Welcome to the Career Development Centre (CDC) webpage for International Students.
 

We are here to help you to make decisions about your career by providing information, advice and guidance. International students have full access to the range of services and facilities the CDC has to offer.  Results from our Annual Student Survey let you know how these services are being developed.

How can the CDC help?

 

How to use the Career Development Centre

The following list the different ways that you can contact us:

Quick Query - A brief 10-15 minute discussion with an Adviser available Monday - Friday, click here for times

Individual Appointment with an Adviser, click here for how to contact CDA's

CDC website - for information on career planning, job vacancies, career events, and links to useful websites see current student section

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Applications, CVs and Interviews

The CDC can help you to find a job but it cannot apply to companies on your behalf. There are various resources, events and advice available from the CDC to help you write the best possible application, CV and to prepare fully for interview, see UlsterGradNAV A Career Development Adviser can help you to develop your applications and CV by discussing its layout and the way you present your experiences. The format and layout of your CV may be different to those in your own country so it is important to follow the structure expected from UK employers. We are happy to review these documents with you and give you some feedback. You can also see an Adviser for help with preparing for interview.

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Postgraduate Study

If you intend to continue your studies at postgraduate level the CDC can provide a number of starting points to help you consider postgraduate study elsewhere. In the CDC we have postgraduate directories and guides that can help you explore your options both at University of Ulster and further afield. Check out UlsterGradNAV  for further information. The CDC also run a Postgraduate Study Fair in October, details will be posted on the events page of our website.


Before making any decisions about pursuing Postgraduate study there are a few key questions that you need to ask yourself:

  • What do I hope to get out of this qualification?

  • What is my preferred method of study - taught or research?

  • Are you sufficiently motivated?

  • Am I likely to get funding?


There is useful information on the Prospects website which includes a section for international students planning postgraduate study in the UK, with advice, case studies and a UK course search. It also has allows you to explore over 50 country profiles for study abroad.


If you are an international student currently doing a postgraduate course at the university then visit the current student section of our website for further information and advice on your options.

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Work Experience

It's a fact - work experience makes you more employable.  To find out more about the benefits of work experience and the different types of work experience available, contact the Work Experience Development Unit, see the Workexperience website for students. This website aims to inform, advise and guide you through the world of work experience.


Part-time and Vacation Work

The International Office has produced guidelines that can allow you to assess your eligibility to work in the UK during your studies, see their website for more information.

If you are searching for work many part-time and casual jobs are advertised in local newspapers and on the jobcentreonline website. The Work Experience Development Unit also includes opportunities for flexible part time work on their website see the Workexperience website for students.

It may also be worth contacting the Students Union to check opportunities at the university.

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Work after Graduation in the UK

International Graduate Training Scheme

If you have successfully completed and obtained a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, PhD, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma on or after 1 May 2007, you will be eligible to apply to work in the UK for up to 12 months upon completion of your studies through the International Graduates Scheme. You may apply for the scheme regardless of the subject that you studied. To find out more about the scheme and how to apply visit the International webpage.


UKCISA has produced guidelines on working in the UK after your studies which you can download from www.ukcisa.org.uk


Graduate Training Programmes can provide you with a bridge from your degree to employment and there are a number specifically for graduates, click here for more information.


Advice on Immigration / Work Permits

We do not give advice on immigration or visa matters although we can draw your attention to relevant sources of information or contact the International Office.


Lists of companies recruiting international students

We do not hold lists of companies who specifically recruit international students. The vacancy section of our website may advertise jobs in countries outside the UK and Ireland from time to time. We will help you to do your own research in the career areas and countries that interest you and help you to make applications.

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Useful Links and Resources

Resources available in the CDC
- AGCAS Booklet Careers and Further Study for International Students
- Library of books with country guides relating to work and study

Useful Websites

Information on working and studying in the UK

www.workingintheuk.gov.uk - home office site providing information about routes open to foreign nationals who want to work in the UK
http://www.ukcisa.org.uk
- the council for International Education
www.britishcouncil.org - the main funding body for non-EC nationals for study in the UK
www.gradireland.com - useful information for the ROI
www.iasuk.org - immigration advisory service
www.naric.org.uk - gives degree equivalences for different countries

Information on studying and working overseas

www.hobsons.com
www.prospects.ac.uk
useful general country information and links
www.worldreport-ind.com international country reports
www.overseasdigest.com general information about working and living abroad
www.intstudy.com courses and colleges listed geographically



Going Global - University of Ulster
 
Click the logo to go to the Going Global resource!

Please note this resource requires you to login to the PDSystem!

The Going Global Country Career Guides provide professional advice and insider tips for 24 countries on topics such as employment trends, recruitment agencies, work permit regulations, salary ranges, CV writing guides, trade associations and culture advice. More than 500 resources are provided per country, all with detailed explanations and hot links that take you to the latest information.

The Going Global Key Employer Directory features corporate profiles for over 25,000 worldwide companies in industries including; finanace, IT and consumer goods. A mixture of local and multinational employers are featured and the Directory includes data on sales, revenues, key contacts and much more!

USA Career Guide Series featuring 30 largest cities in the USA.

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Page updated August 2008