interview, just be yourself and enjoy it!
But of course, make sure you do enough preparation for the interview.
UK Career Tale #2: Priscilla Ting Wee Sze
MEng. Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace
Graduate Mechanical Engineer, UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA)
I am currently in charge of data management and the analysis aspect of a project. These two components will impact a huge part of the nuclear reactor.
The best part of what I do is knowing that my work will directly impact the energy industry. One of the aims of my job is to harness a new renewable source from nuclear fusion, which will change the Earth!
I encountered UKAEA via a job fair hosted by the UoSM. Then, I proceeded to apply to their graduate scheme online.
Additionally, I have benefited from the careers and employability service, where they offered professional help. Among the services provided are checking your CV and preparing you for interviews.
The academics at the university are the best thing for me. The lecturers are very approachable!
The student community is great too.
There are tonnes of clubs and societies to suit everyone.
Priscilla’s Pro Tip:
Throughout university, it is beneficial to get some work experience, like an internship or even a part-time job during the summer holidays.
It is also best to prepare your application early on, as the deadlines are sooner than you think!
Also, make full use of the career service provided by the university to build a career in the UK.
UK Career Tale #3: Sean Ng Jia Sheng
MEng Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Design Engineer, Dyson UK
I did a summer internship at Dyson UK in my final year and got a return offer. I am currently involved in designing and developing user interaction features for new Dyson products.
In addition, it is exciting to be actively involved in developing new technology to solve hidden problems at a global technology company. UoSM organised many career fairs, talks, and CV workshops, which allowed us to ask questions and prepare for interviews.
In Malaysia, UoSM has a close-knit community of staff and students.
It was easy to ask my lecturer questions. The small campus and community also meant that many students studied together in the library and were able to help each other during revision.
At the UK university, I got to participate in a number of the clubs and societies available. The activities held on campus helped broaden my network and develop skills in communications and marketing.
Sean’s Pro Tip:
Apply for internships at companies that are known to provide return job offers, as it might be slightly less competitive than applying for graduate jobs later.
UK Career Tale #4: Aaron Teo
MEng. Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace
Mechanical Engineer, Dyson UK
I develop product design from an early phase, with a focus on creating solutions to existing problems. I have had the opportunity to work on aerodynamic designs and have also developed several user interaction mechanisms.
Working on them means a lot of drawings with pen and paper, as well as exploring ideas and concepts. More often than not, I had to return to the drawing board, which was challenging but the most rewarding aspect of my role once I got something working.
Furthermore, I learn something new every day. This learning opportunity motivates me to become a better engineer.
I found out about the Dyson graduate scheme through the recruitment fair. They had a booth there, and I was impressed by the functionality and aesthetic of their products, especially how they redefine the common household items we use daily.
As a bonus, opportunities are aplenty at the UK campus. I managed to secure a research exchange at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in Ishikawa, Japan, and learn about graphene technology even though I had no prior experience.
Back at UoSM, I also worked on designing a data logging device for a research project as an electronics intern. The university made me realise how important it was to have work experience.
Through my internship experiences at UoSM, I learned how to collaborate with others, present and package my work, and even use Photoshop.
Aaron’s Pro Tip:
When you study and work in the UK, I highly recommend internships as a way to foster both technical and interpersonal skills.
They teach you to be persistent, opportunistic, and comfortable with the unknown.
Look through the job opportunities listed on MyCareer, and ask lecturers for internship or research opportunities.
Take advantage of the Future Worlds and guest speaker events that frequent Highfield Campus.
Most of all, enjoy!
Summary
All 4 graduates stressed the importance of utilising resources from the Careers and Employability Service.
Aside from being able to meet industry partners at recruitment fairs, the graduates also sought help in preparing their CVs and job interviews.
Lastly, all of them used their internship experience as a springboard to work in the UK after graduation.