How to Find Jobs to Support Yourself as an International Student in 2023?

Studying abroad can be expensive, but working while you study can help you balance your day-to-day expenses. All you need is a little planning and the right way to approach your potential employers. In this blog we will provide you with some tips to help you find the right job to support you while doing your studies abroad.

How to find employment as an international student?

1. Plan ahead

Make a list of the type of job you want and the companies you want to apply to. This will give you a clear idea of the type of job you want.

2. Optimise your online search

Learn how to search online. There are several job portals and networking websites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Seek, AngelList that you can make use of for free in order to find a good job.

3. Don't use generic CV formats

Try to create a personalised CV format to stand out from the crowd. Make sure you mention your strengths, skills and experience to make your application stand out.

4. Apply directly online

Large organisations employ a lot of part-time and casual staff for a variety of roles. You can check their official websites for vacancies under 'careers', 'jobs' or 'employment'. Job opportunities are also listed sometimes under 'about us' or 'news' tab.

5. Be on the lookout

It is a good idea to keep an eye out for local companies in your host country that hire casual workers during their breaks. These can include fast food outlets, department stores, retail shops and even coffee shops.

6. Don’t set limits for your job options

Don't limit your job options based on your degree or location. It is wise to keep an open mind about other places that are looking to hire qualified international workers like you. Feel free to apply for jobs outside of your field of study if you find it interesting or are passionate about it.

7. Follow up with companies

Don't sit around for weeks waiting for employers to respond. Try to follow up every application you send with a phone call or email, but don't go to the trouble of bothering a potential employer.

8. Get help from your university's career centre

Ask for help from your university's careers centre. The staff will be aware of various vacancies, job fairs and skill-building workshops that could be of great help to you. Some centres also offer CV assistance to help you create a great CV, as well as guiding you every step of the way.

9. Network, it always helps

Start building your network early in your studies, as it can come in handy when looking for a job. A great way to get a head start is to join different communities and attend meetups to network and meet more people.

10. Build your brand

Having a good online presence is crucial for employers these days. Make sure all your social profiles are professional. If possible, try to blog about topics related to your field of study to show your potential employers.

11. Start early, get a job before the end of term

It is wise to start looking for a job before the end of the semester. This will save you the waiting time and you will have a job before you even finish your studies or start your semester break.

Things to consider

• Check the working conditions of your visa to find out how many hours you are allowed to work in your new country.
• If you are working while studying, work out how you will fit your studies in so that your grades are not affected.
• Know your employment rights. Find out what the minimum wage is in your new country and make sure you understand your rights as an employee. This may include information on holidays, breaks, health and safety.
• Many employers prefer students who are active in extra-curricular activities and have leadership experience.
• Don't set unrealistic expectations. Some initial setbacks are common. Try to be practical and focus on finding a good job rather than any job.
• Take all interviews seriously. Try to be as professional as possible, even if it's just for an internship. Before you go to the interview, do some research on the company so that you know what you are getting yourself into.

Conclusion

Employers today are also looking for candidates with good interpersonal skills who can easily fit into an organisation. These skills can be easily acquired through practice and will go a long way to landing a great job to support you while doing your studies. It is important that you develop some soft skills that will help you in your career.

For more information on studying and working abroad, contact our international education experts at MWT Education Consultancy who can provide you with all the information you need.