Describing the value of your UK-education to employers in Asia-Pacific.

As an international student, you may have chosen to study abroad for a variety of reasons—access to high-quality education, international experience, enhancing English language skills, and more.

Your UK degree and experience are undoubtedly valuable, and employers across Asia-Pacific generally appreciate candidates with international exposure. Graduating from abroad demonstrates resilience, open-mindedness, and a willingness to take risks. However, some sources suggest that when it comes to interviews in Asia, graduates often don’t emphasise the benefits of their international education enough. While a UK degree is impressive, employers want to know how you can contribute to their company.

Here are some ways you can highlight the value of your UK experience to employers:

1. “I completed assignments like projects and presentations in English.”

Proficiency in a foreign language is always valued by employers, and by studying in the UK, you’ve shown that you can complete complex tasks in English. Graduates with strong English skills are often favoured, as English is the global language of business. Your proficiency could position you to lead meetings with international partners and colleagues.

2. “I gained international perspectives and experience.”

In the UK, you learned from global experts in your field and collaborated with students from around the world. Intercultural communication is an essential skill for working in multinational companies.

If you also gained work experience in the UK, whether during or after your studies, you’ll stand out even more. Employers value candidates with real-world experience applying their knowledge. This doesn’t mean your work experience must directly align with your ideal profession. Even part-time jobs, like working in a café, can demonstrate how you develop business awareness and communication skills in a professional environment.

3. “I enhanced my soft skills and earned a prestigious degree.”

The subject knowledge you acquired in your degree program will show employers you have the expertise to succeed in your field. But don’t forget—you also likely developed soft skills, which are transferable across many industries. These include:

Problem-solving: What problems did you help solve during your studies?

Emotional intelligence: How did you collaborate with others on projects and assignments?

Self-management: How did you balance your academic workload and personal life to meet deadlines?

Resilience: What challenges did you face while studying and living in the UK, and how did you overcome them?

Adaptability: How have you changed your working style or behaviour to suit different work and projects?

Remember, studying abroad is a significant achievement, and you should be proud to share all the skills and experiences you gained. Reflect on how much you’ve grown since first arriving in the UK, and think about how you can communicate that personal and professional transformation to employers.