10 November 2008

Sheffield hosts UK’s First Virtual International Careers Fair

The UK’s first Virtual International Careers Fair was organised jointly by the careers services at the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University.

International students who are looking for graduate jobs, internships, work placements and/or vacation work in the UK, their home country and/or another country had the chance to meet international graduate recruiters online over 5 days from Monday 10th to Friday 14th November 2008.

During the week of the Fair the Careers Service offered additional support to help participants make the most of this innovative event. Appropriate library materials were displayed and computer terminals made available to access the Fair web pages. Careers Service staff were also available to offer advice and assistance.

This careers fair is just one of many initiatives which the University of Sheffield is involved in to help its international students and graduates with finding jobs both during their time studying here and also after they graduate.

On Wednesday 12th November, a panel of international students, who have wide experience of working in Sheffield and other locations in the UK, talked about the reality of finding work and working in the UK. This was an opportunity to find out how other international students have found work, got a national insurance number and discuss any concerns about starting a new job.

On Thursday 13th November, Jobcentre Plus visited the University of Sheffield Careers Service to meet with students wanting to apply for a National Insurance Number.

Every Wednesday afternoon, the Student Jobshop in the Students Union holds drop-in sessions for international students to offer help and advice when looking for part time jobs and other work experience. Staff are able to show students how to use the online vacancy system; look at specific vacancies of interest; explain the different methods of applying for jobs; or help with any other query.

Earlier in the month, on Thursday 6 November, a representative from PricewaterhouseCoopers ran a session in Mandarin for all Chinese students who are interested in working in a professional services company. The session focussed on interview technique and hints and tips on how to fill out application forms, including an opportunity to ask questions.

The Student Union's Student Advice Centre organised a specialist seminar later on the same day in the Union Auditorium to explain the latest schemes for students to remain in the UK to work after their studies. The speakers were Nilay Shastry, a Business Immigration solicitor from Irwin Mitchell Solicitors and Jo Holliday, International Student Adviser from the Student Advice Centre. The talk covered both the new Tier 1 General (Highly Skilled) and Post Study Work categories. Earlier that afternoon, students had the opportunity for a free 15 minute consultation with the business immigration solicitor, Nilay Shastry, about Highly Skilled migrant applications.

Apart from these information sessions, the Student Advice Centre offers group checking sessions to students who want to apply for permission to work under the Post Study Work Scheme.