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How to find a job in the UK after finishing your Masters

How to find a job in the UK after finishing your Masters

by | Aug 24, 2022 | Masters Abroad, Study Abroad

The United Kingdom has always been and will continue to be the pinnacle of opportunities. It is constantly evolving as an expanding economy to accommodate its immigrant population. The country has a long history and is rich in culture, making it an appealing option for graduates worldwide. 

University career centres and companies hiring have made finding job prospects in the UK after MS simple. Among the many job opportunities available in the country, postgraduates in Science are more likely to be placed faster. 

After a Master’s degree, there are several career opportunities in the UK for competent employees, particularly in Science. With sufficient preparation, a pandora’s box of opportunities can open up for any candidate and give them a head start. 

Job seekers with a sound plan and a good resume are at the advantage of making quick and spontaneous selections. Here are a few vital aspects to consider when looking for a job in the UK after completing a Master’s degree.

1. Take the Graduate Route:

International students on Tier 4 visas have a two-year extension to hunt for work following graduation. Applicants can stay in the UK without a sponsor for their employment search.

2. Graduate Schemes 

Graduate scheme refers to a structured training program that many UK employers run for people with a degree. When you become a graduate trainee under this scheme, you will get practical and hands-on experience of working in a company and get a chance to understand how the organisation works. Not only do you learn new skills, but you also get good salaries if your employers are generous! Some top salaries range from at least £38,000 to £50,000. 

An employer runs these schemes to grow their future work force for the organisation. These programmes can last between 1 to 2 years or might even be longer. These schemes are available in various specializations like finance, HR, marketing, transport, IT, retail, law and management.

3. University Placement Prospect:

Consistently performing candidates who strive to stay on top of their game while completing their Master’s program is likely to land better jobs. University placements are one of the simplest ways to join the job market. Some of the most top-notch colleges in the United Kingdom, such as the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and King’s College London, have a well-established placement cell to assist their graduates in getting placed at top firms.

4. Register with a Staffing Agency:

Numerous recruitment companies on the market provide end-to-end solutions for international job applications. Candidates must carefully select a reputable and well-known brand, such as Adecco, Impellam, Hays, Reed, and others, and collaborate with them to organise their applications. Candidates can locate a suitable job that fits their profile after registering with an agency with a solid track record.

5. Direct Application to Companies:

UK recruiters value applicants who have proved their skill set and matched their qualifications to their firm’s profile. Companies often shortlist qualified individuals and contact eligible students for recruitment without a formal route or agency.

6. Career Fairs and Events:

University Career Centres might be one of the first to places start looking for work. Some of the best colleges in the UK host webinars, career fairs, and other events to help graduates connect with businesses and explore job opportunities. It gives students a good notion of the employment market and the most in-demand talents for their preferred profession.

7. Use social media to connect with potential employers:

The present social media landscape provides numerous advantages for people wishing to build a professional network after completing an MS program in the UK. Students may be able to communicate and create relationships with valuable connections in the UK by promoting their skill sets and leveraging favourable recommendations on networking sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter.

Essential Considerations for a Job in the United Kingdom:

1. Cultural Understanding

When preparing to relocate to a foreign country, you should consider studying the country’s culture and heritage. This protects you from unpleasant conversations or the regrettable situation of insulting their customs. It also helps you appreciate your new work environment and make adjusting easier. After all, immigrant employees must respect and contribute to the ecosystem of their host country.

2. Convenient Documentation

Having all your paperwork and qualifications in order also provides a seamless job search process in which you avoid going back and forth while making a decision. A well-written résumé usually helps. Provide accurate, up-to-date information about yourself, and keep it ready on the cloud or in your email.

3. Technology is a boon: Take advantage! 

Interviews and meetings are frequently conducted online, and being able to present yourself professionally virtually is a huge advantage. Keep up to date on any new software that may be useful in your profession, and be well-versed in the latest communication platforms such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet.

