Being fresh out of university & searching for your first role in the big bad job market is challenging. Now, add in the complexity of having limited right to work and a passport without mobility? You have a recipe for disaster. We've been having this conversation with our migreats cohorts for the last few weeks. You do not need a LinkedIn post selling your soul to convince a company to sponsor you. You need to make yourself investable, not desperate. If you want to use LinkedIn to get attention, do it for the right reasons. Get people to listen, rather than react to your story. Big shout out to Mahpara Qadri - the epitome of what employers should look for in not only a great candidate, but a determined individual looking to redefine what it means to be an international student. In my opinion, you've already made it.
Before you read, be mindful that this is coming from an international student with high stakes, who hasn't really "made" it yet. 🌍 When I first set foot in the UK as an international student in 2021, I was confident with a history of academic and extracurricular achievement. But the reality of student life abroad quickly reshaped my expectations and experiences. Moving away from a familiar support system, my life became a balancing act of academics, part-time work, and personal responsibilities. This shift meant less time for extracurriculars and sometimes, even academics — a tough and maybe even silly trade-off. Fast forward to graduation—fortune smiled, and I landed a job three months before finishing my degree. The transition was exhilarating yet daunting. Despite working tirelessly to excel in my role (which achieved me many accolades and extremely significant skills), a constant cloud of anxiety hovered over me. Diagnosed with GAD and grappling with imposter syndrome, I doubted my worth and capabilities. 🔍 Recently, I've seen troubling trends where some advocate for international students to work on bank holidays, work six days a week without pay, or meet unrealistically high targets—just to prove their value. This needs to stop. Our journey, resilience, and potential already speak volumes about our worth. Here's what we, as international students, bring to the table: 1. Adaptability —We've made new countries our homes. 2. Hard work —We've balanced jobs, studies, and life, often under tough circumstances. 3. Innovation —We've tackled daily tasks with creativity and efficiency. 4. Loyalty —We value and strive to grow with great opportunities. 🚀 To my fellow international students and graduates: You are worth more than free labor and impossible standards. Don't undervalue your immense contributions or settle for less than you deserve. Don't romanticize and offer working in below par standards. We have adapted, we have persevered, and we continue to thrive. Let's push back against these unreasonable expectations and advocate for fair treatment and recognition of our true value. #InternationalStudents #FairWork #Empowerment #CareerJourney #ProfessionalGrowth