Tips for Job Hunting After Studying Abroad

Most of the Indian students who are studying abroad face a common challenge, which is how to get a job placement after their studies. Starting the preparation for it is a smart decision. A strong professional profile, relevant skills, and an understanding of international job markets are key factors. With these strategies with persistence and adaptability, Indian students can successfully navigate the global job market.

Over the past decade, we have seen a huge upsurge in the number of Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. There are many reasons for this rise, but the major reason is the scarcity of quality educational institutions back home. The rise of income within the middle class has meant that above-average students, unable to get into the top colleges in India; are scouting for education abroad. Most of these students end up attracting higher scholarships owing to their profiles. This phenomenon has made Indian students much more ambitious and keen to prove their worth on a global stage.

However, when comparing the college systems in India and abroad, the biggest differentiating factor lies in the fact that colleges abroad consider students mature from an early stage whereas Indian universities are expected to handhold their students up to the point of job placements. Thus, unlike in India, universities abroad are not directly responsible for ascertaining the ‘placements’ of their students. The recent geopolitical situations seem to have turned the tide on the expanse of ‘Globalisation’ and put the focus back onto industry hiring. This article will discuss the preparations that an Indian student can undergo to find jobs whether abroad or returning home.

Tips for Job Hunting After Studying Abroad

Here are some tips for Indian students to get a job after completing higher studies in abroad:

Profile Presentation

It is wrong to judge a book by its cover. Not unless you are a graduate recruiter who receives hundreds of job applications on a daily basis. Students seeking interviews should ensure their curriculum vitae and related documents present adequate and appropriate information on their relevant achievements ‘till date’. Having overcome the initial challenges of creating a resume that covers every aspect of their lives, students have to be mindful of presenting only the relevant pointers for each job application they make.

Start Preparation Early

Getting it right with job applications in new geography takes time. A one-size-fits-all approach will get one’s application trashed at an early stage. One has to take the trial and error route. There is an enormous amount of self-learning from one’s applications. Starting early will give students the time required to know better the industry/company and above all, themselves… This, in turn, will help you ace the next point i.e. ‘Networking’.

Check out various aspects of the application process:

• How to Apply to Universities Abroad: Complete Series
• Can students apply to study abroad on their own?

Networking is Key

Avoiding networking events should never be an option for a job seeker. How else would anybody get to know them in real life? Not only does one get a chance to meet the right people at such events, but also helps to develop the confidence required to ‘pitch’ their profiles. Consider such events as a pre-interview, which could lead to future discussions on their applications. Always remember, Networking events are more about creating interest in one’s profile rather than seeking jobs. And, as was evident from Sheldon Cooper’s Friendship Algorithm; finding the ‘Least Objectionable Activity’ could be a good point to start.

Be Curious and Gain Knowledge of Your Field

While, one should have in-depth knowledge in the field of their studies; they should also be up to date with the latest happenings in the field of their interests – educational and extracurricular. The biggest turn-off for an interviewer is when the individual ‘presented’ in the job application is different from the one being ‘interviewed’. This realisation will contradict many skills/adjectives within one’s application file. Job Applicants must ensure the expertise of the subject matter and try not to exaggerate one’s reach.

College Training Programme

Career Centre Department in colleges is responsible for helping students in their job search. Most of these colleges organise training programmes, which equip students with the skills required to be interview ready. As this is not technical learning, it is up to the students to generate interest and gain as much learning as possible. As part of such programmes, the college could organize industry-interactions, networking events, case study presentations, job fairs etc. I have always requested students to follow these programs vigorously as they teach essential traits of becoming self-aware; traits that are in high-demand even among mid-management roles in companies.

You may also want to learn about:

• Planning your Study Abroad Application Process
• Common Mistakes To Avoid During the Application Process

Alumni Network

One of the main reasons a student joins a specific college is because of the rich alumni network it boasts. Alumni are the best mentors one can have. In fact, some colleges strive to increase the interactions between their students and alumni. Use LinkedIn to search (not stalk) alumni in companies of one’s interests. Students searching for opportunities within specific companies should always tap the alumni network. There is a good chance that one of their alumni is working within the firm. Alumni is quite helpful, have undergone the challenges of job-hunt and can provide vital titbits related to improving one’s profile. Importantly, recruiters feel comfortable recruiting from a specific institution if they have already employed some Alumni from the institution.

Of course, this is not a complete list. A job search requires patience and the willingness to not only learn about oneself but also about the company/industry of one’s choice. It is a step-up process and those who persevere to learn every day are sure to find their dream job. Good luck!

Disclaimer: The article has been written by Nilesh Gaikwad, Country Manager, EDHEC Business School and published by the in-house team.