4. Salary expectations after a Master’s in the UK

The scope of salary after doing a masters in the UK for a fresher is very enticing. It can range from 35,000 pounds to 50,000 pounds depending on the specialisations chosen. This range of salary can be considered as high, but there are various other factors that determine your salary, these can include years of experience, what you majored in, where you have worked prior to this job etc. 

5. Complete your homework

Organisations in countries such as the United Kingdom value proactive candidates who have done their homework about the company’s operations and history. It would help if you researched the companies of your choice before applying to fill positions with them. As a result, you can craft cover letters specific to your target organisations. This will undoubtedly offer you an advantage over others.

6. Understanding the operation of recruitment agencies

Doing a little research does no harm. Before you sign up with a hiring agency, try to understand how they work and equip yourself with all the required qualifications and skill sets. They will consider your Master’s course credentials and your preferences when recommending you for suitable employment after your Master’s in the UK. Each of these agencies charges a fee, and you can be assured that the quality of service offered is directly proportional to their cost structure.

7. Work Permit

There are several visas that one can apply for in order to work in the UK. But the 2 most important ones to keep in mind are, Graduate Visa and Skilled Worker Visa, if you are a student who is looking for a job in the UK after your masters. 

Here are the details for each visa: 

Graduate Visa  

The graduate visa allows you to stay in the UK for a minimum of 2 years after completing a course in the UK. If you have a PHD or other doctoral degree than this period lasts for 3 years

Eligibility:

  • You are already in the UK
  • You have Student visa or tier 4 student visa as your current visa
  • You must have studied a UK bachelor’s degree, post graduate degree or any other eligible course for a minimum time period on your student visa( or tier 4 student visa) 
  • Your university or college has informed the home office that you have completed your course.

With a graduate visa you can look for work, be self-employed, work in most jobs, do voluntary work. But you cannot extend your graduate visa. 

Skilled Worker Visa

This visa allows you to come to the UK or stay in the UK for a job with an approved employer. The Tier 2( general) visa has been replaced by the Skilled Worker Visa.

Eligibility: 

  • The job that you have been offered should be from a UK employer that has been approved by the Home Office 
  • You should have a ‘certificate of sponsorship; from the employer, stating the position you have been offered in the UK 
  • You should be paid a minimum salary- which can depend on the kind of work you do 
  • Your job should be listed as an eligible occupation 
  • You should be able to read, write, speak and understand English. To prove this you will be tested at the time of your visa application. 

With that we come to an end of the points you should keep in mind while looking for a job in the UK after you have finished with your masters. Finding a job in the starting may take some time but don’t get overwhelmed, all good things take time. So take your time to find a job that you enjoy.

Sometimes, because of your job you might have to shift to a new location. Amber is a platform for reserving long-term student housing that makes it easy for students to identify and reserve full-time residences close to their colleges without the burden of negotiating, filling out complicated paperwork that isn’t standardised, and dealing with a dysfunctional payment system. Amber offers residences all over the world, including student studios in Coventry and student housing in Durham. Amber is your one-stop shop for locating convenient housing while you are pursuing your studies overseas.

How to write a Masters Application SOP (Statement of Purpose)

How to write a Masters Application SOP (Statement of Purpose)

by | Jul 13, 2021 | Masters Abroad, MS in Canada, MS in USA, Study Abroad

WHAT IS THE SOP

The Statement of Purpose, popularly known as the SOP, is an avenue for applicants to present a brief snapshot of their profile to the admission committee. It is an opportunity to

  • Highlight one’s key achievements and accomplishments
  • Talk about one’s specific interests in the domain
  • Describe skills/knowledge that one has acquired by virtue of her/his past education, internships, and/or full-time work experience
  • Address any weaknesses or drawbacks in the profile if any
  • Discuss the applicant’s interest in that particular course at the university

 In short, the objective of the SOP is to discuss your future career and/or research goals, and highlight the important educational and work experiences that you believe have prepared you for graduate studies; and your reasons for applying to that particular university.

