International students studying in the UK are being encouraged to sharpen their skills, build their personal brand, and ask the tough questions that can help them stand out in an ever more competitive job market.
Last month, over 600 international students from across the UK gathered at Queen Mary University of London for the second edition of Leverage’s Careers Day. This event connected students with top employers and industry leaders, offering valuable networking opportunities, career guidance, and a chance to explore different career paths.
The number of international students enrolled in UK universities reached a record 758,855 in the 2022/23 academic year a 12% increase from the previous year. However, rising uncertainty among employers, growing anxiety among graduates, and the rise of job scams targeting international students have made career decisions more challenging.
Leverage, the education platform behind the event, highlighted that students are increasingly exploring roles in marketing, finance, IT, and consulting. “We saw a wide range of interests, with data science and AI clearly leading the way,” said Akshay Chaturvedi, Leverage’s founder and CEO. “Many students showed particular enthusiasm for AI-related roles in marketing, creative industries, finance, and healthcare.”
Digital marketing and content strategy also attracted strong interest, reflecting the booming digital economy. Meanwhile, students showed curiosity in niche areas like biotechnology, luxury management, automobile design, and culinary arts.
For many international students, landing a successful career in the UK is seen as the ultimate goal especially since a sponsored job often represents the payoff for their substantial investment in tuition and living expenses.
Yet, awareness of key work opportunities remains spotty. More than a quarter of UK employers are reportedly unaware of the Graduate Route visa, which currently allows international graduates to work for up to two years without sponsorship. This period is set to drop to 18 months from May 2025, with stricter rules tying jobs to specific skill levels.
“As employers look beyond textbook skills, they want forward-thinking talent who can drive innovation,” said Lee Wildman, Director of Global Engagement at Queen Mary University of London. During a panel discussion, he emphasized the importance of selling not just what you know, but how you think. “What ideas do you have to take an organization to the next level? Be ready to tell that story.”
Adaptability was another key message. Jennifer Ogunleye, B2B Communications Lead at Google, urged students to focus on their personal brand not just their job titles or academic achievements. “There’s no longer a straightforward path into tech or any industry,” she said. “Even highly sought-after roles require pivoting. Your personal brand what you’re truly passionate about is what sets you apart from AI, competition, and constant change.”
The event also featured major organizations including Publicis Groupe, Reed Recruitment, Hyatt Place, Ribbon Global, and GoBritanya. These groups provided insights into career opportunities across sectors like creative industries, corporate roles, hospitality, and FinTech. The Westminster and Holborn Law Society offered guidance to students aiming for careers in law, both in the UK and internationally.
Chaturvedi noted a significant shift in student priorities: “Today’s students aren’t just looking for any job they want careers with international mobility, cross-border experience, and long-term growth. This marks a big change from a few years ago when job stability was the main focus. Now, they want to thrive in fast-changing industries shaped by technology, globalization, and new market demands.”
With the UK job market evolving quickly, international students are being reminded that updating their skills, building a strong personal brand, and thinking creatively about their future career paths are more important than ever.
