My journey as an international student pursuing a master’s degree at The University of Manchester has been a remarkable experience, primarily owing to the invaluable support and guidance provided by the University’s Careers Service. It’s more than just securing ability and confidence, it’s a narrative of resilience, guidance, and unyielding pursuit of professional growth.

Stepping onto campus from a distant place, my aspirations were high but so were the uncertainties, especially about expecting to step into a competitive job market in a foreign country. It was during this time that I stumbled upon the Careers Service, a team with resources and a team of dedicated professionals ready to assist.

My initial interaction was tentative, but the warm reception and the eagerness of the staff to aid international students like me quickly dissolved my apprehensions. They steered me through the process of tailoring my CV to align with the UK job market’s preferences. Their insights were priceless, transforming my resume into a powerful document that succinctly showcased my skills and experiences.

Following the Get CV Ready Pathway on CareerConnect, I accessed videos and guides to tailor my CV for the UK job market, and the additional resources provided, like LinkedIn insights and CV templates, were extremely beneficial. After seven informative and helpful activities, I edited and uploaded my CV in order to use the CareerSet CV checker to get advice. Following

 the guidance and feedback, I modified it until I got a high mark, and then I was able to move on to the next step – booking appointments.

Booking appointment was simple through CareerConnect, where I received invaluable one-on-one guidance via Zoom. It helped me identify relevant skills for my desired roles, structure my CV logically, and make me feel more confident in my application writing skills.

Having my CV reviewed during the online appointment was reassuring and boosted my confidence. It provided me with so many precious insights and guidance, I’ll use this service again and recommend it to my peers. The guided learning journey through the CV pathway was enlightening, and I feel better equipped for future applications.

The turning point came when I secured my first interview. The nervousness was palpable, but the preparations instilled by CareerConnect amplified my confidence. Their 30-minute one-to-one Interview Simulation was instrumental in preparing me for the interview dynamics. During this session, we simulated an interview session, in which I answered several informative and typical quest

ions about experience, behaviour, aspirations and strengths. It is like refining a musical instrument before a performance, guiding me to know what essential abilities the employers expect me to have, and then letting me understand my strengths and areas for improvement.

Additionally, the Careers Desk drop-in sessions at University Place is a treasure trove of valuable interactions. Engaging with enthusiastic individuals during networking sessions not only provided pleasant experiences but also furnished me with useful information. Attending multiple company Campus events also offered profound insights into diverse corporate cultures, inspiring me and enriching my understanding of various workplaces.

Today, as I have achieved success in getting offers, and I am continuing on my career path and enhancing myself, I want to show my gratitude for the support of the Careers Service. Their guidance not only assisted me in getting knowledge of a foreign career market, securing a job and enriching my knowledge but also equipped me with the necessary tools to flourish in the ever-evolving professional landscape.

Written by Xinyue, current MSc Organisational Change and Development student at The University of Manchester

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