 Ideal length of the SOP: 700-800 words

NOTE: Some universities have word limits on the SOP. Many universities ask you to limit the SOP to 500 words or around 1 page. When a university gives a word limit for the SOP, up to 10% over the limit is fine. If a university has a 1-page limit for the SOP, please keep the SOP around 600 words (DO not increase margins, decrease fonts, and try to fit 1000+ words in a single page)

 

HOW TO STRUCTURE YOUR SOP

While most universities do not prescribe any predefined structure for the SOP, you may follow the following structure:

 1: INTRODUCTION (about 100-150 words)

The first paragraph of your SOP can be a brief introduction. In the introduction you may discuss your career goals, future aspirations, and/or research interests. You may talk about how these interests developed, and what skills & knowledge do you intend to acquire during your Masters to achieve your goals.

 NOTES:

NO Quotes Please – Avoid starting your SOP with random quotes or philosophical sayings (unless you can actually demonstrate how you have imbibed the philosophy in every aspect of your education/work)

 NO Generic Statements – Most Students make the classic mistake of writing several generic statements in the SOP. For examples, most Computer Science applicants talk of the advancements in the field of Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning over the past decade and the possibilities that it presents for the future. Environmental engineers write about the impact of the climate change and so on.

You need to understand that the SOP is not a magazine or newspaper article where you have a broad audience. The readers of your SOP are experts in the field. You don’t need to tell them about the wonders Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning or Bioengineering can do. They know it, and far better than you do. Rather you should talk about what have been your experiences in the domain and what aspects of the domain would you like to further develop your knowledge in.

 NO World Change please

Keep your career goals realistic. Don’t say that you want to pursue a Masters because your goal is to of save the world or bring about a global/national revolution by implementing advancement in a certain technology. Your career goals should be realistic. It could be as simple as detailing the kind of job/career opportunities you aspire for after completing your Masters. If possible, articulate your short term and long term career goals; short term being plans immediately after your Masters, and long term being about 5 years post Masters.

 

2. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND (2-3 paras of 100-150 words each)

Briefly describe the KEY projects and Internships that you worked on during your academic term. Do not focus a lot on the description of the project (try to summarize the overall concept in a sentence or two). Rather try to highlight some of these aspects of your projects:

  • What was the outcome of the project? Was it a success? What was the impact/success factor of the project? (If possible, quantify your impact)
  • What was your specific contribution to it (in case of a group project)?
  • What were the key challenges/hurdles you faced and how did you go about solving them?
  • Did you do something innovative in the project?
  • Did you adopt a novel approach?
  • Did you go beyond the scope of the project to improve its efficiency?
  • What was your learning by working on the project? What skills did you develop?

Be it a project or internship, try not just to write only about ‘What you did’, but rather try to highlight ‘How effective were you at doing it’.

NOTES

NO Subjects/Courses please – Do not list down courses/subjects that you have studied during your bachelors. Almost everybody who does a similar degree takes more or less the same courses, so no point in mentioning about them. Plus, your transcripts reflect the courses you have studied.

You can however, mention about a course you took, if you really went out of your way to take it, and do explain your rationale behind it.

Extracurricular involvements don’t matter in most cases – Extracurricular involvements, especially those that don’t directly relate to your field of study, don’t really matter. So don’t waste space writing about them. Your resume is a good place to mention them. If you however believe that your extracurricular activities are important and are relevant to the program that you are applying to, then you can write about them. But don’t just mention the activities. Also mention the skills and traits you developed by participating in them and how they would help you during your Master’s program.

Not every project, paper, activity etc needs a mention – Mention only relevant stuff in your SOP. Do not mention everything that you have done as a student.

 

 3. WORK EXPERIENCE (1 -3 paras of 100-150 words each) – If applicable

If you have relevant work experience, then write a para or two about it. Again, do not mention a lot of what you do/did or get into details of your day-to-day activities at work. Also avoid using jargons and terms that someone outside of your company/industry may not understand. Instead, highlight on these aspects about your work

  • What was/has been your contribution at work?
  • What were the challenges/hurdles you faced and how did you overcome them?
  • Did you do something innovative at work?
  • How did your contribution add value to your organisation? Quantify it.
  • Did you adopt a novel approach at solving a problem?
  • Did you bring about any improvements in processes?
  • Did you go beyond the scope of your assigned work and if yes what was the impact?
  • What was your learning at work? What skills did you develop?

