In a bid to ensure better opportunities for international students and maintain the UKs global competitiveness as a study abroad destination, a report has suggested prioritising the employability ambitions and opportunities for international students.
According to the UPP Foundation report, part of its Student Futures Commission, suggested a national campaign supporting the employment ambitions of international students.
Calling for collaboration on intelligence regarding graduate opportunities students returning home and developing better links with foreign employers, the report also contends the importance of ensuring the UK employers understand the new rules and opportunities under the new Graduate Route in the UK.
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Mary Stuart CBE, UPP Foundation Student Futures Commissioner and the former University of Lincoln Vice-Chancellor commented that while international students contribute significantly to the UK teaching, research and facilities, the same is not reflected in the provision of adequate numbers of dedicated staff to provide careers and progression guidance tailored to the culture and context of students themselves.
Calling for the UK to take lead, she also added that the students have been straightforward about their ambitions of receiving good employment opportunities upon graduation.
To ensure better opportunities and guidance for international students, the report suggested dedicated international placement officers to help facilitate new and existing opportunities with local and national companies for international students, increasing support for graduates looking for employment back home and the extension of a dedication employability support system for early-career international graduates.
Furthermore, in accordance with the UK International Education Strategy, the UK should work towards developing a coordinated approach to regional trade support along with a proactive and sector-specific campaign addressing UK employers.
Highlighting the success of the Sheffield China Gateway Scheme, where the UK businesses received excellent opportunities facilitating access to talent, while also facilitating Chinese-national students to receive knowledge on UK businesses, expand their UK network for their future careers while also enhancing their employability, the report also suggested rolling out similar initiatives.
The UPP report continued to offer several suggestions on how the UK government along with several business-led organisations and universities can work towards enhancing the overall graduate employment opportunities of international students.
Stuart also pointed out that the recommendations would mean redirecting the resources to ensure UKs international student market share expands, by investing in the whole experience to ensure good graduate outcomes for international students.
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Participating in focus groups for the commission, 60 international students from seven different universities highlighted the need for more career and employability support both during their studies and upon graduation.
Ruth Arnold, Senior Advisor and Commission to Study Group stated that the employment ambitions of the international students through the different stages of student life should be the top priority for the UK to remain a competitive study destination.
She further pressed on the students eagerness in understanding their career opportunities, either in the UK or back home is emphasised through the Student Futures Commission work.
Source: The Pie News
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