Experiencing the UK Graduate route: Malaysia, undergraduate 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 was stressful paying for the exorbitant visa fees.” 

I do not feel my expectations are being met. Having a digital visa with no way of compelling companies to accept it is an obstacle to accessing certain services. The application is detailed, so it is a bit tedious. However, it was an easy and speedy process.  

The cost is ridiculously high considering the person bearing the cost is a fresh university graduate. It was a very stressful period for me trying to gather enough money to pay for the exorbitant fees. 

Support and development 

While at university, I had a one-to-one appointment with a careers adviser. I received CV feedback, had practice interviews and attended assessment centres. I also attended an employer event, a careers fair and skills enhancement sessions. 

Employer knowledge and attitudes  

I think employers have a baseline awareness of the Graduate route visa.  

Most employers do not seem to have a problem when hiring a graduate on a Graduate visa. 

However, there is an unwillingness to sponsor visas generally. Most employers who do offer visas are recruiting for specialised roles, which are very competitive.   

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

“Surround yourself with a strong support system.” 

Find employment in a role that fits your skills, compared to applying to random jobs. It will make interviews easier. Surround yourself with a strong support system that is willing to help you out in times of difficulty. Be upfront about your visa situation. Explore all avenues of job advertisement, such as company websites, recruitment agencies, job listing websites, and LinkedIn.