 NOTES

If it’s not relevant, don’t talk about it-  If your work experience is not relevant to the field you want to pursue your Masters in, then do not write a lot about it. A short para (or even 2-3 lines) describing your work experience and the skills that you developed, by virtue of your job, is good.

 

4. WHY MASTERS (and WHY NOW?) (1-2 paras of 100-150 words each)

Mention the reasons you wish to pursue the proposed Masters, what topics, courses would you like to study during your masters, what skills would you like to acquire, and how and why are they relevant to your future aspirations. If you are applying for a research-based program, you could also talk of the kind of research you wish to pursue during your Masters. For students who are applying after gaining some work experience, if possible, also highlight why you believe this this it the right time for you to pursue a Masters.

 

5: WHY THIS UNIVERSITY (1 paras of 100-150 words)

In this para write about your reasons for applying to that particular university. You could highlight some of the courses that interest you, some research labs/projects that you would like to be part of, some professors whose work you like, and so on. If you are applying for a professional/non-research programs, you could talk about the industry/capstone projects, internships, and other initiatives that the program offers.

PS: If you do not have a lot to write about ‘why this university’, you may club this para with the earlier para on WHY Masters.

 

OTHER POINTS TO CONSIDER

1: The SOP is NOT your life story

Remember that the SOP is not your life story. AVOID talking about your childhood, family background, or giving explanations on how and why you chose your undergraduate field of study. No one is interested in knowing it, and it doesn’t really matter. For instance, if you have completed your degree in Mechanical Engineering, it really doesn’t matter why you chose this field. What matters to the admissions committee is how good are you at it now, and what knowledge have you garnered over the years.

 2: NOT every project, activity, work detail goes in the SOP

The SOP should ONLY focus ONLY on the relevant and important educational and work details that you believe have prepared you for graduate studies. Do not mention every project/experience that you have in the SOP. All those can be in your resume.

3: The SOP need not be in chronological order

The contents of the SOP may or may not be written in a chronological order. Based on your profile, you could write details in chronological order or you could mention events in your SOP in the order of importance – talking about your most important projects/assignments first and then going on to the lesser important but still relevant ones. The choice is yours.

Additional reading material on SOPs

Here are some links you may refer to

https://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/apply/statement-purpose/

https://gradschool.cornell.edu/diversity-inclusion/recruitment-2/prospective-students/writing-your-statement-of-purpose/

https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/how-to-write-a-statement-of-purpose/

https://ed.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/statement-of-purpose_revised_4.pdf

Click Here to download Sample SOPs

Which country to choose from ?

Which country to choose from ?

by | Apr 19, 2021 | Masters Abroad, Study Abroad

Which country to choose from ?

“Which is the best country to pursue my higher education?” – Students often ask us this question and honestly there is no one answer that fits every student. Every country has its own advantages, and the decision on which country to opt for depends on several factors such as the student’s past academic profile, domain of interest, future goals, budgets and a few other factors. Here are some of the Pros of some of the countries/regions. 

USA

USA has always been the number one destination among students for higher studies abroad. Its high quality of academic standards, flexible yet exhaustive curriculum, and multicultural environment that US universities offer, make it a preferred destination for many. Over the years USA has emerged as the number one destination for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and MBA programs.

Advantages of studying in USA

  • High quality education
  • Wide range of courses and universities to choose from
  • Funding and scholarships offered by many Universities
  • Post Study Work Permit known as the OPT (Optional Practical Training) for 1 year which can be extended to 3 years for STEM degree holders
  • Ample job opportunities for STEM degree holders and high pay scales thereby providing good Return on Investment (ROI)
  • Students can work on campus while studying for 20 hours a week

 

UK

UK is a world leader in many areas of education including computing, engineering, science, business, law, art and design. The shorter duration of programs, high living standards, multicultural exposure, affordable and quality education, and student friendly post study working options, make UK a sought after choice among Indian students.

