Internship and career opportunities for Oxbridge students

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been thinking about encouraging my kids to apply to Oxbridge because of the academic rigor and the opportunity to study alongside equally bright peers, given the emphasis on academic merit in admissions.

I’m curious about what the experience is like when it comes to finding internships back in the U.S. — can anyone share their insights? I’ve noticed on LinkedIn that many major companies do hire Oxbridge graduates, but I’d love to hear some first-hand experiences from DCUM

(Please skip this thread if you’re only here to criticize those considering schools outside the U.S.)

As someone who was hiring mgr in the UK for many years, I think this would be about your connections and the child’s hustle. UK satellites of even the largest companies will recruit for their local openings, maybe EU openings as well if the UK is the regional HQ…. There is zero shot that Oxbridge career services is going to help you much in this regard. Do you have connections that you can pull? I honestly think that would be the easiest maybe the only way to land a US internship while attending a UK school.

US schools have recruiters that show up, interview, and collect resumes - are you saying that no one comes to Oxbridge? Not even companies like: Google, Meta, Microsoft? That sounds very. odd that everything is dependent on connections. Sure connections are the best way in but you don't find the best with connections alone.

Tell me you’ve never worked for a massive multinational without telling me. Tell me you’ve don’t understand how recruitment works at a basic level.

Your tiny brain thinks the one recruiter showing up on YOUR campus has direct access to and information about over 400-600 internships worldwide?? Given different school systems, start dates, end dates, employment implications, compensation rules, etc etc?? When there are postings yes ine the USA but also Dublin France and Czech Republic?? That’s not how it works. They have 10-15 positions in THEIR office. They care about those and only those. Why? Because they are rewarded and recognized for filling only those 10-15. So a UK recruiter will speak to hundreds of undergrads at 5 UK schools, review hundreds of CVs, screen a couple dozen, and fill those roles. Now some companies do have global opportunities and if your kid can hunt those down and make the right contact then yes recruitment could span multiple countries. But - at a regular career fair - if your kid sidles up and says, “I’m ‘merican, do you have any open roles in Seattle?” That recruiter is going to revert to a brush off: ‘we sure do. Go to the website and check out our USA postings.” At best they Might pass along a resume to a USA based recruiter that will materialize into something but it is very very very unlikely - maybe if you’re kid is incredibly impressive in the 2 minute fly by at the career table. More often than not, they are going to give them the brush off. I’m not saying it’s impossible to land an internship in the USA without connections, I’m saying your kid is going to need to hustle a lot more than the kid at Cornell and Umich Ross.

Excellent points!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But to start, here’s the admissions requirements for international students. https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/for-international-students/international-qualifications

22:13 from above here. I appreciate your suggestion. Thank you. Have looked at the Oxford site. [b]Any specific book you recommend? Asking BECAUSE there are many books out there. I was hoping I would piggyback on someone who has successfully navigated a process unfamiliar to many American students. You have obviously done that. Using a competent consultant removes a need to do spend your energy on research I suppose. Fair point.

Parent with Oxford student back:

1) There is this book, but DS went straight to the consultant when he felt he was running into problems with his essays. https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Into-Oxbridge-Comprehensive/dp/0749463279/ref=sr_1_2?crid=E775SJ2IX6HC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IAc1f39XCQC9y6xRdYMMnfBJg-k42ReX9ZBY1uGfd9HhI2F6TkLFiLhD27IiX1BcXuhecZyYABX_a-kA-zlL8hZ1nSbOApsjgvj6kpZkPtXhhpHRToMXHISgdcB_PyQtHazA6zdrdfmgxBdS6qXilqP35ayz2kcqVctza-CEOj3iYRBAn0_CN0FhzXP-0iD5aFmkSIPb2qEgmrrjJOuD0zTfL6PRLBWU68hjgrTLbeY.yLxIc_s_J0AP-1WfYrNJHfYoSfEwM5bq2E2ZClllTF4&dib_tag=se&keywords=oxford+how+to+get+in&qid=1762038098&sprefix=oxford+how+to+get%2Caps%2C222&sr=8-2.

