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International student career advice

Are you an international student planning to work in the UK during your studies or after graduation? This page will guide you through the careers support and resources available to help you understand the UK job application process, develop your employability skills, and find opportunities to help you succeed.

Applications for the UK job market

CVs and applications

You need to be aware that CVs in the UK may differ from your home country. You can go onto Solent Careers Online for detailed CV support and access our AI CV tool, but at a minimum remember that it should include:

  • Personal details: name, email, telephone and LinkedIn (but only if up to date)
  • Personal profile
  • Education/qualifications
  • Career history, work experience and volunteering
  • Skills
  • Achievements and interests

A CV in the UK does not normally include your:

  • Nationality
  • Date of birth
  • Photo
  • Gender

Check out our CV guide for more tips and CV examples. If you need a CV review or have any questions, you can speak to an adviser on our student drop taking place in the Student Hub (TS114) – Monday to Friday 12pm to 2pm. No appointments needed, just turn up! You can also book a 20-minute appointment (online or in person) on Solent Careers Online to speak to an adviser. Use your student logins to access the page or set up your graduate access. If you have any questions, you can email Careers Team at careers@solent.ac.uk.

Interviews

Preparing for job interview in a foreign country can be tricky, but there are steps you can take to better prepare and succeed. We recommend the following resources to get you started:

Once you have an interview invitation, you can request a ‘mock interview’ with Solent Careers team. To do this, you can either book a 40-minute careers guidance appointment on Solent Careers Online or email careers@solent.ac.uk to request one.

Finding work

Solent Careers are here to help you with finding a job - part time or a graduate job. Check out the job websites and employers to get you started. If you need extra support with finding work, you can contact Solent Careers for more advice.

Please note that to work in the UK, you will need to have a National Insurance Number (NI) Find out more and apply.

Where to start your search

What can you do to boost your employability

If you are considering doing a placement, whether it is an assessed or a compulsory part of your course, your course leader will be the first point of contact. Solent Careers can help you look for a placement and support you during the application. Find out more about placements process at Solent.

Understanding your employment rights

The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to discriminate against employees, job seekers, and trainees because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, gender, or sexual orientation. Take a look at your employment rights, and reach out to Solent Careers if you need additional advice or have any questions.

Learn more about working in the UK through the information and advice pages on Prospects.

Workplace etiquette and professional cultural differences

Working in a new country can bring different expectations and ways of doing things. Understanding and adapting to workplace cultural differences is an important part of settling into a UK organisation and helps you navigate this respectfully and confidently. Find out more.

Visa restrictions

Most important is being aware of work restrictions on your visa. If in doubt, seek advice from the international adviser here at Solent University by emailing internationalsupport@solent.ac.uk.

You should consult the UKCISA website for up-to-date information:

Options available to you after graduation include:

Remember to look after yourself and stay connected!

Your wellbeing while you study is important. Here are a few top tips and resources to help you stay productive, connected, and make the most of your time at university:

  • International Connect: friendly, online and inclusive community space for international student at Southampton Solent University. Download the Vygo app through the App Store or Play Store – register with your student email address - look out for International Connect and join the group!
  • Student Assistance Programme: SAP is a confidential resource, designed to help you deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home or student life, health, or general wellbeing.
  • If you're looking for support outside of university, you can contact 111 to speak to Hampshire Mental Health Triage Team, available 24 hours for confidential advice.
  • Find out more about general support available from Solent for international students.

Careers support after graduation

You can access Solent Careers support after completing your studies. As a Solent graduate, we offer you Careers Advice for Life!

All the best!