Insights from Asia-Pacific Graduates on UK Education and Career Development
Our study explored the experiences of Thai graduates who pursued higher education in the UK, examining how they perceive its impact on their career development. While the study focused on Thai graduates, the findings provide valuable insights relevant to many international students from the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
Career Expectations vs. Reality
A major theme that emerged from the study was the gap between career expectations and the realities of returning home. While most graduates acknowledged that their UK education and qualifications positively influenced their career development, some faced challenges upon returning to their home country.
For instance, underemployment was a common issue, with some graduates struggling to find roles that matched their qualifications due to factors such as limited industry opportunities, university prestige bias, a lack of work experience, and an oversaturation of certain degrees. Similar trends have been observed across APAC countries, where international graduates often encounter structural barriers when reintegrating into their home job markets.
Recommendations:
Greater investment in career guidance for students from an earlier stage.
More awareness of labour market requirements and emerging industries.
Encouraging students to gain work experience through internships and voluntary work.
Coaching graduates on effective CV writing and how to articulate the value of their international education in job interviews.
The Value of Practical Learning
Participants highlighted the benefits of UK education’s emphasis on experiential learning, critical thinking, independent study, and problem-solving. These skills are increasingly important in a competitive global job market. Social Cognitive Career Theory (Brown & Lent, 2004) supports this, suggesting that exposure to diverse learning experiences enhances self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and goal setting.
However, some graduates found it challenging to apply these skills in their home country’s workplace due to organisational structures and cultural norms. In certain APAC job markets, hierarchical workplaces and traditional approaches may limit the immediate implementation of new ideas. Graduates expecting senior roles upon return may also hesitate to start with entry-level positions, despite the value of gaining hands-on experience.
Many participants also struggled to find work experience while studying in the UK, often due to a lack of awareness among employers about the benefits of hiring international students (AGCAS, 2024a). The short duration of postgraduate study, combined with a focus on travel and social activities, also contributed to fewer students actively seeking work experience.
Recommendations:
Incorporating more student-centered and experiential teaching approaches in APAC education systems.
Informing students about employer expectations in their home countries to encourage them to pursue part-time work or post-study work visas.
Providing leadership training to help graduates implement their ideas effectively in the workplace.
Cultural Barriers to Career Integration
Most graduates reintegrated into their home country without major issues, thanks to the prestige of a UK degree, improved English proficiency, and expanded networks. This aligns with Planned Happenstance Theory (Krumboltz & Levin, 2004), which highlights the importance of networking, taking risks, and embracing new opportunities for professional development.
However, some graduates, particularly those in fast-changing industries like marketing, felt that time spent studying abroad led to disengagement from local industry developments. Additionally, advancements in technology, such as AI, meant that some graduates found their degree content less relevant upon returning home.
Recommendations:
Teaching students about "Growth Mindset" (Dweck, 2017) and the value of continuous professional development.
Encouraging awareness of labour market trends, including the increasing demand for skilled workers in AI, automation, and emerging industries.
The Role of University Career Services
A recurring challenge was the perceived lack of specialized career support tailored to international students at UK universities. Many participants were unaware of available career services, and those who did access them found the guidance too general, without specific insights into their home job market.
This issue is not unique to Thai students; limited awareness of career education has been noted across several APAC countries (OECD, 2021). Universities could enhance career support by better promoting services and offering more tailored advice for international students, aligning with recommendations from HEPI (Hillman & Cowan, 2021) and UUKi (2020). Expanding pre-sessional career support could also improve awareness of the importance of engaging with career services early on.
Recommendations:
Encouraging students to join university alumni groups for mentorship from graduates who have successfully transitioned back to their home countries.
Universities improving the promotion of their career services and tailoring support for international learners.
Enhancing pre-sessional programs to raise awareness of career services and the benefits of early career planning.
Summary of Findings
The study highlighted key themes related to the lived experiences of international graduates returning to their home countries. While participants valued their UK education—particularly its focus on experiential learning and soft skill development—they still faced challenges such as mismatched career expectations, workplace integration issues, and limited access to career guidance.
These findings emphasise the need for more comprehensive career and employability support before, during, and after study. Workshops on graduate visas, gaining work experience, fostering a "Growth Mindset," and maximising university career services would help international students better navigate their home job markets and effectively communicate the value of their overseas education to employers.
By addressing these challenges, universities, policymakers, and employers can work together to improve the career prospects of international graduates across the Asia-Pacific region.