Experiencing the UK Graduate route: Kenya, 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

My visa poses a barrier to finding employment in my desired field and in a role that corresponds to my skill level. Companies and organisations don’t want to hire me because my time here is limited.  

“Considering how much the visa costs, it doesn’t seem worth it.”

Getting the visa was straightforward and quick, but the health surcharge was too expensive. I worked in care for the first 4-5 months and now I’m working as a helpdesk consultant. I’m still being rejected from jobs due to my visa, and, considering how much the visa costs, it doesn’t seem worth it.  

Support and development

While at university, I received support from the careers service including CV feedback, attending an employer event and attending a careers fair. Since leaving university, I have found a mentor. 

Employer knowledge and attitudes

They have no clue what the Graduate route visa is and aren’t educated about it. I also found that my letting agent was unaware of how it would impact my tenancy.   

My impression is that employers are not open to recruiting graduates that require a visa. One told me outright that unless someone is an exceptional candidate, they don’t want to hire someone who is going to have to leave in a year or two because they don’t have the funds or facilities to sponsor a visa.

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

“Find a job environment that caters for your growth.”

It’s hard. You get a lot of no’s. Don’t expect to receive the expected annual salary or a desired role.  Just find something that sparks your curiosity and a job environment that caters for your growth.