A group of people in a meeting.

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Regional Focus Careers Series this year, delivered in partnership with GradLink, the award-winning careers site for international students and graduates.

The Regional Focus  Careers Seriese provides UK-educated international students and graduates with in-depth insights into some of the most popular graduate job destinations globally,  covering aspects such as employer expectations, growth sectors and the skills most in demand, and effective strategies for building a successful international career.

The sessions will include input from regional experts in academia, employers and successful alumni.

1. Succeed in the UK Job Market – 28th May 2026

The UK is a top destination for international graduates. This session provides guidance on the job market, visa pathways, and employer expectations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Overview of the UK job market and growth sectors
  • Graduate Route vs Skilled Worker visa options
  • Skills in demand and where international graduates work
  • Strategies to attract employer sponsorship
  • Networking, applications, and alumni success stories

Registration open.

This session marks the launch of the Regional Focus Careers Series, developed in partnership with Gradlink to provide targeted insights into key global job markets for international students and graduates.

About the Session

Date: 28 May
Time: 12:00–13:30 BST

The UK is one of the most sought-after career destinations for international students and graduates. This session provides a practical overview of the UK job market, including key growth sectors, visa pathways, and what employers expect from international candidates. It will also explore how you can leverage your international student status to successfully launch your career in the UK.

Why Attend

This session will equip you with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence needed to navigate the UK job market as an international candidate. Whether you are just starting to explore your options or actively applying for roles, you’ll gain valuable insights to help you stand out and secure opportunities in the UK.

  • Insights into the UK job market and high-growth industries.
  • Clear understanding of visa options, including the Graduate Route and Skilled Worker visa.
  • Knowledge of where international graduates commonly work.
  • Awareness of the most in-demand skills.
  • Practical strategies to secure employer sponsorship.
  • Tips for effective networking and job applications.
  • Inspiration from real alumni success stories.

  • David Gee – Director, Gradlink
    David is Head of Global Employability at UWE Bristol and creator of GradLink, the award-winning careers site for international students and graduates from the UK. David has worked with graduate employers across the world. He has contributed to national press articles and government research on international student employability.
  • Alan Early – Strategic Engagement Lead, UK Visas and Immigration
    Alan Early is a Strategic Engagement Lead at UK Visas and Immigration, specialising in relationships with government departments and key external stakeholders with interest in the UK visa system. He is focused on expanding engagement with new stakeholders to demystify the visa system, improve understanding of UK travel permission, and address common misconceptions.
  • Martin Edmondson – CEO, Graduate Futures Institute
    Martin is the CEO of the Graduate Futures Institute, the body which represents everyone who works in HE careers and employability in the UK and Ireland. Prior to this role Martin was founder and Managing Director of Gradcore, and has 20+ years’ experience working across graduate recruitment and Higher Education. Martin served as a Director of the Institute for Student Employers, and is a Fellow of the National Institute of Career Education and Counselling, and the RSA.
  • Rhianna Skeates – Careers Consultant (International), Co-Chair Graduate Futures Institute International Task Group
    Rhianna is an international student success and employability consultant, currently leading cross-institutional initiatives at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) that bridge alumni engagement, global partnerships, and student experience. With a background in intercultural pedagogy, higher education, global mobility, and international careers, Rhianna takes a strategic and values-led approach to enhancing institutional reach and alumni impact. Rhianna is the Co-Chair of the International Task Group (Graduate Futures Institute).

  • Tiantian Fu - Wellbeing Coordinator, Regent College London
    Tiantian is originally from China and she did her Master’s in Creative Arts and Mental Health at Queen Mary University of London in 2023. After graduating, she joined the NHS as a Trainee Mental Health Worker on a one-year contract. The NHS sponsored her to complete a second Master’s in Mental Health Practice. Tiantian now works part-time at Queen Mary in the Careers Service and full-time as a Wellbeing Coordinator at Regent College London.

  • International students studying in the UK in their final year or planning to work there.
  • Recent graduates seeking employment in the UK.
  • Students interested in visa pathways and sponsorship opportunities.
  • Anyone looking to better understand employer expectations in the UK job market.

2. Succeed in the India Job Market – August

For UK-educated Indian graduates returning home, this session highlights employment trends, growth sectors, and adapting to local business culture.

Key Takeaways:

  • Overview of the Indian job market and growth sectors
  • Highlighting the value of your UK degree
  • Application tips, networking, and digital presence
  • Employer insights and alumni success stories

Registration opening soon.

3. Succeed in the Middle East Job Market – October

Explore career opportunities across the Middle East, leveraging your UK degree and understanding local business culture.

Key Takeaways:

  • Overview of the Middle East job market and growth sectors
  • Leveraging a UK qualification
  • Local business culture and visa initiatives
  • Networking and application strategies
  • Employer insights and alumni success stories

Registration opening soon.

4. Succeed in the US Job Market – Date TBC

For UK graduates returning to the United States, this session covers navigating competitive markets and securing roles across industries.

Key Takeaways:

  • Overview of the US job market and growth sectors
  • Leveraging your qualifications and international experience
  • Networking, applications, and interview strategies
  • Insights from employers and alumni success stories

Registration opening soon.
Share this