2) He still recommends his consultant, who is by the hour and reasonably priced. RichardMontauk.com. Richard didn't write the essays but provided advice and strategy as to the essays, application and interview.

3) PPE is a great choice. It's what Rhodes Scholars typically choose, but at the graduate level. Because the educational program at Oxford is very narrow in your student's proposed field of study, your student won't get the broader American liberal arts core experience. PPE is the closest to that because it covers politics, philosophy and econ. FWIW, UVA offers PPL (& Law).

4) As you may know, the Oxford undergrad program is very academic and rigorous, and not at all like the American classroom experience where students can fudge doing the reading and hide in the back of a large lecture room and not participate. Once in (after the long, substantive interview during which your kid has to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in a particular field and provide good reason for continuing in it, but at a specified level - think master's defense), they will have tutorials once a week with one or more tutors. There may be another student in the tutorial. It is assumed you have done all of the reading and you must submit a weekly paper, which you will defend, and the tutor and other students will criticize. You can't hide. It's a very hands-on experience. If your student isn't a self-motivator, mature or a good writer, Oxbridge isn't for them. Also, they are very tough on colonials (Americans). He has two American friends who were "rusticated" (sent down). And others who outright failed but didn't learn until very late in their second year.

5) You need to reassess your views on cost. Oxford is no longer the deal it was just a few years ago. I just looked it up - Tuition only for "overseas" students is $37k to $63k pounds, which comes out to roughly $45 - 78K for tuition only (that doesn't include room, board, "medicine fee", books, etc.) ... so you are looking at top private fees in the U.S. at top ivies, SLACs. Sorry. Yes, it's only three years compared to four, but still as expensive as here. He snagged a scholarship but only after he was over there and proved his mettle.

6) He thinks there is a career center (someone above says their kid used it), but be aware that your American student will not be able to get an internship over there because the VISA requirements will limit them to only 20 hours of paid work a week. He doesn't know about how well the career center does with American internships because he did all of his own submissions.

7) he adds it's very bleak from now through March, which can be tough on some overseas students. Rain, overcast, dark every day. Get a SADD lamp.

Hope that helps. If it interests you further, there is a Facebook page for parents of Oxford students. It's mostly British parents, but it goes into all of the adjustment problems, depression, etc., that "freshers" experience.

good luck!

[Anonymous]

Hope that helps. If it interests you further, there is a Facebook page for parents of Oxford students. It's mostly British parents, but it goes into all of the adjustment problems, depression, etc., that "freshers" experience.

good luck!



It does. It does tremendously. I'm copying your advice and others' into my DC's planning file as factors to consider in the DC's plan. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been thinking about encouraging my kids to apply to Oxbridge because of the academic rigor and the opportunity to study alongside equally bright peers, given the emphasis on academic merit in admissions.

I’m curious about what the experience is like when it comes to finding internships back in the U.S. — can anyone share their insights? I’ve noticed on LinkedIn that many major companies do hire Oxbridge graduates, but I’d love to hear some first-hand experiences from DCUM

(Please skip this thread if you’re only here to criticize those considering schools outside the U.S.)

As someone who was hiring mgr in the UK for many years, I think this would be about your connections and the child’s hustle. UK satellites of even the largest companies will recruit for their local openings, maybe EU openings as well if the UK is the regional HQ…. There is zero shot that Oxbridge career services is going to help you much in this regard. Do you have connections that you can pull? I honestly think that would be the easiest maybe the only way to land a US internship while attending a UK school.

US schools have recruiters that show up, interview, and collect resumes - are you saying that no one comes to Oxbridge? Not even companies like: Google, Meta, Microsoft? That sounds very. odd that everything is dependent on connections. Sure connections are the best way in but you don't find the best with connections alone.

Tell me you’ve never worked for a massive multinational without telling me. Tell me you’ve don’t understand how recruitment works at a basic level.

