What 120 applications taught me as an international graduate in PR

I submitted more than 120 applications and attended over 50 interviews before securing my first communications specialist role in the UK. As an international graduate from Ghana navigating an unfamiliar job market, visa requirements, and a post-pandemic environment, I found the journey challenging, but it shaped my career in lasting ways. 

Before I arrived at Manchester airport in September 2019, my goal was to study international public and political communications, a niche but fascinating field which would build on the public relations degree I’d studied at home. The University of Sheffield became my academic home. The experience deepened my understanding of how communication shapes public opinion, policy and society.  

Studying and living in the UK as an international student

Moving to the UK was an exciting step. I was eager to experience a new environment, focus on my studies and explore what lay ahead. While the transition was not overwhelming, it did require adjustment, sometimes in simple but noticeable ways. Even everyday things like crossing the road required extra attention, as traffic moves on the opposite side compared to Ghana. Moments like these reminded me that I was navigating a new environment while building a routine and new connections. 

After graduation, I wanted to gain professional experience in the UK, but the job market remained uncertain, particularly for international graduates, so I enrolled in a business studies programme in Birmingham to help me build commercial awareness. 

I had received many suggestions about which city to live in. Most of the friends I had met from school had all moved back home before lockdown or resettled in Europe. My friends from home had also gone back to finish their courses online. Sheffield was empty for me. Friends who had left suggested Birmingham was more diverse; I could get food from Ghana and continue my life from there.  

Finding a communications job after graduation

Breaking into communications in a new country proved challenging. The six months after graduation were not enough to fully establish myself with employers, so the additional year, combined with continued interviews, helped me build confidence and clarity. Each application, interview and rejection became part of the learning process. Along the way, I recognised a challenge many international professionals rarely discuss openly. 

For many, the greatest obstacle is not a lack of talent or qualifications, but fear: fear of not finding employment quickly enough, fear of visa uncertainty, and fear of aiming too high in a new environment. 

These pressures can push capable professionals to accept roles below their potential, choosing immediate security over long-term alignment. In some cases, communications managers recognise an employee's potential but may not actively support a move into a more suitable role due to operational pressures, limited vacancies or the difficulty of replacing a strong team member. 

Why confidence matters as much as experience

During one interview, a recruiter shared advice that has stayed with me: “Don’t settle for less. Your CV shows you’re above this role.” It was a simple statement, but it challenged an assumption many international professionals quietly carry. 

Confidence can be just as important as competence. International graduates should not automatically assume they must settle for opportunities that fail to reflect their experience, skills or potential. Looking back, that conversation reinforced the importance of believing in your own value and seeking opportunities that align with your capabilities. 

Lessons for international graduates starting a career in PR

Here are eight lessons that helped me navigate the journey: 

1. Be clear about what you want. Avoid sending applications indiscriminately. Focus on positions that genuinely match your skills and experience. If you require visa sponsorship, research organisations that can provide a certificate of sponsorship and tailor your efforts accordingly. 
2. Invest time in your CV and cover letter. These documents are often your first opportunity to make an impression. Use your university careers service, seek feedback from mentors and learn how to present your experience in a way that aligns with UK expectations. 
3. Find mentors. Professional guidance can significantly accelerate your development. LinkedIn is an excellent platform for connecting with experienced practitioners who can offer advice, review applications and help prepare you for interviews. 
4. Join professional networks. The CIPR offers valuable resources, networking opportunities and professional development for practitioners at every stage of their careers. Joining early can help you build connections and stay informed about developments in the industry. 
5. Understand the salary and immigration landscape. Visa sponsorship requirements and salary thresholds can change over time. Staying informed about current regulations helps you to make better career decisions and plan strategically for the future.
6. Be willing to take calculated risks. Opportunities sometimes emerge in unexpected places. If your circumstances allow, remaining open to roles outside your preferred location or sector can lead to valuable career breakthroughs.
7. Continue learning after securing a role. Learning does not end once you are employed. Take notes, seek feedback, build new skills and remain curious. Every position prepares you for the next stage of your career.
8. Take responsibility for understanding your visa requirements. Immigration rules can change frequently. While managers and HR teams may provide support, it is important to remain informed and monitor official guidance yourself. 

Two professional communities played an important role in my own development. 

Socially Mobile was one of the most rewarding learning experiences of my career. As a member of its first cohort, I participated in an intensive 10-week programme that covered topics ranging from business fundamentals to crisis leadership simulations. The learning was practical, challenging and immediately applicable, while the alumni network continues to provide support, advice and opportunities. 

Comms Creative has also been a valuable resource. Its courses and content encourage fresh thinking and creativity, helping communications professionals sharpen their skills and approach challenges from new perspectives. 

Building a communications career in the UK as an international graduate is undoubtedly challenging, but it is achievable. Persistence, strategic planning, professional networks and continuous learning all play an important role. 

Looking back, the most important lesson was not how to write a stronger CV or perform better in interviews. It was learning not to underestimate my own value. International professionals bring global perspectives, adaptability and resilience to organisations. Recognising that value and having the confidence to pursue opportunities that reflect it, can be just as important as any qualification or professional credential. 

Carl Kwaku Asiedu is a communications specialist at the Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust and founder of Fulda Hauz Communications, a strategic communications consultancy. He is passionate about supporting international graduates and helping organisations communicate more effectively. 

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