JOBS HaiGui and UK Universities Launch Dual-Track Career Support for Overseas Returnees

University of Birmingham and Glasgow Empower Alumni at Shanghai Career Event

Recent university graduates of the Universities of Glasgow and Birmingham were presented with a unique chance to network with top employers and learn about international job prospects at a prestigious international student career network event in Shanghai. The Shanghai Employability Networking Event, which was held at the Longemont Hotel, was the first significant undertaking in China under the UK-China higher education partnership between the two universities and JOBS HaiGui. The event was organised to facilitate graduate employability in Shanghai 2025 and had representatives from top local companies such as Tencent, TCL, SF Express, Midea, Lilith Games, Huaqin Technology, Goertek, Descente, Johnson & Johnson, Hang Lung Properties, and Huaye Tiancheng. These employers of Chinese graduates from overseas took part in some very engaging conversations with alumni, sharing career planning, cross-industry movements, and employer expectations. This strategy was in line with the increasing need for international graduate recruitment in China and reaffirmed the contribution of British universities to increasing global employability.

Drew Linforth, University of Birmingham Director of Student Employability, said that the university was committed to assisting international students to enter competitive career streams. He added that the collaboration with the University of Glasgow and JOBS HaiGui was part of a wider strategy, the University of Birmingham's global employability initiatives, that would equip graduates with a unique advantage in the international job market. On the same day, JOBS HaiGui also held the 20th Overseas Returnee Talent Job Fair (Shanghai Edition), inviting a broad variety of domestic and foreign corporations with high-quality positions in various industries. This two-service model of on-site recruitment and networking became a one-stop employment experience for overseas returnees, consistent with the overseas returnee employment strategy advocated by JOBS HaiGui.

The event also saw the release of the 2025 Employment Development Report for Overseas Returnees. This report, compiled by JOBS HaiGui, addressed common challenges faced by returnees and offered practical solutions to help graduates plan their career paths. It formed part of JOBS HaiGui’s broader support for international graduates and contributed to China's job market insights for UK university alumni. Sarah Armour, University of Glasgow Assistant Director of Student Services (Careers, Employability & Opportunity), stated that the university was delighted to be working with Birmingham and JOBS HaiGui. She added that it was valuable to bring the graduates and employers together with industry expertise, as this was at the heart of the University of Glasgow alumni career guidance and the global alumni community.

Formal strategic partnership agreements were signed between JOBS HaiGui and the two universities. The partnership features tailored services like online seminars, recruitment advice, and high-priority access to leading employers. In-country graduate networking events in China are also planned, expanding on the broad UK-China academic collaborations and alumni networks. This program illustrates how UK universities in China 2025 are proactively assisting overseas returnees in establishing careers post-graduation. By connecting education with employment, Birmingham and Glasgow Universities are assisting graduates in being part of the Chinese job market and landing more substantive roles. Their work continues to influence international student employability and advance global career channels for UK university graduates.

Editor's Note:

This is an important development in how UK universities are helping their graduates in the international job market. With their collaboration with JOBS HaiGui, the Universities of Birmingham and Glasgow have indicated clearly that they are serious about assisting international students and alumni to establish meaningful careers in China. The Shanghai Employability Networking Event and the Overseas Returnee Talent Job Fair provided access not just to job leads but to industry insights, employer requirements, and strategic career planning. What is notable is the pragmatic nature of this partnership. It transcends symbolic partnerships and provides actual services: networking, hiring, market intelligence, and customised advice. The publication of the 2025 Overseas Returnees Employment Development Report further enhances value, providing graduates with a guide to integrate confidently into the Chinese employment market. This partnership also underlines the increasing significance of customised career services for overseas graduates. Through the provision of focused support like recruitment guidance, employer links, and seminar training on market-specific matters, Birmingham and Glasgow Universities are facilitating easy integration of students into professional careers. These initiatives not only enhance alumni networks but also enhance the UK-China academic collaborations' value in informing international career destinations.

As per Skoobuzz, this action demonstrates a visionary strategy for graduate employability. UK institutions are proactively linking education and employment, enabling their alumni to succeed globally.

FAQs

1. What is JOBS HaiGui, and how does it support overseas graduates?

JOBS HaiGui is a career development platform in China that specialises in supporting overseas returnees. It offers tailored services such as job fairs, market insights, recruitment advice, and employer connections. Its programmes help international graduates navigate the Chinese job market and access high-quality employment opportunities.

2. How are UK universities helping Chinese graduates with career opportunities? 

UK universities, including Birmingham and Glasgow, are working closely with partners like JOBS HaiGui to provide career support for Chinese graduates. They organise networking events, offer strategic guidance, and connect alumni with top employers, helping graduates transition into competitive roles in China.

3. Which companies attended the University of Birmingham Shanghai event?

The Shanghai Employability Networking Event featured leading domestic companies such as Tencent, TCL, SF Express, Midea, Lilith Games, Huaqin Technology, Goertek, Descente, Johnson & Johnson, Hang Lung Properties, and Huaye Tiancheng. These firms participated in discussions and recruitment activities with UK university alumni.

4. How does the University of Glasgow support its alumni in China?

The University of Glasgow supports its alumni in China through strategic partnerships, career services, and alumni engagement programmes. It collaborates with employers and platforms like JOBS HaiGui to offer networking opportunities, industry insights, and tailored employability guidance.

5. What are the top job trends for overseas returnees in 2025?

In 2025, overseas returnees are seeing strong demand in sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, logistics, and consumer goods. Employers are particularly interested in candidates with international experience, cross-disciplinary skills, and adaptability to local market needs.

6. What was discussed at the Shanghai Employability Networking Event?

The event focused on career planning, employer expectations, and cross-industry job transitions. Alumni engaged with company representatives to better understand recruitment processes and how to position themselves competitively in the Chinese job market.

7. How can international students boost employability in China?

International students can enhance their employability by attending career events, gaining market-specific knowledge, building professional networks, and developing skills aligned with industry needs. Participating in initiatives like JOBS HaiGui’s job fairs and university-led seminars is particularly beneficial.

8. What is the impact of UK-China university collaborations on careers? 

UK-China university collaborations are creating direct pathways for graduates to enter the Chinese workforce. These partnerships offer structured support, employer access, and career development resources, significantly improving job outcomes for international alumni.

9. What industries are recruiting overseas returnees in China?

Industries actively recruiting overseas returnees include technology, digital media, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and property development. These sectors value global perspectives and specialised skills gained through international education.

10. How can UK university alumni access Chinese job markets?

UK university alumni can access Chinese job markets through strategic partnerships like those with JOBS HaiGui by attending networking events, engaging with alumni networks, and participating in recruitment programmes tailored for returnees. These channels provide direct links to employers and career opportunities.