Experiencing the UK Graduate route: Saudi Arabia, 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 allowed me to get a job as an international student upon graduation and allows me to spend the next two years here. The application was straightforward, and the visa was processed and provided very quickly and promptly. The costs, however, were quite high.

“The costs were quite high.”

Support and development 

While at university I received support from my careers service. I had one-to-one appointment with a careers adviser, received CV feedback, had practice interviews and attended assessment centres. I also attended an employer event, skills enhancement sessions and a careers fair. I gained access to job vacancy listings.

Employer knowledge and attitudes  

A few employers did not seem to know much about the Graduate route, but were willing to ask and learn. Others did not seem interested in knowing more about it and seemed to disregard me due to the hassle. Some had already known about the visa and did not ask me about it, including my current employer. Some are more keen than others to recruit graduates that require a visa.

“A few employers did not seem to know much about the Graduate route it but were willing to ask and learn.”

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

Keep trying, provide all details on the visa to employers, and try not to limit your choices to specific locations.