Regional Focus Careers Series

Date: 28 May
Time: 12:00–13:00 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.

• 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).

• 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.

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.