Mizuki Ohya came to the UK from Japan to undertake a master’s degree in Marketing Management at the University of Oxford. Her decision to study here was driven by a desire to gain international experience and understand the UK’s diverse consumer landscape. While her course equipped her with relevant academic skills, she encountered significant challenges transitioning from education into employment—particularly as an international graduate navigating the UK job market post-study.
“There was no structured support after graduation,” Mizuki explains. “Finding a role without UK work experience or knowledge of European markets was difficult, even for entry-level positions. Many employers expect several years of experience before offering internships.”
This experience reflects a wider pattern observed among international students and recent graduates. Despite the UK’s ambition to attract global talent through the Graduate Visa route, many skilled individuals are left underutilised due to a lack of accessible entry points into the labour market.
Challenges Identified
- Limited employer engagement post-study: Mizuki found that university careers services largely ended at graduation, leaving her without access to tailored support or employment leads.
- Barriers to entry-level work: Even for internships, employers often requested experience that recent graduates typically do not have.
- Sponsorship uncertainty: Visa-related requirements made many employers reluctant to engage, despite Mizuki holding a valid Graduate Visa.
- Disconnection between UK employment strategy and international talent: Roles focused on European market experience excluded those with Asian market knowledge—even where diversity and global expansion were stated organisational goals.
The Role of TechStart
The TechStart Programme was introduced to address these structural barriers—bridging the gap between education, employment, and enterprise. Through partnerships with local authorities, Jobcentre Plus, and private sector employers, TechStart provides young people and graduates with paid work experience, live project briefs, and direct exposure to employers in sectors including digital, marketing, and technology.
“TechStart would have made a real difference earlier,” Mizuki notes. “It offers the kind of practical, real-world experience that builds confidence, helps you stay in the country, and opens doors into permanent roles.”
The programme supports the objectives of the Department for Work and Pensions by:
- Improving access to work for underrepresented groups, including international graduates, refugees, and NEET young people.
- Reducing time to employment post-study through structured placements.
- Addressing local skills shortages, particularly in digital and creative sectors.
- Aligning with the Government’s Levelling Up and youth employment priorities, including paid work at or above the London Living Wage.
Policy Relevance and Local Application
Mizuki’s story underscores the importance of practical employment programmes that go beyond academic qualifications. For local authorities and DWP partners, TechStart offers a replicable, cost-efficient model for supporting:
- Graduate retention and skills integration
- Progression from further education into the workforce
- Community cohesion through inclusive economic participation
- Local economic development by plugging gaps in SME capacity with motivated young talent
TechStart is currently working with a range of councils, universities, and business improvement districts to expand its model across London and beyond. In doing so, it contributes directly to reducing unemployment and underemployment among skilled individuals who too often fall through the cracks of the existing support framework.
Looking Ahead
Mizuki now hopes to progress into a career in marketing strategy and consultancy, with a particular focus on market analysis and AI-driven consumer insights. Her journey, like many others, shows that global graduates have much to contribute to the UK economy—but need the right stepping stones to do so.
At TechStart, we continue to support graduates to find their feet in the UK job market—while also giving local businesses the confidence, structure and support needed to sponsor the talent they need to grow.
