Is studying abroad REALLY worth it? A Real-life Case study: My Student Arjun’s UK journey answers the question

Every year there are many students that come into my office and ask me if studying abroad has any value for their career path.

Instead of doing a long presentation explaining this, I will typically tell them about one of my old students, Arjun Roy.

Arjun came in to see me a couple of years ago when he completed his undergraduate degree in Kolkata and wanted to study abroad, but was unsure where he would have the best career opportunities internationally.

Most common concerns students have: Job Prospects, Quality of Education

Like many students, he had three concerns: what is the quality of education, how will that impact my job prospects after I graduate, and what type of job/career will I be able to get due to studying abroad?

After looking at various locations, we ended up having a conversation around studying in the UK. Arjun's main reason for choosing the UK as a study destination is the global reputation of UK universities and their alignment to industry needs both in their course content and the types of practical learning/learning experiences offered through these programmes.

An Unmatchable learning experience

Arjun ultimately chose to study for a master's degree in business in the UK. When he first came to campus, he noticed that learning was very different than what he was used to. Classes were very interactive; instructors encouraged questions from students, discussions of ideas, and independent thinking. Instead of simply memorizing data, students completed real-world case studies and group projects that mimicked actual business situations.

Real-world learning that employers value

One of Arjun's best experiences was working on a project for an actual business. His team's task was to analyse a marketing problem and develop acceptable solutions before presenting them to industry experts. This was the first time he had applied his academic training in a real-world environment. Such experiences are standard in UK universities because classes are set up for students to gain practical skill sets that are valued by employers.

Dedicated University Career support that makes a difference

Arjun has also benefited significantly from the university's careers services while he attended university. There were career workshops at university focusing on things such as how to write a CV, how to prepare for and thus perform well at an interview and how to network with other professionals. Career advisers assisted Arjun with his CV, giving him tips and guidance on how to approach prospective employers regarding undergraduate employment opportunities. Arjun was also able to attend a variety of career fairs on campus where various companies exhibited in order to recruit interns and/or graduates.

"I do not know how I would have been able to approach and network with the potential employers if I had not used the university's Career Guidance Cell for assistance and personally taken the initiative to prepare myself to be successful at networking. The culture there is vastly different than what I am used to, and if you do not ask, you will get nothing," reflects Arjun on his experiences.

Networking opportunities with potential employers

He was very surprised by how accessible the employers were during the career fairs. Employers would give students an opportunity to meet with them directly, ask them questions regarding their companies, and apply for internships immediately. These opportunities allowed Arjun to gain a better understanding of the job market and to enhance his self-confidence in a professional environment.

Post-study work opportunities in the UK

He also realized that he could remain in the UK after graduation through the Graduate Route, allowing him to seek employment opportunities while gaining valuable international work experience and making a successful transition from studying to working.

Landing his first international job

Arjun found a Business Development position with a successful international business within just a few months after completing his degree. The employer was impressed by Arjun's educational background and by the skills he had gained while studying - teamwork, problem solving, communication and working effectively with people from different cultures.

Reflecting on the experience of studying in the UK, Arjun often comments that he received more than just a degree from this experience; he was able to grow personally and professionally, make friends from all over the world, learn how to adapt to new environments, and develop the confidence to pursue a global career.

He is currently working on an international consultancy project based in India, collaborating with people from many different countries. The skills he has learned from studying abroad will benefit him throughout his career.

Why studying in the UK makes a difference

Arjun's story reflects the reality for students coming to study in the UK. Getting a degree is important, but studying in the UK provides a unique experience of learning from other cultures and gaining valuable skills needed to succeed in today's job market so students are better prepared to enter the workforce globally.

For many students who want to further their education and be successful, studying in the UK represents the first step on their long and rewarding journey toward realizing their goals. For some students, one conversation in an educational counselling office may lead them on this path to success!

PS: Real name of the student – Arjun Ray - is changed to protect privacy.