 Advantages of studying in UK

  • Most universities in the UK accept 3 year Bachelors degree from India for their Masters programs.
  • Most Masters programs are 1 year in duration
  • Relatively low cost of education.
  • Students can work 20 hours a week while studying
  • UK post-study work visa allows international students to stay back and work in the UK for a period of 2 years after completing their education.
  • Easy to apply for work visa on completion of the post study work period.
  • Ample job opportunities in the IT, technology, business, design, and legal sectors.

 

Europe

When it comes to higher education, there are thousands of options in Europe. The most popular countries in Europe, that Indian students prefer are France, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Finland, and a few others. Europe provides a culturally diverse learning experience like none other.

 Advantages of studying in Europe

  • Most universities in the Europe, accept 3 year Bachelors degree from India for their Masters programs.
  • Wide range of options for Masters programs ranging from 1 year, 1.5 year, to 2 year duration
  • Relatively low cost of education.
  • Students can work 20-25 hours a week while studying
  • Countries in Europe offer post-study work visa that allows international students to stay back and work in the Europe for a period of 1.5 to 2  years after completing their education.
  • Easy to apply for work visa on completion of the post study work period.
  • Easy to relocate to any European country after completion of the degree
  • Ample job opportunities in the IT, technology, business, design, fashion, and hospitality sectors.

Australia

Australia offers high quality education that promotes innovation, creativity, and independent thinking. Indian students who study and live in Australia soon find that their education is intellectually stimulating, fun, and rewarding. Australia as such is a very student friendly nation and encourages foreign students to live and seek career opportunities in the country.

Advantages of studying in Australia

  • High quality education
  • Most universities in Australia accept 3 year Bachelors degree from India for their Masters programs.
  • Wide range of courses and universities to choose from
  • Foreign students in Australia are allowed to work up to 40 hours a fortnight during the university semester study periods and full-time during holiday periods
  • 2 years post study work visa for after completing a Bachelors and Masters degrees, 3 years for Masters by Research and 4 years for PhD graduates
  • Additional 1 to 2 years of post study work visa for students graduating from regional campuses
  • Ample job opportunities in the IT, technology, business, retail, science and design sectors

Canada

Canada is a popular option among students seeking quality yet affordable education. Canada is one of the countries that offers a direct path to Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship, making it a very lucrative option to study in Canada. The standards of education in Canada are uniformly high. There are a variety of higher institutions in Canada, which include colleges, universities offering several options for students.

 Advantages of studying in Canada

  • Canada offers Bachelors, Masters as well as Certificate, Diploma, Post Graduate diploma programs all of which come with the option to stay back and work in Canada.
  • Colleges accept 3 year Bachelors degree from India for their Post Graduate programs.
  • Low cost of education.
  • Students can work 20 hours a week while studying
  • Co-Op options available
  • Students can get up to 3 years of Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allowing students to work up to 3 years in Canada after graduation.
  • Option to apply and obtain Permanent Residency (PR) during the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
  • Ample job opportunities in the IT, technology, business, design, animation, and hospitality sectors.

 

Ireland

Ireland, also popularly known as Europe’s most entrepreneurial nation, is a beautiful island country, with exceptional job opportunities especially in the technology and business sector. Ireland is home to some of world’s top technology companies. With world class universities, internationally recognized qualifications and extensive choice of courses, education in Ireland is value for money due to shorter and more intensive courses.

Advantages of studying in Ireland

  • Most Masters programs in Ireland are 1 year in duration
  • Low cost of education.
  • Students can work 20 hours a week while studying
  • Ireland post-study work visa allows international students to stay back and work in Ireland for a period of 2 years after completing their education.
  • Easy to apply and obtain Permanent Residency (PR) in Ireland.
  • Ample job opportunities in the IT, technology, business, science and design sectors.

