Careers support for international students

We're here to offer career guidance, application advice and assistance when applying for work opportunities
International students

Welcome to your Careers Service! 

As an international student you have access to all of the support and services that we offer. We know that you may have additional questions relating to your future plans whilst at University and beyond graduation. We’re available to you throughout your studies and we also offer support beyond graduation. 
If you’re a UK-based student who is interested in studying and/or working abroad, check out GoinGlobal and other information on our Careers homepage. 

Manage your career

From the moment you start your degree, to three years after graduation, you’ll benefit from some great ways to manage your career progress online.

myCareer will help you to manage your career appointments, find job vacancies, internships and part-time work, and provide access to workshops and activities to help broaden your skills.

myCareer Digital Resources provides you with a number of interactive tools that will help you to build CVs, write covering letters and map your professional skills.


We can help you with:

Careers Service icon
Explore: I’m looking for ideas
Careers Service icon
Plan: I have some ideas but how do I get there?
Career Service icon
Compete: I need help applying for opportunities

Careers pathway for international students 

We offer an online pathway where you can work through different topics at your own pace and according to your individual needs. You can also claim a virtual badge upon completion to share on social media and demonstrate your skills and knowledge to employers.
Modules include: Introduction to the pathway and Careers Service; Getting the most from your University experience; Finding your study/work-life balance; Taking charge of your personal and professional development; Considering postgraduate study; Identifying your skills for life after graduation; Graduate options and applications in the UK, and globally; Helpful resources.
International student using iPad at cafe on the Hoe.
International students at open day

Working Abroad for International Students (WAFIS) - introductory programme

Designed specifically for you, WAFIS is open to international students from any country, on any course, at any level of study. The programme is made up of a series of workshops (some in-person and some online), plus a video on topics including: Writing English CVs, Professional English for the Workplace, Working in the UK during and after your studies, Working in the UK - successful applications and Masters' Applications.
Goin' Global

GoinGlobal

Access our new resource GoinGlobal to find out about working in different countries with profiles and advice written by people in those countries; access and apply for live jobs and attend online training webinars.

Sign in to gain information on working abroad using your university login.

Useful information and services

Student wearing safety goggles in a laboratory, doing a science experiment. Considering further study
 Take your studies to the next stage with a postgraduate opportunity.

The Cube The Cube
 Access tailored advice, funding and support relating to freelancing, self-employment, business or social enterprise. Please check the conditions of your visa to ensure you are permitted to undertake self-employed work or engage in business activity.

Student Hub Student Services
 Services and support available to you as a University of Plymouth student, from our library to accommodation, managing your money to counselling and more.

International Student English Language Centre
 Develop your English language and academic skills whilst studying with us at the university.

Students at an open day outside the Student Union University of Plymouth Student Union
 Discover volunteering opportunities, societies you can get involved in and your SU Reps! Develop your skills and networks.

Person working at computer Prospects’ Working Abroad
 Access insightful summaries about working in different countries, including helpful information such as how to get a job, visa information and more.

University Part-Time Jobs Fair TargetJobs’ International Students
Access comprehensive information on finding a graduate job or gaining work experience while you study, advice on getting hired in the UK and tips on starting your career if you plan to return home or want an overseas job with a multinational employer.

Bounce

If you are a woman, or if you identify as a woman, currently studying at the University, this free two day personal and professional development programme may be for you. 

Build your:

  • Confidence in recognising your skills and strengths
  • Personal power (you have more than you think!)
  • Assertiveness and impact when speaking
  • Sense of mindfulness and wellbeing
  • Ability to make personal and professional connections
The programme is interactive and each day we will be joined by guest speakers who will share their own experiences and invite you to ask them questions.

Bounce graphic-edited

Useful external links

UKCISA 

The UK Council for International Student Affairs work to support and advise international students and the institutions, students' unions and organisations who work closely with them.

Gov.uk website 

Find out information directly from the government relating to student visas, work visas and more.

Gradlink UK

GradLink UK is a free careers site for international students and graduates who have or are studying in the UK. It currently includes sections for China, South-East Asia, the Gulf, Canada, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa and India. Take a look for jobs, advice, events and more.

"The variety of services and amount of support the Careers Hub offer is amazing. I reached out to the Careers Team from my earliest steps in my job search and they stayed with me to the end. I began with a workshop about how to write strong CVs and cover letters followed by a one-to-one information and advice meeting to learn about how to conduct efficient job searches and approach opportunities, after which I returned for a mock interview session. 
The members of staff offered me valuable advice at every session and built up my courage to go further. Thanks to them, I attended the interview a lot calmer and it proved to be a success. I reached out for their help one last time to prepare for an upcoming Online Assessment Day, which I passed. Now I'm enrolled to start my dream graduate job at a leading logistics company. I could have not done it without the support of the Careers Team." 
Maria Alexandra Negrea, MSc International Business
Maria Alexandra Negrea
Sumalka Mendis

Sumalka Mendis, MPhil/PhD Business with Management and one of our Student Ambassadors

"The feeling of being a representative of the University is my favourite thing about this role. It gives me a huge sense of belonging in this prestigious institution. I’ve made so many friends and gained so many new experiences. It’s a collection of smiles"
"The Careers Mentoring Programme has allowed me to develop and improve my personal and professional skills beyond what a basic involvement in University life could offer me.
My mentor provided me with invaluable knowledge on different career paths in industry, CV and cover letter writing, networking and more. I decided to take part in this programme so I could gain an insight on how things worked in industry and to boost my confidence and employability skills. Every meeting was very informative. 
Being part of this programme helped me gain a clearer insight to what life will be like after University and how to make myself stand out in a work environment and when applying for jobs. It is a truly remarkable experience, there is so much to gain from it. I would highly recommend this programme to anyone looking for potential career paths after graduation and improving on professional skills."
The Cube mentoring
"At the start of the Careers Mentoring Programme, I found that I wasn't receiving any responses from the companies I had applied to for a work placement. My mentor worked with me to re-write my CV from scratch and to create a covering letter. He helped me to understand what an employer looks for while recruiting and how to demonstrate my skills and life experience. After this support, I'm happy to say I was called back for the next round for all of my interviews.
After securing a successful placement, I had to learn how to behave in a professional business.
My mentor shared his years of experience with me which helped me to understand how to proceed and progress within a business.
I have also discovered what areas of a business are most suited to my skills. We discussed my prospects after graduation and how to position myself in the business world. As an international student this was a little harder, but my mentor helped me to understand how to position myself while applying for a job. After this programme, I have a far wider understanding of the business world and what to do after my time in the University and during my placement year."