Skills you Should Gain Before Applying to the UK
Introduction
If you are planning to study in the UK then it’s a super exciting choice you made but, let’s be practical because it can also be quite challenging, especially when it comes to finding a part-time job to help cover your expenses. So for all Nepali students who do plan to go to the UK, you need to make sure you are prepared before you even set foot on the UK soil so that things can be a lot easier for you. That is why we have prepared this guide to help you get a head start on the key skills you should develop and what you need to know about finding part-time work once you get there.
Skills You Should Gain Before Applying to the UK
English Proficiency:
English is the go-to language in the UK whether you’re in class, chatting with friends, or at work, so, being good at English won’t just help you nail your studies but also further your chances of landing a part-time job.
Time Management:
Your main purpose of going to the UK is to complete your studies so balancing it with a part-time job isn’t always easy, so, you’ll need to manage your time well to keep up with classes, assignments and work shifts.
Technical Skills:
Certain technical skills will always be helpful no matter what. So make sure you're familiar with things like MS Office or even basic programming so that you can be a more valuable candidate than the rest. These might just help you land part-time jobs in positions like administration work or IT support.
Customer Service Skills:
Since a lot of part-time jobs in the UK fall in the category of retail and hospitality where customer service is extremely important, you will need to be really good with your soft skills in order to interact with people and you can definitely improve your skills beforehand by volunteering in roles that involve dealing with customers or practicing your communication skills in situations where you need to be patient, deal with irate customers and solve problems.
Requirements for Part-Time Jobs in the UK
Visa and Work Eligibility:
There are many limitations that have been put so that you only work a fixed period of time and this depends on your student visa which usually allows up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. A National Insurance Number will also be necessary.
CV and Cover Letter:
You will need to make a CV and a cover letter that is tailored accordingly to highlight the skills and experiences that match the job you’re applying for. And, also don’t forget to include any milestones you have achieved because it will help you to stand out of the competition. Similarly, you also need to address a cover letter to all the part-time jobs that you will be applying for to explain why you are interested in that job and how your skills would be a great fit for it.
Workplace Etiquette and Adaptability:
Like for every other job, professionalism is very important so you need to understand and follow all the workplace norms and be respectful of the rules and etiquette that you are given. Communication is always key and being communicative will help you succeed. The other thing that you require is the capability of being adaptable so be ready to adjust to new environments and roles quickly because that is what will make you valuable.
Conclusion
Getting the right skills before you head to the UK will make your academic journey smoother and set you up for success in the job market so focus on improving your English, time management, technical skills and customer service abilities while also understanding what’s required for the part-time jobs. Make sure to stay focused and you’ll be ready to make the most of your time in the UK with the right preparation.