NZ

New Zealand, thanks to its foreign student friendly policies, is emerging as an attractive destination for Indian students over the past few years. From high quality education to unbeatable lifestyle, this is a wonderful place to learn and live. A relatively small country, New Zealand has 8 universities, 16 Institutes of Technology & Polytechnics, and a number of private institutions, all known for world class education.

Advantages of studying in NZ

  • High quality education
  • Most universities in the NZ accept 3 year Bachelors degree from India for their Masters programs.
  • Wide range of courses to choose from
  • Foreign students in NZ are allowed to work up to 40 hours a fortnight during the university semester study periods and full-time during holiday periods
  • Masters students get a 3 year post-study open work visa that allows them to work and stay in NZ after completion of their degree.
  • Ample job opportunities in the IT, technology, banking, business, retail, science, animation, and agricultural sectors

Transfer universities after a semester or year – (Tips to get into top universities) – :)

Transfer universities after a semester or year – (Tips to get into top universities) – :)

by | Feb 17, 2021 | Masters Abroad, MS in Canada, MS in USA, Study Abroad

Arjun had a high GRE score but a poor GPA. He had some good research background too. Most top schools he applied to rejected his application. One of the profs at CMU whom he contacted said that if he could improve his GPA, they could consider giving him an admit the following semester. So Arjun joined a low ranked university in the USA for his Mechanical engineering program.  For a year he worked hard., managed to get a 4.0 GPA and that helped him transfer to CMU a year later. While CMU did give him credit for some courses he had taken at the other university, it still did take him a semester longer than his counterparts to complete his MS. But with a degree from CMU, it’s worth the time.

While everyone wants to get into a top university, always have your plan B ready. Apply to top universities, but also apply to a couple of programs where you have a high chance to get in. If your think “I would rather study at a top university or not study at all”, that at times is not the best decisions in life. It’s always best to pursue your higher education even if it’s not at your most preferred university. There are options of transferring to a better university after a semester or a year that can be explored.        

Tapping into your personal network – (Tips to get into top universities) – :)

Tapping into your personal network – (Tips to get into top universities) – :)

by | Feb 15, 2021 | Masters Abroad, MS in Canada, MS in USA, Study Abroad

When Nikhil decided to apply for his Masters, he knew his GPA was not that strong, although he had done some great projects during his bachelors. Fortunately, for him, his brother was an recent graduate at UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles), and that too from the same department Nikhil planned to apply to. His brother spoke to one of his professors at UCLA and explained Nikhil’s case. The professor agreed to speak to Nikhil over a video call, that although started off as a general conversation, ended up in an hour long interview which ended with a note from the professor saying “Nikhil, I strongly encourage you to apply to our program.” Nikhil put in his best application, and few months later was on a flight to LA.

Like Nikhil, there are several examples where informal referrals by a family member have helped students get admission.  Tap into your network, be it friends or family. If you have a friend or family member who is studying or an alumni of the program you are applying to, ask them to refer you to the program.

Contacting Faculty – does it work and how? (Tips to get into a top university) – :)

Contacting Faculty – does it work and how? (Tips to get into a top university) – :)

by | Feb 14, 2021 | Masters Abroad, MS in Canada, MS in USA, Study Abroad

Kunal graduated from a college in Mumbai with a average GPA and had an average GRE. Here is his story of how he managed to secure admits from Georgia Tech for the MS in Electrical Engineering program.

During his undergrad, Kunal worked extensively on research on ‘Antenna Designs’ . When it came to applying this is what he did:

  • Researched universities which had research groups relevant to his research interest
  • Made a list of professors with info about their ongoing research projects
  • Sent an email explaining his interest, background and how he could contribute to their ongoing research work. This helped him start a conversation with those professors.
  • He then requested those who replied for phone/video call. Some of the professors agreed to have a discussion with him where they spoke about their research and also tried to understand his background and research.
  • Mentioning all this in the SOP of the university and keeping the professors updated about his application status helped him secure some top admits.
  • He eventually went to Georgia Tech where he also managed to get a Research Assistantship with the same professor who had interviewed him

Kunal is not an isolated cases. Contacting faculties at your target universities works provided you have some research experience to discuss with them.

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