Your tiny brain thinks the one recruiter showing up on YOUR campus has direct access to and information about over 400-600 internships worldwide?? Given different school systems, start dates, end dates, employment implications, compensation rules, etc etc?? When there are postings yes ine the USA but also Dublin France and Czech Republic?? That’s not how it works. They have 10-15 positions in THEIR office. They care about those and only those. Why? Because they are rewarded and recognized for filling only those 10-15. So a UK recruiter will speak to hundreds of undergrads at 5 UK schools, review hundreds of CVs, screen a couple dozen, and fill those roles. Now some companies do have global opportunities and if your kid can hunt those down and make the right contact then yes recruitment could span multiple countries. But - at a regular career fair - if your kid sidles up and says, “I’m ‘merican, do you have any open roles in Seattle?” That recruiter is going to revert to a brush off: ‘we sure do. Go to the website and check out our USA postings.” At best they Might pass along a resume to a USA based recruiter that will materialize into something but it is very very very unlikely - maybe if you’re kid is incredibly impressive in the 2 minute fly by at the career table. More often than not, they are going to give them the brush off. I’m not saying it’s impossible to land an internship in the USA without connections, I’m saying your kid is going to need to hustle a lot more than the kid at Cornell and Umich Ross.

Chill Dude. Just asking if American companies show up or not? I thought they would for the #1 school in the world.

[Anonymous]

American companies generally do not. Kids have to be highly self motivated, particularly for internships.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been thinking about encouraging my kids to apply to Oxbridge because of the academic rigor and the opportunity to study alongside equally bright peers, given the emphasis on academic merit in admissions.

I’m curious about what the experience is like when it comes to finding internships back in the U.S. — can anyone share their insights? I’ve noticed on LinkedIn that many major companies do hire Oxbridge graduates, but I’d love to hear some first-hand experiences from DCUM

(Please skip this thread if you’re only here to criticize those considering schools outside the U.S.)

As someone who was hiring mgr in the UK for many years, I think this would be about your connections and the child’s hustle. UK satellites of even the largest companies will recruit for their local openings, maybe EU openings as well if the UK is the regional HQ…. There is zero shot that Oxbridge career services is going to help you much in this regard. Do you have connections that you can pull? I honestly think that would be the easiest maybe the only way to land a US internship while attending a UK school.

US schools have recruiters that show up, interview, and collect resumes - are you saying that no one comes to Oxbridge? Not even companies like: Google, Meta, Microsoft? That sounds very. odd that everything is dependent on connections. Sure connections are the best way in but you don't find the best with connections alone.

Tell me you’ve never worked for a massive multinational without telling me. Tell me you’ve don’t understand how recruitment works at a basic level.

Your tiny brain thinks the one recruiter showing up on YOUR campus has direct access to and information about over 400-600 internships worldwide?? Given different school systems, start dates, end dates, employment implications, compensation rules, etc etc?? When there are postings yes ine the USA but also Dublin France and Czech Republic?? That’s not how it works. They have 10-15 positions in THEIR office. They care about those and only those. Why? Because they are rewarded and recognized for filling only those 10-15. So a UK recruiter will speak to hundreds of undergrads at 5 UK schools, review hundreds of CVs, screen a couple dozen, and fill those roles. Now some companies do have global opportunities and if your kid can hunt those down and make the right contact then yes recruitment could span multiple countries. But - at a regular career fair - if your kid sidles up and says, “I’m ‘merican, do you have any open roles in Seattle?” That recruiter is going to revert to a brush off: ‘we sure do. Go to the website and check out our USA postings.” At best they Might pass along a resume to a USA based recruiter that will materialize into something but it is very very very unlikely - maybe if you’re kid is incredibly impressive in the 2 minute fly by at the career table. More often than not, they are going to give them the brush off. I’m not saying it’s impossible to land an internship in the USA without connections, I’m saying your kid is going to need to hustle a lot more than the kid at Cornell and Umich Ross.

Chill Dude. Just asking if American companies show up or not? I thought they would for the #1 school in the world.

