All Gloom for International Graduates?

by Emmy

Finding a dream job in the UK is the biggest ambition for many international students, but the financial crisis has destroyed their prospects.

It is the worst year to find a job this year according to a recent survey.

Xiao Li, a Chinese student of Global media and Communications in University College London (UCL), has now partly given up her dream to stay here after graduation.

She said before she came here, she was so confident with herself, as she was always the best student in her class.

“I thought it was just so easy for me to get a job here after I graduate this year. But the outbreak of the financial crisis in the whole world makes me very nervous now.”

At the beginning of last semester, many international students from her class said they intended to work here, but now, they don’t talk about it any more. “It seems people don’t have the courage to pursue their original dream,” she said.

Xiao Li has prepared a long time for her future. From the end of the last semester, she has tried several companies, but till date, she only gets refusals or no response. “After I sent hundreds of CVs by e-mail or post, I’m losing faith day by day.”

In her opinion, she has many weak points compared to native graduates. For example, the cultural difference, language, social networks, and many other disadvantages.However, Xiao Li said she would not give up, “I know it’s hard, and maybe it is the worst time, but I will try my best until the last minute.”

Is this the worst time ever?

Thousands of people lose their jobs everyday due to the financial crisis. International students may be one of the largest group of victims, facing more pressure than ever before.

According to figures released by Higher Education Statistics Agency, over five percent graduates are believed to be unemployed after six months.

Aled Williams, an International Career Consultant from the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services, who helps many international students with their careers, expressed concern on the current situation.

“The financial crisis does make it harder to find a job, but it’s not only for the international students. It has unavoidable effects on all graduates, making it harder to get a relevant graduate level job.”

Williams suggested that international students should think broadly of their experience, as employers always expect more from them in addition to their school training.

The British council, which aims to promote higher education in the UK and helps overseas students, advises international students not to over worry about their job prospects.

Mike Hardy, Spokesman of the British Council said, “In light of the current crisis, competition for jobs would be much more serious. But, outstanding students, no matter native or international, should not worry too much of their future.”