Start thinking early about your return home, so you can make the most of all the opportunities available. Research the job market and when to apply. Understand what employers are looking for and know how to sell the benefits of your UK experience in your applications. See the sections below for help.
For students looking for work in China and SE Asia, the Asia Careers Insight Series 2024 from 5-7 March will give you an insight into labour market information and employers recruiting in 2024.
As well as the practicalities of moving back home, it is useful to think about the benefits you have gained by studying in the UK. These might include:
You could ask employers, academic supervisors or volunteering managers if they would be willing to give you a written reference to take with you, or agree to provide a reference to any future employers.
Many employers check social media before hiring, so check out what public online information is available about you. Think carefully about what your online presence tells a prospective employer about you.
Be aware of reverse culture shock when you return home, especially if you have been in the UK for a number of years.
Resource for Chinese students: Prepare to get ahead is an online resource developed by the University of Warwick to help you make the most of university experience in the UK and plan for your future.
Start your research early so you don't miss out on opportunities. You should start this research about 12 months before you are due to finish your course. If you are on a taught postgraduate course this will be soon after you arrive in the UK and start your academic course.
It is useful to make a plan that you can carry out over a number of months. Think about:
The University of Edinburgh has some helpful information about Finding work in China, including job market information and applications. (CareerHub is their career platform - University of York students and graduates have access to Handshake.)
The University of York is a partner university for the Asia Careers Insight Series 2023 The event includes employer presentations, labour market information and workshops to help you find out about organisations looking to hire students and graduates across Asia. The Asia Careers Insight Series runs from 7-9 March online.
There are many ways to look for work overseas and thousands of job search websites. You may already be familiar with sites specific to your home country. Here are a few key resources to get you started:
In some countries recruiting through personal networks is as important as formal recruitment procedures.
Research and join other relevant networking groups - for example:
Your network might be able to tell you about vacancies when they arise or you may be able to use the information from your networks to make speculative applications to potential employers.
China jobs guide 22-23 (PDF , 11,441kb) from the British Chamber of Commerce in China; information on the job market in China, tips for applications, job listings.
The following may be useful if you are looking for a graduate job in China. If you find any problems with any of these websites, please let us know (careers@york.ac.uk)
and for teaching jobs:
for PhD graduates
There are several ways that you can do this. While you are a student you can use our York Profiles and Mentors, which includes profiles of those working around the world. You can read about what their careers and contact them to ask questions and get advice. Read our blog for insights from Chinese graduates about their experiences returning to China.
Once you've graduated, you can join York for Life, York's global alumni community.
The Careers and Placements team may not have in-depth knowledge of the recruitment situation in your home country, but we can still help in several ways. The Information Team can help you find relevant resources for your research and the Careers Consultants can help you think about your future plans, and give feedback on the strategies you are using to find suitable employment in your home country.
Please read the rest of the information in this section and if you have any questions please book an appointment.
Who to contact
Careers and Placements
Opening hours
- Harewood Way, University of York, York, YO10 5DD
- Students and York graduates can contact us or book an appointment via Handshake
- Tel: +44 (0)1904 332685
- Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm (during semesters)
- Vacation opening times vary - please check the opening times page