Your University Degree Isn’t Always Enough

The UK remains a top destination for international students due to its high-quality education and perceived graduate outcomes.

Many individuals in the Asia-Pacific region tell us that one of the main reasons for choosing the UK is the belief that having a UK university degree on their CV will enhance their job prospects when they return home.

However, data shows this isn’t always the case. Graduate underemployment in the region, particularly in countries like Thailand, is high. In places like India, underemployment often masks the true state of employment.

The idea that a UK degree automatically boosts job prospects is becoming outdated. Each year, more people obtain UK degrees, and employers increasingly look for something extra to differentiate candidates.

According to a 2024 report by Universities UK, employers now want to see more evidence of work experience, whether through internships, volunteering, or graduate programmes. Gaining work experience is essential for those hoping to secure good employment after returning home, and graduates need to recognise this. A degree alone, unless accompanied by strong connections, often isn’t enough in today’s job market.

We recently spoke to an employer at a law firm in Bangladesh who shared that he frequently receives applications from candidates with similar CVs—often boasting one or more UK law degrees.

He explained that in today’s globalised world, he looks for applicants with specialisms or cross-cultural experience. For example, someone with a law degree and a specialisation in Cyber Security would stand out far more than someone with a general law degree.

The job market is constantly evolving, with new roles emerging all the time. Ten to fifteen years ago, jobs like drone mechanics, Uber drivers, and AI engineers were not nearly as common as they are today. To thrive in the future workforce, graduates need to develop skills that apply across industries and complement their technical knowledge.

Employers place significant value on soft skills like problem-solving, emotional intelligence, communication, and self-management. Many of these skills are honed through work experience. Without it, candidates may struggle to navigate workplace dynamics, manage setbacks, or demonstrate resilience. Having work experience signals to employers that an individual has developed these sought-after skills.

UK universities recognise this and offer numerous opportunities for students to gain work experience, such as through internal job sites. However, as the saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” Despite the array of resources and career support available, international students may either be unaware of them or choose to focus on other priorities. This is understandable, given the short duration of many postgraduate programmes, but taking advantage of these opportunities can prove highly beneficial.

Being able to show employers that you balanced work and studies during your time in the UK demonstrates strong self-management skills, among others. Volunteering, short-term projects, and internships also help in this regard. Beyond enhancing your CV, these activities can lead to new connections, inspirations, and unexpected opportunities.