I studied MSc Management (Finance) and graduated in January 2025.
I chose Durham University because I had planned to work in the UK after graduation, and Durham has a strong reputation in the UK job market. The university also has close connections with top employers, which was an important factor for me.
Another reason is its collegiate system, which really appealed to me. It allowed me to meet people from diverse backgrounds beyond just my classmates. Many of them became good friends, and even after graduation, they’ve supported me while I was job hunting across the UK.
Lastly, I found Durham to be a beautiful, peaceful, and friendly place. It’s an ideal environment to focus on studying and to immerse myself in British culture.
I am currently working in a cross-border retail and e-commerce industry as a merchandising intern focusing on FMCG category.
I found this job through LinkedIn. The recruitment process included three rounds of interviews: an initial HR interview, a line manager interview, and a final group interview.
The whole process went smoothly, but it was quite intense and competitive. The interviewers asked in-depth questions about my past experiences, explored how my background aligned with the job description, and assessed my passion for the role. They also tested how much I knew about the company and the position I applied for.
Durham University supported me in many ways as I prepared for the UK job market. I attended several employer events where I had valuable conversations with recruiters. These experiences gave me deeper insights into the expectations of the UK job market and helped me identify the gaps I needed to work on to become a stronger candidate.
I also took part in a group discussion mock session, where I learned how to present myself effectively in a group setting, how to demonstrate professionalism in a UK context, such as actively participating in the discussion, showing respect, and considering others’ viewpoints.
After graduation, I continued to stay in touch with the career centre team. I regularly updated them on my progress and received helpful guidance and advice. They were always friendly, supportive, and professional.
Yes, definitely. I consider myself a proactive person, so I often seek help and advice from others when needed. During my job search, two people in particular made a big difference.
I had several video chats with Jen Zhen, the Business Relations Manager at Durham University. She gave me a lot of helpful suggestions and strategies that helped me clarify my thoughts and stay on track in my job applications.
My friend Sophia, who studied the same subject as me and lived in the same college, also played a key role. I got my first job in the UK through her referral, which gave me a great opportunity to learn and adapt to the UK working culture. After I started my current job, I had another chat with her about how to stand out and work toward a return offer. She shared practical advice, such as being caring and helpful in a team, taking initiative without overpromising, and being smart about how to solve problems.
I truly believe that the teachers and friends I met at Durham are among the most valuable things in my life. They’ve always been there to support me whenever I needed help.
After deciding to pursue a career in the UK, I applied for the Graduate Visa to gain two additional years to work and explore opportunities here. It has provided me with valuable time to figure out what kind of work I enjoy and where my strengths lie.
One of the biggest advantages is that it removes the immediate pressure of meeting the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold, which gives me more flexibility to try different roles, gain experience, and build a clearer career path.
The application process for the Graduate Visa was quite smooth. I followed the online guidance, and I received my visa in a few weeks.
Since then, I’ve applied to over a hundred jobs, including graduate schemes and entry-level roles. I used the Graduate Visa to start my first full-time job in the UK, and I’m currently working as an intern under this visa.
It’s been a valuable opportunity because it allows me to work without sponsorship, which gives me the flexibility to gain UK work experience and explore different career options.
I would say it’s a great opportunity to work in the UK and broaden your career options. My advice is to be proactive in building your network—talk to people, learn about different industries, and understand what the real working environment is like.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to university staff and friends for guidance; they can offer valuable support.
Most importantly, stay resilient and keep moving forward. Celebrate every small step of progress, stay positive, and be proud of yourself—you’re already doing something really brave and impressive.
Yes, I would definitely recommend both Durham and the Graduate Visa route to other international students.
Durham offers a strong academic environment, close employer connections, and great support through its careers service. The collegiate system also helped me build friendships and a valuable network across the UK.
The Graduate Visa, on the other hand, gives you two extra years to stay, work, and explore different opportunities without the immediate need for sponsorship. This flexibility is especially helpful when you're still figuring out your career direction.
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/campaign-sites/employability/2023-Orbit-SME-presentation---88345.jpg)