What should final year students do before graduation?
Your last year abroad goes fast. Between deadlines, dissertation stress, and the quiet panic of 'what next,' it's easy to let the practical stuff slip.
This guide covers the most important things to do before you graduate so you leave university ready, not rushing.
Do internships and gain real-world experience
The ideal time to do an internship is during the final 2 years of your degree, and you should start searching about 3 to 6 months before your desired start date.
Internships act as a bridge between academic learning and industry needs, giving you hands-on experience in a real work environment before graduation. Paid internships can also help fund your study abroad plans.
If you want to know how to apply for internship opportunities, start by visiting your university career centre. They can help you prepare applications and arrange mock interviews. You should also tap into your school's resources by downloading all course materials from your university system before your student account is deactivated.
Create a CV and build your portfolio
To stand out in the global job market, you must create documents that highlight your skills. A CV for new graduate roles should clearly state your education, relevant experience and career goals in reverse chronological order.
When you create CV documents, include these 4 essential sections:
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Contact information: Provide your full name, phone number, and a professional email address.
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Personal statement: Write a short paragraph outlining your career goals and what you can offer.
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Education and experience: List your university, graduation year, and degree classification. Follow this with your work history.
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References: Include contact details for lecturers or managers who can verify your skills.
If you're in a creative or technical field, keep a digital portfolio readily available to share with employers.
Applying for a role at HSBC?
Build your networks as a final year student
Building a professional network is one of the most valuable things a final year student can do. Relationships formed during your time studying abroad can last a lifetime and often lead to global career opportunities.
You should aim to connect with 3 types of people:
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University lecturers: Meet your instructors after class to ask questions and seek career advice.
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Alumni: Connect with former students through platforms like LinkedIn to understand your chosen industry.
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Like-minded friends: Join campus clubs and events to meet international and local students.
Consider a post-study work visa
If you plan to work overseas after graduation, check your visa conditions before your current student visa expires. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare applications.
Based on government guidelines, here's how post-study visas work in major education hubs:
| Country | Visa type | Duration | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Graduate Route Visa | 2 years (before 31 Dec 2026) or 18 months (after 1 Jan 2027) | Enables post-graduation work |
| Canada | Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Up to 3 years | Language proof needed after 1 November 2024 |
| US | Optional Practical Training (OPT) | 12 months (24-month STEM extension available) | For F-1 visa students working in a related field. |
| Australia | Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485 | 2 to 4 years | Duration depends on qualification level |
| Japan | Designated Activities Visa | Up to 1 year | For job searching in a related field |
| South Korea | D-10 Job Seeker Visa | Up to 6 months | For job searching or internships |
| Country | UK | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Visa type | Graduate Route Visa | Graduate Route Visa |
| Duration | 2 years (before 31 Dec 2026) or 18 months (after 1 Jan 2027) | 2 years (before 31 Dec 2026) or 18 months (after 1 Jan 2027) |
| Features | Enables post-graduation work | Enables post-graduation work |
| Country | Canada | Canada |
| Visa type | Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) |
| Duration | Up to 3 years | Up to 3 years |
| Features | Language proof needed after 1 November 2024 | Language proof needed after 1 November 2024 |
| Country | US | US |
| Visa type | Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
| Duration | 12 months (24-month STEM extension available) | 12 months (24-month STEM extension available) |
| Features | For F-1 visa students working in a related field. | For F-1 visa students working in a related field. |
| Country | Australia | Australia |
| Visa type | Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485 | Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485 |
| Duration | 2 to 4 years | 2 to 4 years |
| Features | Duration depends on qualification level | Duration depends on qualification level |
| Country | Japan | Japan |
| Visa type | Designated Activities Visa | Designated Activities Visa |
| Duration | Up to 1 year | Up to 1 year |
| Features | For job searching in a related field | For job searching in a related field |
| Country | South Korea | South Korea |
| Visa type | D-10 Job Seeker Visa | D-10 Job Seeker Visa |
| Duration | Up to 6 months | Up to 6 months |
| Features | For job searching or internships | For job searching or internships |
Take care of your well-being
University life can be tough, especially when balancing final exams with job applications. Taking care of your physical and mental health means you can make the most of your international experience.
You need to focus on 3 wellness habits:
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Rest frequently: Take time away from electronic devices to read, listen to music or go for a walk.
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Live healthily: Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
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Have fun: Step out of your comfort zone to explore your host country. Go on a road trip, support your university sports team, and make memories.
Investing in your social well-being is crucial for a better Quality of Life. Research has demonstrated that regular social interactions foster deeper friendships and lead to increased life satisfaction and overall well-being. – Dr Caspar Kaiser, HSBC Research Fellow at the University of Oxford's Wellbeing Research Centre
Start your own business
If you're unable to find your dream job, you can create it. Starting a business requires preparation, but success does not always follow a traditional path.
Even small enterprises need to get their finances in order before launching. Make sure you speak to an adviser to understand your funding options. You can also explore how HSBC Premier can support your international banking needs as you transition from student to professional.
If you plan to further your studies or need support managing your finances abroad, explore our Premier Overseas Education Support to learn how we help families build a better future.
Join HSBC Premier today
With your Premier status globally recognised across all HSBC Premier countries, you and your family can enjoy exclusive privileges, priority banking services and international connectivity, building a prosperous future together.
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