INTO University Partnerships has introduced a new online program called Get Work Ready, designed to help international students studying in the UK develop vital employability skills alongside their academic studies, supporting their future career aspirations.
For many international students, employability is a key factor when choosing to study in the UK. According to INTO’s 2024 Global Agent Survey, 87% of the 1,240 recruitment partners surveyed highlighted career opportunities as a critical consideration for students planning to study abroad.
David Rafferty, Director of Technology Enhanced Learning at INTO University Partnerships, said: “At INTO University Partnerships, we recognise the challenges international students face in a new academic and professional environment. Our Get Work Ready program is designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in their future careers.”
The Get Work Ready program is a flexible, self-paced online learning platform that provides students with tools and strategies to better understand the UK job market, workplace culture, and how to apply their skills to succeed in future careers.
David Rafferty added: “Studying and planning to start a career in a new country can be daunting. With Get Work Ready, we aim to demystify the UK employment landscape and give our students the confidence and skills they need to excel.
“This program reflects our commitment to student success, both academically and professionally, by offering practical, accessible, and relevant resources.”
All students enrolled at one of INTO’s nine UK-based pathway Centres will have access to the program, providing them with an extra layer of support in transitioning from education to the world of work.
The program is organised into five key modules that can be completed in any sequence. Centres may choose to incorporate the program into the curriculum or allow students to complete the modules at their own pace throughout the academic year.
The five units include:
1. Skills for the Workplace
This unit helps students to explore the key transferable skills that employers seek in new hires, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. It provides a helpful starting point for students to consider their existing skills, including strengths and weaknesses, and how to apply these in a professional environment.
2. INTO Your Future
This unit helps students understand the UK graduate employment market, identify their own career goals and how to identify opportunities to build skills and engage in activities that align with this.
3. Brand You
Here, students learn how to stand out in the competitive job market by identifying and articulating their unique skills and attributes such as on their CV, covering letters, and LinkedIn profile.
4. INTO Your Career
This unit is focused on specific elements of the job application process and offers practical guidance on CV writing, interview techniques, how and where to search for appropriate roles, and crafting a world-class elevator pitch.
5. Preparation for Placement
This optional module provides guidance for students with plans to undertake an internship or work placement. Topics include tips on adjusting to a corporate environment, communicating effectively with colleagues, and how to make a lasting impression.
Designed to be flexible and engaging, the program’s content is delivered through short videos, interactive activities, and quizzes, ensuring an engaging learning experience that students can complete at their own pace.
Poh Leng, Academic Director at INTO City, University of London, said: We are excited to empower students to enhance their professional skill set with the innovative ‘Get Work Ready’ program. Its flexible nature allows the content to be tailored to meet the evolving needs of students, and equip them with essential employability skills as they progress throughout their studies and beyond.”
The program is progressively rolled out to students, with the first unit being rolled out in December 2023. The program will be rolled out across all UK Centres in the 2024-25 academic year, ensuring that all students have access to the full range of resources as they advance in their studies.
To further meet the growing demand for long-term employability support for international students, INTO has also recently introduced its innovative Return & Connect initiative for students planning to return to their home countries after graduating. Return & Connect supports international students secure employment by connecting them with employer and alumni networks, both virtually and in person, providing valuable in-market work experience and networking opportunities during and after completing their studies abroad.
INTO University Partnerships connects talented international students with leading universities in the US, UK, and Australia. Since its inception in 2005, INTO has helped over 150,000 students from more than 180 countries achieve their dream of obtaining a degree from a world-class institution.
