Support for International Students Mary Webb/Val Bennett

Supporting students Careers & Employment can help with:  Choosing a career or job  Sources of vacancy information and job search methods  Job applications  Preparing for interviews or selection tests  Finding work experience and voluntary work  Applying for further study and training  Work or study inside and outside the UK  Continued support after graduation  Finding employment opportunities

Supporting students Well resourced Careers Centre – Information Staff Careers resources on web and eLearning Portal Booked appointments with the Careers Adviser for each School Drop-in sessions with a Careers Adviser without appointment Outreach sessions in Schools

Supporting students ‘Know How’ – our series of Wednesday afternoon workshops covering topics such as, getting into marketing, IT, publishing etc...

Students and work Careers & Employment : Helps students recognise the importance of work experience and transferable skills Gives support with finding vacancies and applying for jobs Gives information on the national minimum wage, tax and National Insurance etc Advertises local, national and overseas opportunities for finalists and graduates: Organises employer presentations and visits on campus

Students and work Careers & Employment : Advertises a wide range of paid/voluntary jobs suitable for students in term-time and vacations on behalf of local employers, charities and organisations : Organises part-time jobs fairs – term-time and vacation work Refers students to information on other sources of employment opportunities, for example, Jobcentre Plus

Job Search Support How we help: We give one to one and/or group support on: Finding opportunities Completing application forms Preparing for interviews (face to face, telephone, panel) Assessment centres CVs Developing employability skills

Additional support for international students A dedicated careers adviser for international students Information and advice on looking for work in the UK and overseas Specific resources for international students in the Careers Centre with a range of reference, take away and online material

Additional support for international students Regular workshops for international students covering: CVs Applications forms Interviews Work experience Getting a part-time job New sessions this year included: Return to Work in China Return to Work in India

Additional support for international students Starting your Career in Guides for students returning to work in their home country including: China, India, Malaysia etc.... Going Global – an online database of information including: Country Guides, Jobs and Internships, Employer Directory

Work whilst studying Students enrolling on courses under degree level may be given permission to work a maximum of 10 hours per week during term-time and up to full-time during vacations Students enrolled on a foundation degree, or enrolled on a course at degree level or above, may be given permission to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and up to full- time during vacations Students found to be working more than 20 hours per week during term-time will be in breach of their immigration conditions and may be sent back to their home country immediately by the UK Border Agency with no right of appeal University policy states that students should work no more than 16 hours per week during term time

Support for international students considering staying in the UK after their studies The service offers: Information about staying in the UK Information regarding eligibility for a Tier 2 visa: It appears that students ‘will need to meet most of the requirements of Tier 2, except for the Resident Labour Market Test, or of a new student entrepreneur route which does not yet exist. This means that a Tier 2 employer will not have to show that the job was advertised and no UK or EEA nationals could do it. However, the job will have to be a graduate level job with a specified minimum wage, and the employer must have a Tier 2 licence’ – UKCISA April 2011

Working in the UK after Study Requirements under Tier 2 Graduate level job offer Salary must be at least £20k Must have maintenance funds – be able to show have held £800 for at least 3 months Employer must have a Tier 2 licence Successful graduates will be given permission to stay for 3 years with possibility of additional 2 years There is also a proposal for a ‘Students Entrepreneur’ route – no details given as yet NB: University Staff are not permitted to give immigration advice on working in the UK after study. Students are referred to Community Legal Advice:

Student expectations and work Important points to note: Students are advised to visit the Careers Centre as soon as possible to get support in their job search and to find out about the UK recruitment process Careers & Employment is not a recruitment agency and does not arrange work for students Job opportunities are not guaranteed and should not be relied upon for students to fund their studies or their stay in the UK

Student expectations and work Important points to note: It is often difficult for students to find part-time/vacation work that is directly related to their course of study Students who are flexible in the types of part-time work they will consider are more likely to find jobs Following the closure of PSW in April 2012, international students will face much greater difficulty if they wish to stay and work in the UK after study

Careers & Employment The Careers Centre is open 9am – 5pm Monday – Thursday and 9am pm Friday The Careers Adviser for International Students is available 3 afternoons per week Drop-in sessions with the duty Careers Adviser are available 10am – 4pm, Monday – Friday (vacations - 1pm-4pm) 40 minute bookable appointments with School careers advisers are also available