Study Group supports international students to be work-ready

Study Group supports international students to be work-ready

Leading international education provider Study Group has delivered a summer internship programme over the past three years for its students. The purpose of the scheme is to support them to develop essential workforce skills to boost their global employment prospects post-graduation.

Due to the pandemic, this is the second year in a row that students have completed their summer internships virtually. However, despite taking part in the scheme remotely, students have felt that these work experience opportunities have been a great way to put their pathway programme learning into practice and acquire valuable professional skills and experience outside of the classroom, including how to operate effectively in a virtual working environment.

Anna from Russia studying at Lancaster University International Study Centre speaks positively about her summer internship experience:

“Last summer I applied for the internship scheme at Study Group as a Student Ambassador. I enjoyed the work a lot, so I decided to join the team once again this summer and I am extremely happy with the decision I made, as it is an excellent way for me to learn important professional skills and develop social confidence.

“My work was conducted virtually, which was very convenient for me as I could travel during my summer holidays while completing my responsibilities as an intern.

“I believe working remotely for this internship placement is beneficial for the students progressing to their first and second year at university because they have time to rest during summer after a busy university year whilst gaining professional work experience, which is helpful for their future career.

“It is a great chance to practice using the online platforms and social media, which are extremely popular in several working fields currently.”

Igor from Rwanda studying at the University of Huddersfield International Study Centre highlights some of the benefits of taking part in a virtual internship placement:

“We know that a lot of future jobs will be based remotely. So, this gave me some experience of how things are going to be in the future, such as, interacting online and taking part in virtual meetings. It opened my mind to how work is done effectively in a virtual way.”

Javeria from Pakistan studying at the University of Huddersfield International Study Centre, who also completed a virtual internship placement, adds:

“I got this opportunity and it being virtual is a great thing because you can do it wherever you want. You don’t have to go out of your way to travel to another city or even another place in this town. So, you can participate in your internship placement from the comfort of your own home, while still gaining valuable work experience, which is a great benefit.”

Dr Mark Cunnington, Chief Operating Officer for the UK and Europe at Study Group shares his perspective on the importance of preparing international students for the world of work:

“We have worked hard to develop a comprehensive employability offering for our students so that they can access the jobs of the future. Our internship programme is a core part of this.

“Critically, we have made our new employability services digitally accessible. For example, our new ‘Job Ready’ scheme, which helps international students to earn while they learn, now offers free virtual support with CV writing, interview coaching and mock interviews to prepare them for the world of work.

“Recently, we have expanded the work experience opportunities available to our students by partnering with Virtual Internships Partners. Through this partnership, we can offer international students’ online internships and global work placements across 70+ different countries and over 40+ industries throughout the academic year.

“Virtual Internships works with over 5,000 companies worldwide to enable thousands of students to enhance their employability skills with evidence of professional experience from a range of prestigious employers.

“Study Group is committed to making sure that our students are work-ready, with the professional, personal and social capabilities to succeed in a 21st Century workplace.”