Uh ok duuuude. Now you sound like you’re 10.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:[b]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But to start, here’s the admissions requirements for international students. https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/for-international-students/international-qualifications

22:13 from above here. I appreciate your suggestion. Thank you. Have looked at the Oxford site. [b]Any specific book you recommend? Asking BECAUSE there are many books out there. I was hoping I would piggyback on someone who has successfully navigated a process unfamiliar to many American students. You have obviously done that. Using a competent consultant removes a need to do spend your energy on research I suppose. Fair point.

Parent with Oxford student back:

1) There is this book, but DS went straight to the consultant when he felt he was running into problems with his essays. https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Into-Oxbridge-Comprehensive/dp/0749463279/ref=sr_1_2?crid=E775SJ2IX6HC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IAc1f39XCQC9y6xRdYMMnfBJg-k42ReX9ZBY1uGfd9HhI2F6TkLFiLhD27IiX1BcXuhecZyYABX_a-kA-zlL8hZ1nSbOApsjgvj6kpZkPtXhhpHRToMXHISgdcB_PyQtHazA6zdrdfmgxBdS6qXilqP35ayz2kcqVctza-CEOj3iYRBAn0_CN0FhzXP-0iD5aFmkSIPb2qEgmrrjJOuD0zTfL6PRLBWU68hjgrTLbeY.yLxIc_s_J0AP-1WfYrNJHfYoSfEwM5bq2E2ZClllTF4&dib_tag=se&keywords=oxford+how+to+get+in&qid=1762038098&sprefix=oxford+how+to+get%2Caps%2C222&sr=8-2.

2) He still recommends his consultant, who is by the hour and reasonably priced. RichardMontauk.com. Richard didn't write the essays but provided advice and strategy as to the essays, application and interview.

3) PPE is a great choice. It's what Rhodes Scholars typically choose, but at the graduate level. Because the educational program at Oxford is very narrow in your student's proposed field of study, your student won't get the broader American liberal arts core experience. PPE is the closest to that because it covers politics, philosophy and econ. FWIW, UVA offers PPL (& Law).

4) As you may know, the Oxford undergrad program is very academic and rigorous, and not at all like the American classroom experience where students can fudge doing the reading and hide in the back of a large lecture room and not participate. Once in (after the long, substantive interview during which your kid has to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in a particular field and provide good reason for continuing in it, but at a specified level - think master's defense), they will have tutorials once a week with one or more tutors. There may be another student in the tutorial. It is assumed you have done all of the reading and you must submit a weekly paper, which you will defend, and the tutor and other students will criticize. You can't hide. It's a very hands-on experience. If your student isn't a self-motivator, mature or a good writer, Oxbridge isn't for them. Also, they are very tough on colonials (Americans). He has two American friends who were "rusticated" (sent down). And others who outright failed but didn't learn until very late in their second year.

5) You need to reassess your views on cost. Oxford is no longer the deal it was just a few years ago. I just looked it up - Tuition only for "overseas" students is $37k to $63k pounds, which comes out to roughly $45 - 78K for tuition only (that doesn't include room, board, "medicine fee", books, etc.) ... so you are looking at top private fees in the U.S. at top ivies, SLACs. Sorry. Yes, it's only three years compared to four, but still as expensive as here. He snagged a scholarship but only after he was over there and proved his mettle.

6) He thinks there is a career center (someone above says their kid used it), but be aware that your American student will not be able to get an internship over there because the VISA requirements will limit them to only 20 hours of paid work a week. He doesn't know about how well the career center does with American internships because he did all of his own submissions.

7) he adds it's very bleak from now through March, which can be tough on some overseas students. Rain, overcast, dark every day. Get a SADD lamp.

Hope that helps. If it interests you further, there is a Facebook page for parents of Oxford students. It's mostly British parents, but it goes into all of the adjustment problems, depression, etc., that "freshers" experience.

good luck!

DP thank you. extremely helpful

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But to start, here’s the admissions requirements for international students. https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/for-international-students/international-qualifications

22:13 from above here. I appreciate your suggestion. Thank you. Have looked at the Oxford site. [b]Any specific book you recommend? Asking BECAUSE there are many books out there. I was hoping I would piggyback on someone who has successfully navigated a process unfamiliar to many American students. You have obviously done that. Using a competent consultant removes a need to do spend your energy on research I suppose. Fair point.

