Inside Our UK Work Culture Programme 2026
International postgraduate students across the university were offered the opportunity to take part in a new UK Work Culture programme.
3 June 2026
International students from across the university came together for an immersive two-day programme designed to demystify the UK workplace and build the confidence to enter it.
Following the success of last year's programme, we were delighted to run the UK Work Culture experience again in 2026, this time with an even broader reach. A group of 26 international students joined us, representing 13 different nationalities, 11 academic schools, and all three faculties. The cohort included undergraduate, exchange, postgraduate taught, and postgraduate research students, making it one of the most diverse groups we have brought together through the Careers Service.
Delivered in partnership with Ezoic, a leading technology platform in the digital publishing and programmatic advertising space, the Programme took place over two days at the Bedson Building on campus (Monday 23 and Wednesday 25 March). Students progressed from initial preparation and team development into a live employer-led challenge designed to mirror real workplace conditions.
Sessions on day one focused on making the most of the experience, developing presentation skills, and exploring the enterprise support available through START UP. Following this, students were divided into six teams and introduced to the employer challenge, encouraging collaboration with peers from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds as they began developing the project ahead of presenting to Ezoic.
Understanding UK Workplace Culture with Ezoic
On the second day, students were welcomed by Mike McGuire, Managing Director UK at Ezoic, who provided an honest and practical introduction to UK working culture. He encouraged students to think critically about the types of organisations they might work in, and how workplace environments can vary significantly, from highly structured organisations to fast-paced, flexible settings, or roles that offer greater stability and security.
Students were also encouraged to reflect on where they might best fit within these different working cultures, helping them better understand how workplace environment can shape both career satisfaction and long-term progression.
Mike provided candid insight into what employers are looking for during recruitment, challenging some common assumptions about the application process. He highlighted the importance of curiosity, preparation, and clearly communicating passion and motivation, while also offering a realistic perspective on what employers do and do not value, including the misconception of “easy apply” approaches and the importance of tailoring applications rather than relying on volume alone.
Students gained a realistic understanding of recruitment practices in the UK, alongside practical advice on what can help and hinder success during the application process.
Reflecting on the session, one student commented:
“I was able to understand the nitty-gritty of the UK work culture. Before now, I literally knew nothing about the system. Ezoic did a great job by describing the work culture and I really enjoyed the workshop.”
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Student Presentations and Employer Feedback
Following the employer input, students collaborated to research, refine and develop their assigned project ideas before presenting directly to the Ezoic team. Each group had eight minutes to deliver their presentation and respond to questions, simulating the pace and expectations of a real professional environment.
The presentations showcased a high level of engagement, with Mike offering very positive feedback across all teams. For many participants, the opportunity to present ideas developed with peers from different academic and cultural backgrounds was a key highlight of the experience. One student reflected:
“It really gave me a first-hand experience of what it’s like to work as a group in a professional setting. I learnt how to present my ideas, take in others’ ideas, where to stand on my point, and where to consider someone else’s point. It was a very insightful group activity.”
Another student commented:
“I found it really interesting to share different ideas and strengths from all our different academic and cultural backgrounds. International teamwork experience was really helpful for my professional development.”
Navigating the UK Job market
Alongside the employer challenge, students took part in sessions focused on understanding visa options and navigating the UK job market. These sessions explored practical approaches to job searching, how to build relevant experience, and the importance of adaptability when pursuing career opportunities in the UK.
One student reflected that the programme helped them develop a more realistic understanding of career progression:
“I thought getting a job would be more direct, but now I understand that it requires persistence, building experience, and being proactive.”
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Learning from Newcastle Alumni
The programme concluded with an alumni panel and Q&A session featuring Newcastle graduates Tushar Laad (MSc Advanced Computer Science, 2024) and Lulu Chen (MA International Multimedia Journalism, 2023).
Sharing their experiences of transitioning from university into employment, they offered honest reflections on building careers in the UK, adapting to change, and making the most of opportunities after graduation.
Tushar spoke about securing employment in the North East as a software engineer on a Skilled Worker visa and his journey into entrepreneurship, while Lulu reflected on their experience in digital marketing and student recruitment following graduation.
For many students, hearing directly from alumni who had once been in similar positions was one of the most valuable parts of the programme.
Reflecting on the session, one student commented:
“The alumni talk was so inspiring and helpful. I understand more about different aspects of international students working in the UK and how they face difficulties.”
Another student Reflected
“Their experiences demonstrated that many graduates start by gaining experience, remain open to diverse roles, and leverage transferable skills rather than follow a predetermined path.”
Looking ahead
Following the programme, students reflected on how the experience broadened their understanding of UK workplace culture and helped them feel more confident in preparing for future careers.
“The most beneficial aspect of the programme was the combination of group project work and hearing directly from professionals and alumni. It allowed me to develop teamwork, presentation, and communication skills while also gaining practical insight into UK work culture and career development. This made the experience both useful and relevant to my future goals.”
Students looking for further support with careers in the UK can access dedicated guidance and resources through Newcastle University’s International Students support page.