Experiencing the UK Graduate route: Nigeria, master's degree

The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS), a member of UKCISA’s International Student Employability Group (ISEG), has captured the experiences of international graduates seeking employment in the UK after graduation in a series of case studies.

Who are you? 

Where do you work?

Thoughts on your visa

It has provided me with opportunities that might have been difficult without this visa, especially in getting a job to remain in the UK.

The application for the visa was pretty straightforward, although the form was very lengthy. My visa came out in under 4 working days, which I found really impressive. The cost was a bit high to be honest, especially as I had not gotten a job at the time I made an application.

Support and development

While at university, I had a one-to-one appointment with a careers adviser and practised recruitment activities, such as interviews and assessment centres. I attended an employer event, a careers fair and gained access to job vacancy listings. I received help from the careers team during my time as a student.

I extended my studies by going for an exchange programme outside the UK. I studied a course more specific to the career I wanted, which provided me with some great skills and knowledge about consulting.

Employer knowledge and attitudes

Based on my job search, I would say not all employers are aware of this visa. I sometimes had to explain this new visa to some of the recruiters I had interviews with. Also, some employers are still unbending towards recruiting those with this kind of visa.

"Some employers are so positive and accepting of this visa type."

I would say some employers do not want to get those with this kind of visa on board, due to the fear of the unknown. While some also do not have a sponsorship license to help the candidate after the graduate visa expires, so they would rather not take the candidate. Some are so positive and accepting of this visa type.

What advice would you give to current international students seeking graduate employment in the UK? 

• Aim to get a sponsored job, as that clears doubt now and in the future.
• Begin applying for jobs early, and do not wait to finish school because the competition is high.
• Develop skills and build yourself with on-demand skills.
• Seek help from the careers team when needed. Attend career fairs – who knows – your job might be with one of the firms.
• Lastly, don't give up because it might not be the easiest journey as an international student. You just need to persevere.