The seven Universities in the Irish Universities Association have joined forces to create Employable You, an online interactive guide which provides practical advice and tips to international students, helping them to manage their career throughout their working lives.
This graduate toolkit will facilitate students as they think about their careers after graduation and will supplement the one-on-one support already offered through the University Careers Offices.
The guide identifies commonly demanded competencies by employers today and covers areas such as internships, work placements and entrepreneurship. The availability of highly skilled, talented graduates is one of Ireland’s key international differentiators in attracting foreign direct investment. International student graduates have capabilities in high demand by industry and wider society and can fill many of the skills gaps that currently exist in Ireland.
Irish Universities launch Online Graduate Toolkit
The IUA Directors of International recognise that international students require additional support through their educational journey and onwards to employment. Commenting on the need for the guide, Anna Cunningham, Director of International at NUI Galway and Chair of the IUA International Directors Group said, “Employability has been a key priority for our International Education Strategy and enhancing career opportunities for international students. The pandemic has altered student routines including job fairs and networking so it’s more crucial than ever that we support our international students to be as work-ready as possible upon graduation.”
Ordinarily, Non-EU students who complete an undergraduate degree at an Irish HEI can apply for the Stamp 1G which allows students to work in Ireland for 12 months from the date of issue of final results, as part of the Third Level Graduate Scheme. Non-EU students who complete a Masters’ or PHD also have the option to renew their Stamp 1G for a further 12 months.
Commenting on the value of this international graduate pipeline, Jennifer Cleary, Head of International at IUA said: “Universities and the IUA will continue to work in partnership with government agencies to ensure that employers understand both the value of and the process for employing Irish-based international students. We are also delighted at the recent decision of the Dept of Justice to allow international students who have been unable to travel to Ireland due to the Pandemic and who are studying remotely to avail of the Stamp 1G post graduation”.
International students require support to navigate the job application process, understand Irish workplace culture, and develop networks. The graduate toolkit will help students think about the ways they can effectively present themselves to a new employer and make the most of their skills. Although this guide focuses primarily on employment in Ireland much of the advice presented will be similarly useful for future work outside Ireland and useful to non-international students also.
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