A Guide to Working in Your Home Country After Studying in the UK
Studying in the UK can be an amazing first step in launching a global career. For some international students, this means working in the UK after graduation. For others, it means returning to their home countries to work there.
If you fall into the second category, this guide is for you! Here we list the most important things to know about working in your home country after finishing your studies in the UK.
Working at home: Key considerations
If you’re planning to go back to your home country to work, there are a few things you should be aware of.
Firstly, you may need to work hard to build your professional network after living and studying abroad. Depending on how long you have spent away from home, you may not be in contact with many professional contacts you once had. A great way to start rebuilding your professional network at home is to use your personal connections, such as family members and friends.
When you return home, you may also experience something known as reverse culture shock. This refers to the emotional and psychological shock you may feel at your home country’s practices and customs. If you’ve been away for a long time, these feelings may be quite intense.
In terms of employment, you may notice that industry trends, workplace practices, wages or job opportunities are different in your home country than in the UK. Remember to be patient with yourself as you readjust.
You must also remember that transitioning from studies to work is a big change - no matter where you decide to do it. Read our tips on how to make the switch.
The advantages of working at home after studying in the UK
Working in your home country after studying in the UK offers many perks. Firstly, as an international student, you have unique experience and transferable skills to offer employers.
By studying in the UK, you improved your core English skills, which are highly valued in nearly any job in any country. With these skills, you’ll stand out in the job market and improve your chances of finding work. Discover the most important English skills to launch a global career.
When you choose to work at home, you’ll also have the advantage of avoiding certain processes that come with working overseas. You won’t need to apply for a visa to stay in the country or familiarise yourself with a new set of working rights. Instead, you’ll be able to enter the workforce and begin your career right away.
How to find graduate jobs in your home country
Job-hunting platforms vary between countries, but let’s take a look at some resources widely used around the world.
In many countries, employment sites like Indeed and SEEK are popular, as well as professional social media platforms like LinkedIn.
If you’re looking for a job search platform specifically for international students, Student Circus is the perfect tool for you! This job-readiness site lists pre-filtered job opportunities with reputable, international organisations such as KPMG, Deloitte, Rolls Royce and more.
Best of all, Student Circus has an easy-to-use search bar that allows you to search for jobs in 29 countries outside the UK, including France, Germany, India, Indonesia and more. The site also features employability resources, including a Job Seekers’ Toolkit and Country Career Guides.
Making yourself more employable
Want to improve your chances of finding work in your home country? Boosting your employability is a great place to start. Here are a few strategies you can use to make yourself stand out to employers:
Getting help with your resume (e.g. attend workshops, get a proofreader)
Doing practice interviews with friends or family members
Volunteering in your local community
Taking an online course (e.g. through platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Udemy)
Networking (e.g. attending events, connecting with people on LinkedIn)
Author: Rebecca MacFarlane
