Working outside of the UK

On

Global Careers Programme

The Global Careers Programme brings employers from around the world to deliver workshops and presentations to University of Sheffield students.

As part of the Global Careers Programme, the Asia Careers Insight Series (ACIS) is a virtual graduate recruitment and employability skills event that takes place every March since 2017, covering mainland China, Hong Kong, SE Asia and India, providing students with job hunting tips, alumni stories and connections with organisations with graduate roles in these countries and regions. ACIS includes virtual workshops, recruitment presentations, Q&A sessions and panel discussions.

GoinGlobal

Get the information you need from the GoinGlobal database for a successful job or internship search in more than 30 top employment markets around the globe. Our country-specific guides provide 180+ pages of in-depth career advice from our local employment experts. Topics include: Job search resources, hiring trends, industry overviews, professional and social networking groups, work permit and visa regulations, financial considerations, resumé/CV guidelines, interview tips and cultural advice.

GUCCU China job portal

University of Sheffield joined the Global University Central Career Union (GUCCU) in early 2024. GUCCU was founded in 2016 by Lockin China and universities across the world to provide career support to young talent, especially overseas Chinese graduates returning home. 

On the GUCCU China Portal specifically designed for University of Sheffield students, employers are looking for you! More than 100,000 Chinese employers registered on the GUCCU system and new vacancies and events are posted daily.

Market your University of Sheffield experience to employers

If you are looking for opportunities outside the UK, it is especially important to explain to employers what you have gained from your time at the University of Sheffield. Don’t assume that an employer will understand and value the advantages that study in the UK can bring. It is your job to explain it to them and give details of the ‘added value’ this experience enables you to offer to their company/organisation.

You may wish to highlight the following:

  • Skills and knowledge from your course. Reflect on which aspects of your course are likely to be of most interest to the particular employers that you are applying to. It could be the technical skills and up-to-date professional knowledge gained, the ability to undertake research and produce analytical reports, or other factors. 
  • Quality, reputation, and ranking of the University of Sheffield. Employers overseas may not know that the University of Sheffield is one of the top British universities. You can find out more about the University of Sheffield including our rankings and reputation, through the About us webpages.
  • Style of teaching and learning. The University of Sheffield’s teaching and learning style is questioning, interactive and analytical, which encourages students to develop a range of skills as expressed in the ‘Sheffield Graduate Attributes’ These are skills that employers very much value, so explain that you have them and don’t forget to give examples. You are encouraged to use mySkills to assess, record, and reflect your own skills.  
  • Intercultural and global awareness. Businesses are increasingly multi-national and employers want graduates with intercultural and global awareness skills. For international students, you already understand your own culture and your time spent in Sheffield has now given you an in-depth understanding of British and Western culture.
  • Enhanced English language skills. For those whose mother tongue is not English, you have spent a year or more reading, writing and conversing in English which will mean that you are much more fluent than when you arrived.
  • Adaptability and flexibility. For international students, studying outside your home country is a major undertaking. From the initial planning and researching, to coping with the culture change and studying in a foreign language, there is a lot to deal with and much adjustment to be done. All of this demonstrates your adaptability and it is likely that you have gained a greater maturity as a result.
  • Resilience. For international students, studying in a foreign country, you have to be self-regulated, stay motivated, manage your own time and distractions, and actively engage and seek interactions. This experience can demonstrate your resilience in front of challenging situations

You can select from the information above and where appropriate, include some of the points that relate to you in your CV, covering letters, application forms, and at interviews.

However, remember to take account of the culture of the country you're applying to work in when describing your skills and experiences. Some cultures, for example, very much value working within hierarchies, loyalty, and relating well to managers and colleagues. So, if you are talking about being able to bring problem-solving and creative thinking to the company, also stress that your approach would be within a framework of collaboration and team working.

Keep in touch with contacts back home and Sheffield alumni networks

If you are an international student and plan to return home after your studies, try to keep in touch with your contacts, family and friends back in your home country. Let them know what type of opportunities you are looking for as they may be able to let you know about suitable jobs. If you go home for holidays during your course use these times to attend recruitment fairs and try to arrange meetings or even interviews with employers.

It is also important to keep in touch with Sheffield alumni networks, for example:

  • The British Council runs a number of groups around the world for UK alumni. These groups are a great way to make connections with others who have enjoyed an educational experience in the UK. Your local British Council office will be able to provide details of local groups and let you know how you can join when you graduate.
  • Sheffield University Alumni Association - also keep in touch with Sheffield University Alumni Association via social media.