In the wake of the UK government’s recent announcements targeted at international students, diaspora organisations have been expressing their concerns. Here the Founding President of the Dundee chapter of the Indian National Students Union (INSA) UK expresses the views of not just Indian, but most within the country’s vibrant international student community.
Amidst recent discussions regarding the employability of graduates within the UK labour market, a vital conversation has been sparked. Advocating for the substantial cohort of Indian students contributing to the UK's educational landscape and economy, representatives from INSA across various parts of the UK have vehemently voiced their concerns. Rather than laying blame solely on the choices made by students, it's pivotal to delve deeper into the core factors that drive this trend.
Categorising talented graduates as the "wrong type" is a disservice to their potential and fails to address the crux of the issue. Such labelling perpetuates a misconception that these graduates lack the necessary skills or preparation for the workforce, undermining their capabilities and impeding their ability to make substantial contributions.
One assertion pointing towards students using graduate visas as a “back door” to access work in the UK overlooks a crucial reality. The journey of these students to UK universities is a rigorous process based on merit and talent. Out of millions of applicants, only a select few are extended the opportunity to study in the UK. This selection process is a testament to their skills and experiences, making their presence a result of careful selection via the “front door”, not a back door manoeuver.
The heart of the matter lies in the disparity between the skills and experiences possessed by graduates and the opportunities being offered to them by the current employers in the UK. Instead of dismissing the students as inadequate, the focus should shift towards fostering an environment that values and leverages the unique strengths of each graduate and give them equal access to get accepted for the jobs they possess talent for.
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This article sheds light on the underlying realities in four key points essential for UK nationals to understand. Indian students arrive in the UK equipped with exceptional skills, envisioning a landscape rich with opportunities to apply and enhance their capabilities. Despite their qualifications, these students often find their talents underutilised, leading to disillusionment and dissatisfaction
“It is disheartening to see that there are not many jobs in UK that respects our talent and skills to contribute to, or rather should I say, not for us,” expresses a recent Graduate Route student, echoing the sentiment of many Indian students facing similar challenges.
The frustration stems from unmet expectations, especially regarding education quality and job opportunities. The discrepancy between promised assurances and the actual scenario poses a significant disappointment. Students aspire to contribute meaningfully but find their abilities underutilised, risking a drain of valuable talent beneficial to the UK workforce and economy.
Families make substantial sacrifices for their children's education in the UK, facing exorbitant fees ranging from £20-50k per year, along with paying a huge amount in health insurance, accommodation, and other expenses, compounded by currency differences. However, the academic experience often falls short, emphasising theoretical learning over practical skill development.
A common sentiment among students is the desire to contribute their global expertise and learn from a diverse international community. However, the reality they encounter is far from the inclusive, skill-utilising environment they anticipated. Instead, they find themselves cornered into applying for low-wage jobs, despite possessing skills that could significantly contribute to higher roles.
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One student voiced their dismay, highlighting that while they were valued for their skills remotely while working for UK-based companies from India, the scenario changed drastically upon their physical presence in the UK. This disparity in recruitment and recognition of talent echoes a larger issue – it's not about the “wrong type” of students, but a flawed recruitment system and a mindset that undervalues skilled individuals.
It's time to shift the narrative away from blaming the students and instead address the systemic flaws in the education system, the employment landscape, and the mindset that underestimates the potential of international talent. The solution lies in revamping educational curriculums to align with industry needs, creating a recruitment process that recognises and utilises diverse skill sets, and fostering an inclusive environment that thrives on global expertise, not just in words but in action.
Indian students, despite their incredible resilience and talents, face an array of challenges while navigating the UK's job market. Beyond the struggle of landing low-paying jobs on graduate visas, there's a profound emotional toll that often remains unseen. Being far away from their families, adapting to a new country, undertaking unfamiliar job roles, managing academic demands amidst housing uncertainties, facing numerous rejections despite meeting recruiters' criteria, and dealing with exclusion – all these factors contribute to emotional distress. Yet, these students persevere with the values and emotional intelligence ingrained in them, showcasing unwavering hope and resilience.
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"We were left with no other choice than to work at a place that is culturally unsuitable for us, to support our cost of living in the UK. Sometimes people even shout at us, throw things on us, and blame us unnecessarily," expresses a group of students who bring expertise in data science, animation design, business analytics, and even medical surgery. After struggling for months to find a job according to their niche skillsets and facing rejections, they ended up opting for low-paying jobs that they did not deserve.
The emotional wellbeing of our talented students is a crucial aspect often overlooked amidst discussions of employability. Despite these challenges, the spirit of Indian students remains unbroken. Their dedication and determination are commendable, reflecting the values instilled in them by their nation.
While many in the UK praise the talent Indian students bring, it's evident that the current recruitment system falls short. Advocating for a fully anonymous recruitment process is crucial. Trusting the abilities of our talented students beyond their identities can significantly improve their access to job opportunities. Anonymity in recruitment can be the beacon of fairness, allowing skills to speak louder than any preconceived notions.
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"While we wholeheartedly support the efforts to assist those seeking asylum from wartorn regions and commend the government's efforts in this regard, we cannot overlook the concerns raised by our students. The financial support and prioritisation of asylum seekers in hiring processes have left many students feeling disheartened and underserved, particularly considering the substantial contributions they have made to the UK's economy."
In essence, actions indeed speak louder than words. It's time for a recruitment system that genuinely values talent, fostering an inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities to all, irrespective of their background. It's time to reframe the narrative surrounding these graduates. They are not the "wrong type"; they are individuals brimming with potential, awaiting a “right type” ecosystem, both academic and professional that appreciates and harnesses the abilities of global talent for the collective benefit of society and the economy.
by Priya Chadha
Priya Chadha is the Founding President of the Dundee chapter of Indian National Students Association (INSA) UK.
