University of Glasgow to expand careers support for Chinese postgrads

The University of Glasgow is launching a new careers coaching programme for postgraduate students from China in partnership with the University of Birmingham.

The new initiative, which will be available for postgraduate students enrolled in 2026/27, is a comprehensive coaching programme designed to equip graduates with the skills, strategies and networks needed to secure employment opportunities in the Chinese job market.  

The Glasgow-Birmingham partnership provides support to students from China through job market preparation sessions and opportunities to connect with relevant employers. Previous activities have connected students with top employers such as Forbes China, Tencent and Geely Holding Group.

The China Careers Coaching Programme will offer students across both universities access to personalised one-to-one support from a China-based JOBShaigui careers expert.

The programme marks a new milestone in the two universities’ partnership with JOBShaigui, a leading graduate career support organisation. Based in China, JOBShaigui has strong connections to top employers and a proven track record of helping graduates into employment.

The programme will equip students with core skills in career planning, CV writing, applications and interviews, as well as offering comprehensive industry insights tailored to the Chinese jobs market.  

Through one-to-one appointments and on-demand Q&A support, students will: 

• Develop a strong understanding of the Chinese job market  
• Identify and leverage personal strengths and career preferences  
• Master local recruitment processes, including CV preparation, interview techniques, offer negotiation and Chinese workplace integration
• Get support to connect with an extensive network of leading Chinese employers and secure high-quality graduate job offers aligned with individual aspirations. 

Professor Rachel Sandison, deputy vice chancellor for external engagement at the University of Glasgow, said: “Supporting our students doesn’t end at graduation. We recognise the evolving challenges facing graduates in China’s highly competitive labour market, and we’re proud to be working with the University of Birmingham and JOBShaigui to provide targeted support.

“By combining personalised careers coaching with expert knowledge of the local employment landscape, the programme will help our graduates develop the skills, confidence and connections they need to launch successful careers.”

Professor Robin Mason, pro-vice-chancellor for international at the University of Birmingham, added: ”Navigating today’s global graduate job market demands more than academic excellence; it requires targeted, real-world insight.

“By partnering with the University of Glasgow and JOBShaigui, we are giving our Chinese postgraduates a distinct competitive edge, ensuring they transition seamlessly from study into high-impact careers.”