Since the recession began there has been a 27 per cent increase in the number of British graduates who find their first job abroad. Business leaders have predictably branded the figures as ‘worrying’, fretting over a ‘brain drain’ that will damage British business and global competitiveness.
But why all the doom and gloom? An increase in the number of graduates finding their first job abroad should not be a concern. On the contrary, we should be celebrating the fact that British graduates have the confidence to work abroad.
Never mind that the actual number is much lower than you might expect – a mere 5,175 out of 760,000 graduates in 2011 – or that many are only temporarily posted overseas by British-based multinationals.
An international experience is incredibly valuable for a graduate’s career. They are able to learn the local language, create an international network of contacts, and gain an intimate understanding of another culture.
I was lucky enough to spend a year abroad as part of my degree, and now run a company which uses students’ international experiences to inspire others to spend a year abroad. Through working with international employers to help our students find jobs once they've finished university, we’ve found that their skills and intercultural experience make them excellent candidates.
They are already equipped with the skills and experience to liaise with foreign clients and work in international teams. A first job abroad will quickly teach these skills and mindsets, which are immeasurably valuable to UK businesses wanting to expand or trade overseas.
From my own experience, there's nothing like arriving alone and having to get by in a foreign language in a foreign country to teach you that any problem can be solved through sheer determination. I have no doubt that my experience has certainly made me happier, more focused and ambitious. It gave me the confidence to start my own business while I was still at university, and to approach new foreign clients in their native language.
And I'm not alone. According to the recent University Council of Modern Languages report, a foreign placement also makes those involved more confident, independent and motivated. As one student told the survey, the experience "boosts your self esteem as you're forced to meet new people and make friends of all nationalities.”
Interestingly, the rise in students finding their first job overseas has coincided with an increase in the number of students who have had the opportunity to study or work abroad during their degree. The number of UK Erasmus students has increased by approximately 1,000 every academic year since 2008/09.
I wouldn't be surprised if these students’ foreign experience gave them a taste of freedom and opportunity – the idea of living abroad is less of a hurdle if they have already done so.
And for those students who didn’t spend a year of their degree course working or studying overseas due to expense, fear or degree course restrictions, working abroad after graduation might be their only feasible opportunity to live abroad.
Either way, it’s an exciting and inspiring opportunity to see more of the world and open your mind at the start of your career. The sooner business leaders recognise this, the better.