International Students: Target the Right UK Employer

Posted on: 5 April 2024 by Ujjawal Mittal in Hints, tips and advice

Are you an international student navigating the complexities of the UK job market? Ujjawal looks at how eCareersGrad can help.

If you're an international student trying to navigate the complexities of the UK job market then look no further – eCareersGrad's specialised resource for international students can guide you through the process of targeting the right UK employer and securing visa-sponsored job roles.

Having completed the eCareersGrad course, I've distilled the key takeaways that can help international students like yourself make informed decisions and maximize your chances of success in the UK job market:

  1. Visa Planning: Consider leveraging the graduate visa route to gain valuable work experience, positioning yourself for a skilled worker visa in the future.

  2. Employer Sponsorship Insights: Gain insights into employer sponsorship trends – in 2022, over 400 employers sponsored 5+ students, with 125+ employers sponsoring more than 10 students.

  3. Broad Job Opportunities: Understand that the majority of graduate jobs are open to students from any degree discipline, with employers often offering on-the-job training.

  4. Differentiating Job Types: Differentiate between graduate jobs and graduate schemes to align your career aspirations effectively.

  5. Visa Policy Updates: Stay informed about recent changes to the skilled worker visa policy to adapt your job search strategy accordingly.

  6. Prioritize Work Experience: Seek work experience opportunities such as part-time roles, internships, and involvement in student-led societies to bolster your resume.

  7. Top Sponsoring Employers:  Deloitte, PwC, BDO, RSM, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Blackrock, Accenture, McKinsey, Cognizant, Capgemini, Amazon, ARM, and Google were among the top sponsors in 2022.

  8. Strategic Application Approach: Develop a clear application strategy, utilizing spreadsheets and trackers to manage your applications effectively.

  9. Proactive Communication: Don't hesitate to reach out to organizations via email to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.

  10. Tailored Applications: Invest time in tailoring your applications to each company, demonstrating a genuine interest and fit for the role.

  11. Networking and Insider Insights: Attend networking events to gain insider information and ask questions that can enhance your understanding of potential employers.

  12. Strategic Application Focus: Be selective in where you invest your time and energy, focusing on opportunities where you have a realistic chance of success.

  13. Utilize Career Services: Make use of the career services offered by your university, including the Career Studio and digital tools and resources available to support your job search.

  14. Perseverance: Brace yourself for rejections, but don't let fear dictate your success. Learn to handle setbacks and keep pushing forward.


While this summary highlights key points, the eCareersGrad course offers a comprehensive understanding of the UK job market from an international student's perspective, complete with real-life case studies and examples. It's highly recommended to complete the course before embarking on your application journey, as it will equip you with the necessary knowledge and strategies to navigate the process successfully.


Free access for University of Liverpool students and graduates

We’ve teamed up with eCareersGrad to provide University of Liverpool students with a new range of digital resources that will prepare you for the competitive world of applying for graduate jobs, internships, and insight events.

Don't delay – dive into the eCareersGrad course today and unlock your pathway to success in the UK job market. Your future career awaits!


Ujjawal Mittal
 is a an International Employability Experience Intern in the University of Liverpool's Careers and Employability team.