Timeline: what to do, when

Illustration of a person planning a process

Get ahead!

Your time at Warwick will be fast paced - there's a lot to pack in during your course. For international students, there are even more things to do to be ready for the next steps after your studies.

Starting early allows you to learn how best to navigate the job market and increase your chance of obtaining an interview.

It also offers plenty of time for learning, researching and networking, which increase your chances of landing a full-time opportunity. By starting early, you can reduce stress and ease your transition into work culture in the UK.

Find out about other ways you can prepare for life at Warwick on our Welcome pages for international studentsLink opens in a new window.

Here is what we advise you do before, during and after your studies to get the most out of your Warwick experience:

Before you arrive: 3 months before your start date

Make sure you are prepared to get the most out of your time at Warwick, before you even arrive. Here’s what you should do 3 months before arriving:

Know yourself and your goals

Consider your future goals and what you aim to achieve during your time at Warwick. Also, take the time to explore your strengths and weaknesses.

Perfect your CV

Take time to prepare your CV in the UK style to increase your chances of securing opportunities. Read more about these four mistakes to avoid in your CVLink opens in a new window.

Check out our guides to applications & interviews, including cover letters and CVs

Research: employers, sectors and the market

Researching the UK job market before you arrive can help you understand the landscape and identify opportunities aligned with your career aspirations. Find out about job sectors here.

Update your LinkedIn profile: optimise your profile to showcase your skills, experience, and aspirations to potential employers and connections.

Apply for part time work in advance

Some part-time jobs are open for applications before the start of the academic year.

Volunteering: Certificate of Good Conduct and DBS check

In order to volunteer with many of our Warwick Volunteer projects, especially volunteering with children, international students need to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct from the country(ies) in which you have lived for a duration of 6 months or more in the past five years and a DBS Check (UK Criminal Records).

Find out about Certificate of Good Conduct requirementsLink opens in a new window

Recruitment timeline for graduate schemes

The table below shows key months for a typical Graduate Scheme job application:

Month	Activity
August - October	Applications open
November - January	Applications close
December - April	Psychometric tests, video interviews, and assessment centres are completed
Early September	Job starts

Remember, there are other Graduate Schemes which do not follow this timeline or recruit on a rolling basis.

Graduate schemes make up less than 20% of all graduate roles, can be highly competitive to get onto and often recruit a year ahead of the job start date.

There are many more Graduate Jobs you can apply in the last three months of your course with an immediate start.

If you decide to apply before arriving in the UK, check out further advice in during your studies section

Visa advice for working in the UK

Our student Immigration team provide visa advice and guidance for working during and after your studies in the UKLink opens in a new window.

Explore your visa pathway tailored to your career choices after your studies.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)Link opens in a new window website also provides excellent information and advice on visas, immigration, fees and money, working, preparation, studying and living in the UK, as well as support available for EU, EEA and Swiss students.

CVs

Cover letters

Interviews

Assessment Centres

Researching organisations

During your studies

PGT students: October - July

UG Students: Before your final year

During your studies, prioritise the following steps:

Develop and showcase your skills

Enrol yourself in the Warwick Award programmeLink opens in a new window and check out our other opportunities to build, develop and showcase you employability skills.

Understand your work rights and requirements

Understand your work rights, including National Minimum WageLink opens in a new window. Read our essential information on income tax, national insurance and getting a national insurance number, visa requirements and getting a share code.

Consider part time work

Part-time jobs are a good way to get UK experience and earn while you study. But think carefully about your working hours: always prioritise your course work and ensure you do not exceed the working limit of 20 hours a week in term time if you have a student visaLink opens in a new window.

Volunteer

Volunteering opportunitiesLink opens in a new window are another great way to develop your employability skills - whilst making a difference to our local communities.

Get work experience and get WorkReady

Use our WorkReady toolkitLink opens in a new window to find and make the most of work experience. Find out more about how to apply for internships and work experience opportunities to gain practical knowledge in your field.

Perfect your job application skills

Attend careers workshops and sessions covering CV writing, cover letters, interview techniques, utilising AI, networking, and more to refine your professional skills.

Take up opportunities

Make the most of your time at WarwickLink opens in a new window by exploring student opportunitiesLink opens in a new window and extracurricular activities Link opens in a new windowto enrich your university experience.

Network

Understand the importance of networking and adapt effective strategies to build connections with peers, professionals and alumniLink opens in a new window.

Apply for jobs

Use our guide to your career options, whatever stage you are at in your career planning

Explore our guide to finding work

Don't forget to check out our guide to applications and interviews

Don't limit yourself to 'Graduate schemesLink opens in a new window' - they make up less than 20% of all graduate roles, can be highly competitive to get onto and often recruit very early in the academic year.

Work Experience

Networking

Approaching the end of your course

PGT students: July - September

UG students: Final year

In the final stage of your course, prioritise the following steps:

Showcase your skills

Complete the Warwick AwardLink opens in a new window to enhance and showcase your employability skills.

Search for job opportunities and apply

Use our guide to your career options, whatever stage you are at in your career planning

Explore our guide to finding work

Continue with preparing for job applications and interviews

Attend careers workshops and sessions covering CV writing, cover letters, interview techniques, utilising AI, networking, and more to refine your professional skills.

Check out our resources to prepare thoroughly for job applications and interviews.

Be resilient: learn from any rejections

Make the most of any rejections as a learning experience. Seek a one-to-one consultation with a Senior Career Consultant for personalised analysis and look for workshops on coping mechanisms for job rejection and imposter syndrome. These resources will equip you to bounce back resiliently, fostering growth and confidence in your career journey. Embrace setbacks as opportunities for learning and development, paving the way for future success.

Connect with Warwick Alumni

Reach out and connect with Warwick alumniLink opens in a new window to expand your professional network and gain valuable insights and advice.

Interviews

Assessment Centres

After your studies

Apply for your visa

Apply for the graduate or skilled worker visaLink opens in a new window if you're planning to stay in the UK post-graduation.

Visa rules and changes

Keep yourself updated with the latest immigration rules

Immigration and Compliance news for students

Sign up to the alumni network

After studies guidance

Navigate your next steps with these essential resources and guidance, including changes to access buildings and IT account after your course.

Preparing for life after studiesLink opens in a new window

Give back: share your experience

Finally, give back to the Warwick community by sharing your career journey, experience and knowledge with fellow students, contributing to their success and growth.