How my journey as an International student led to creating an app for future graduates

A new app aimed at International graduates

​​When I first arrived in the UK as an international student at the University of Northampton to pursue my MBA, I was filled with excitement, hope, and a strong desire to build a successful career. I didn’t quite understand the workings of the UK graduate visa system and certainly thought it would be easier than it turned out to be.

Back then I was part of the last generation of people who only had 4 months after graduation before the height of the COVID crises. That brought upon itself even more challenges to an already stressful time.

In a nutshell, the process was overwhelming! Complex visa requirements, countless applications, rejection emails, and a constant race against time. My breaking point came when I realized I only had 10 days left before my student visa expired. I was running out of options, and the thought of having to leave everything I had worked so hard for was devastating. But then, with persistence and some luck, I finally secured a sponsored job just in time. That moment of relief was the highlight of 2020 for me. Tears mixed with happiness.

​It was during this journey that I realized I wasn’t alone. Thousands of international students like me were facing the same struggles, navigating confusing systems and battling the uncertainty of job hunting in a foreign country. This inspired me to create Sponsors.News—a platform designed to help international students secure sponsored jobs in the UK.

​The Vision Behind Sponsors.News

​Sponsors.News aims to become a job board. But first of all we are in the process of collaborating with universities to create a learning platform for the international students to strengthen them with knowledge of what to expect from the first day they step into the UK to graduate employment possibilities. It comes ready equipped with a list of companies that sponsor international students in one place, without having to scroll through complex Excel spreadsheets.

When we have enough students using and benefiting from the app, we will get to phase 2 where we reach out to companies that can sponsor people and give them access to our pool of skilled workers. This is when it becomes a fully comprehensive job board for international students.

​The Impact

​As a graduate of the University of Northampton, I wanted current UON students to be the first to know about this platform in order to start the process of building and learning.

The University of Northampton played a crucial role in shaping my entrepreneurial spirit and providing me with the foundation to build Sponsors.News on my MBA program. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to the university and its students by sharing my story and offering a solution to the challenges I once faced.

​A message to International Students

​To all international students out there: I know the journey can be tough, but don’t lose hope. Stay persistent, take advantage of the resources available to you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The path to your dream career might not be easy, but it’s absolutely achievable. And remember, you’re not alone in this—we’re here to help.

​Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, spoke to international students recently, emphasizing the many benefits of studying in the UK. She highlighted how the UK’s world-class higher education system can open doors not just within the UK but across the globe. To make your journey even more rewarding, we’re here to help you gain valuable UK experience as the perfect finishing touch to your story.

Students can find out more and download the Sponsors.News app.

Find out more about MBA courses

Abe Elmesnaoui

​​Abe joined UON from Morocco in 2018 to study an MBA. He has always been passionate about business, start-ups and pursuing entrepreneurial ideas.​