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Pursuing a Master’s in the UK is a matter of pride for many international students. At the same time, we know that it could burn a big hole in your pocket. Hence, it is imperative for you to be on the lookout for a job during and after your course. The good news is that there are plenty of job opportunities, and the UK government has extended the post-study work visa from four months to two years. This means that after completing your Master’s from a recognised Higher Education Provider in the UK, you can continue to live there and search for jobs, for up to two years.
Source : Times Higher education
Part-Time Job Opportunities While Studying in the UK
As an international student, you have to make sure that your visa permits you to work while you study. Most international students with a Tier 4 student visa enrolled in a full-time program can work for 20 hours per week. You can work for extended hours during vacations. Make sure you find a balance between your studies and part-time job so that you do not get burned out.
Work Placement and Internships
If you are an international student with a tier 4 visa, you can take up a work placement or an internship if it fulfils the following criteria
- It is a part of your full-time Master's program and is required for your assessment.
- You remain enrolled at your university for the entire time.
- The duration is not more than half of your Master's program duration.
If all the above conditions are satisfied, you can work full-time when you take up a work placement or an internship. You can use this time to prove your mettle and build a strong professional nexus. Your superlative performance in the internship can translate into a permanent job after you complete your Master’s course.
After Completion of the Master's Program
Once you have completed your Master’s you can go all out and embark on a full-fledged job search. However, there are a few things you need to take care of before you start working.
Get a National Insurance
Irrespective of whether you are an EU or a Non-EU student, you need to have a national insurance number (NIN) to work in the UK. The National Insurance Number, also known as the personal account number, is a unique number used by the UK government to calculate every working individual’s taxes.
However, you cannot apply for the NIN online and will have to call the number given below.
- Telephone: 0800 141 2075
- Text phone: 0800 141 2438
- Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm
Once you have submitted your application on call, you will be receiving a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions which will be followed by a face-to-face interview. The main purpose of the interview is to confirm your need for a National Insurance Number.
You need to have the following documents ready when you attend the interview
- passport or identity card
- residence permit
- birth or adoption certificate
- marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
- driving licence
It is possible for you to work in the UK without a NIN for a short period of time. However you will have to prove to your employer that your NIN is underway. During that time period, you can work using your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
Find Job Opportunities
The UK is undoubtedly one of the top economies in the world. Getting hired for a job ultimately depends on your skillsets, your experience and research abilities. As an entry-level graduate in UK your salary may fall anywhere between £21,000 – £25,000.
There are plenty of websites where you can find job opportunities in the UK. Below listed are some of the top websites.
- Expatica jobs
- EURES
- Adecco
- Adzuna
- Careerbuilder
- Everyjobsite
- Fish4
- Gumtree
- Indeed
- Jobsite
- Monster
- Reed
- Totaljobs
- Trovit
Apart from looking for job opportunities online, you can also attend career fairs that are organised by your university, and also the ones that are put together by various companies.
It is also highly beneficial to be in touch with the career guidance cell of your university, which can guide you in the right direction. Additionally, the alumni network of your university can come in handy in getting information about the job vacancies in various companies.
High Demand Jobs for International Students in the UK
According to a statics taken in 2018/19, nearly 485,645 students study in the UK. Therefore, even if there are a huge number of job opportunities in the UK, the competition is extremely high. And with Britain’s exit from the EU, there are many new rules and regulations imposed by the government. If you are looking for a graduate job you have to stand out in the crowd to make yourself visible. Use your time in the country to make more contacts and learn new skills. Do not just gain a degree, but also get to know more people and try getting in touch with various firms and organisations. Attending job fairs and applying for off-campus internships and contacting various companies can be of huge help while finding a job. There are some employers who accept applications from students before they complete their course; you can jump at this opportunity and be the early bird that catches the worm.
Let us take a look at some of the most sought after disciplines in the UK :
Scientists
Branches : Biochemistry, physics
Estimated annual salary : £40,000
Engineers
Branches: civil, mechanical, electrical
Estimated annual salary: £34,111
IT
Branches: analysts, systems designers, programmers, web designers, software developers
Estimated annual salary: £40,080.
Medicine
Branches: practitioners, psychologists, radiographers, nurses, vets, occupational therapists)
Estimated annual salary: £32,500
Education
Branches: secondary school teachers Estimated annual salary: £32,000
Conclusion
Conclusion As discussed in this blog, there are plenty of job opportunities during and after your studies in the UK. It is important to do your due diligence and find a job that suits your profile and interests. Make sure to get the necessary documents like your National Insurance Number ready before you seek employment. Screen through the top websites listed above thoroughly, and you are sure to find a job that will be the first stepping stone to your successful career.
