Employability Advice for International Students
On this page we detail all our employability advice for international students
Gaining Work Experience
Non-EU international students need to start building work experience as soon as they arrive in the UK because, in general, they can only gain work experience while they have a student visa.
Non-EU students are likely to be able to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and any number of hours during vacations. Follow this link for more information regarding: working in the UK as a international student.
Work experience is particularly important for international students hoping to work in the UK after graduation because:
- It demonstrates that you can work successfully in a UK commercial environment. For example, it shows that you understand UK business culture and that your English language skills are strong.
- It may lead to that employer applying for sponsorship to take you on more permanently in the future. For example, upon successful completion of a vacation scheme, some firms may offer a training contract and sponsorship.
Working in the UK
Historically, graduate work permits are easier to obtain for:
- Employers who need large numbers of graduates.
- Employers for whom your specific language skills and knowledge are an asset.
- Employers who know you, eg through placement, vac schemes, work-shadowing and project opportunities.
What type of work experience do I include in job/work experience applications?
- Voluntary and unpaid work experience can be just as impressive to UK legal employers as paid work.
- Work experience gained outside the UK is also of interest to employers and can meet the criteria for QWE if signed off by a qualified English Solicitor.
- Any key work experiences should be included in your CV, regardless of where you gained them.
Your chances of finding work in the UK can be dramatically increased by finding and approaching employers who will see your specific language skills and cultural knowledge as an asset.
Register of Licensed Sponsors: Workers
See the Home Office list of registered UK Employer Sponsors here.
Skilled Worker Visa
Find out about the Home Office code of practice and what the salary requirements are for a job to be considered a 'skilled job' here.
CareerHUB Platform
Visit the CareerHUB platform and access the job search pages. This is powered by Indeed. You can search using keywords eg ‘graduate’, ‘legal’ and ‘Mandarin’ to find vacancies particularly looking for people with certain language or cultural knowledge.
SQE Future Lawyers Alumni Scheme
Once you’ve completed your SQE studies with us, you will become part of our SQE Future Lawyers alumni scheme. This may link you with other former students who have completed SQE from your country who are now in employment in the UK. For more info follow this link: BARBRI SQE Future Lawyers.
Lists of UK Employers
The UK-based embassy for your country may be able to provide lists of UK employers with links to your country.
The Law Society of England & Wales
The Law Society of England & Wales (the legal profession’s membership and representation arm) International Division provides useful information, follow this link HERE for more info.
Events
Attend internationally-focused events that bring employers and students together.
