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Get the skills employers want

The UK - a place to think differently

Developing an ability to think for yourself is central to every UK degree. It’s why our country is a unique place to study, and why our graduates are sought after by employers and recruiters.

Throughout your course, you’ll be encouraged to recognise good ideas and to always question information and theories with an open mind. You’ll also learn to weigh different arguments against each other, and to use strong evidence when developing your own fresh perspectives, opinions and ideas.

You’ll fine-tune these critical thinking skills on your work placement, and this will help you to stand out with any potential recruiter. Because they’ll be impressed by your ability to ask the right questions in interviews, and the creative ways in which you can approach any professional challenge.

Student stories and adviceHow to develop your skills while studying

Explore new ideas

Jiabin, MA Children's Book Illustration, Anglia Ruskin University

'We are encouraged to experiment and innovate. This immersive learning experience is very special.’

Study art and design

Build your experience while you study

'Preparing for Work' educators

'You can transfer the skills that you develop [...] into your ideal opportunity.'

Find out more about our free 'Preparing for Work' course

Develop industry-standard skills

Yash, MSc Advanced Computer Science, University of Leeds

'The universities in the UK are making sure they update their modules, which gives the students the best employability chances.'

Study computer science

Make the most of your UK education

Study UK

Watch our video for tips on how to study more effectively to increase your productivity and reduce stress.

Support and guidance

Receive guidance at every step

Yunyan, PhD Social Policy, University of Bristol

'The career service that I’ve received in the UK is really helpful, it’s a bridge for us to link between what we learn in the degree to what we can apply in the global labour market.'

Find out more about university career services

A place to enhance your learning

A prestigious UK degree allows you to become the best possible version of yourself. And a UK work placement will help you to develop your abilities even further, giving you valuable professional experience and the essential, transferable skills, that employers look for.

These skills include:

Communication

You’ll learn how to ask the right questions, put forward good opinions and to interact well with colleagues in all kinds of professional situations. Building strong communication skills will also help to build your confidence when speaking, and to make a good impression at interviews.

Dependability

You’ll show employers that you’re trustworthy and dependable, able to take responsibility for your work, manage projects, meet deadlines and accomplish important tasks.

Teamwork

You’ll show that you can listen actively, and that you can support your colleagues in a personable and professional way. This is an essential skill within any company or organisation, and it’s something all employers look for.

Adaptability

You’ll show that you can learn new skills quickly, organise your time and be able to work towards key goals - even when a company’s teams, projects and priorities change. This flexible approach will impress employers and show your ability to work under pressure.

An ability to work with new technology

Every modern industry uses some form of technology - and by proving that you can adapt to new software, systems and modern ways of working, you’ll learn brand new skills while becoming a valued member of the team.

Skills like this are relevant across all professions and as part of your placement you’ll gain valuable experience that remains relevant, no matter what career you choose.

A place to stand out from your peers

Employers seek out UK graduates because:

  • they have developed an excellent command of English. graduates speak the international language of business
  • they are more aware of new research and current professional practices, thanks to the UK’s strong connections between education and industry
  • they have more cultural experience than students who stay in their home country, and can work better with colleagues from all over the world
  • they understand how modern business works, thanks to the skills they’ve learned during work placements
  • they can adapt more quickly to all kinds of professional cultures.

By studying in the UK you will develop all of these skills and more.

Not only will they allow you to grow as a person, they will enable you to become the best possible candidate for employment and help you to make great progress in your chosen career.

More in this section

Help with every step of your career

Get advice and guidance from your university careers service.

What are work placements?

Undertaking a work placement as part of your degree help you to build academic expertise and gain real-world experience.

What is volunteering?

Volunteering is a great way to build experience and impress potential employers, while doing something really rewarding.

What are internships?

If you’re looking for experience of a specific career or industry, then an internship can be your perfect way to get ahead.

See also

From student to Professor: Why a UK education will give you the best possible start

Natalia Kucirkova shares how her UK experience gave her the best possible foundation to build a career.

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