Parent with Oxford student back:

1) There is this book, but DS went straight to the consultant when he felt he was running into problems with his essays. https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Into-Oxbridge-Comprehensive/dp/0749463279/ref=sr_1_2?crid=E775SJ2IX6HC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IAc1f39XCQC9y6xRdYMMnfBJg-k42ReX9ZBY1uGfd9HhI2F6TkLFiLhD27IiX1BcXuhecZyYABX_a-kA-zlL8hZ1nSbOApsjgvj6kpZkPtXhhpHRToMXHISgdcB_PyQtHazA6zdrdfmgxBdS6qXilqP35ayz2kcqVctza-CEOj3iYRBAn0_CN0FhzXP-0iD5aFmkSIPb2qEgmrrjJOuD0zTfL6PRLBWU68hjgrTLbeY.yLxIc_s_J0AP-1WfYrNJHfYoSfEwM5bq2E2ZClllTF4&dib_tag=se&keywords=oxford+how+to+get+in&qid=1762038098&sprefix=oxford+how+to+get%2Caps%2C222&sr=8-2.

2) He still recommends his consultant, who is by the hour and reasonably priced. RichardMontauk.com. Richard didn't write the essays but provided advice and strategy as to the essays, application and interview.

3) PPE is a great choice. It's what Rhodes Scholars typically choose, but at the graduate level. Because the educational program at Oxford is very narrow in your student's proposed field of study, your student won't get the broader American liberal arts core experience. PPE is the closest to that because it covers politics, philosophy and econ. FWIW, UVA offers PPL (& Law).

4) As you may know, the Oxford undergrad program is very academic and rigorous, and not at all like the American classroom experience where students can fudge doing the reading and hide in the back of a large lecture room and not participate. Once in (after the long, substantive interview during which your kid has to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in a particular field and provide good reason for continuing in it, but at a specified level - think master's defense), they will have tutorials once a week with one or more tutors. There may be another student in the tutorial. It is assumed you have done all of the reading and you must submit a weekly paper, which you will defend, and the tutor and other students will criticize. You can't hide. It's a very hands-on experience. If your student isn't a self-motivator, mature or a good writer, Oxbridge isn't for them. Also, they are very tough on colonials (Americans). He has two American friends who were "rusticated" (sent down). And others who outright failed but didn't learn until very late in their second year.

5) You need to reassess your views on cost. Oxford is no longer the deal it was just a few years ago. I just looked it up - Tuition only for "overseas" students is $37k to $63k pounds, which comes out to roughly $45 - 78K for tuition only (that doesn't include room, board, "medicine fee", books, etc.) ... so you are looking at top private fees in the U.S. at top ivies, SLACs. Sorry. Yes, it's only three years compared to four, but still as expensive as here. He snagged a scholarship but only after he was over there and proved his mettle.

6) He thinks there is a career center (someone above says their kid used it), but be aware that your American student will not be able to get an internship over there because the VISA requirements will limit them to only 20 hours of paid work a week. He doesn't know about how well the career center does with American internships because he did all of his own submissions.

7) he adds it's very bleak from now through March, which can be tough on some overseas students. Rain, overcast, dark every day. Get a SADD lamp.

Hope that helps. If it interests you further, there is a Facebook page for parents of Oxford students. It's mostly British parents, but it goes into all of the adjustment problems, depression, etc., that "freshers" experience.

good luck!

Nice sharing! Thanks

[Anonymous]

Richard Montauk costs a lot and he knows less about the changing face of UK admissions than he thinks he does.

The people at Oxford Tutors, this is all they do and they are there, in Oxford and they cost a fraction of what Montauk will charge you.

Plus you'll have to spend $$$ just to listen to his tired old anecdotes. Ask how I know this...!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Internships in general are a bit less common in the uk than the us, and the support from the careers service is also weaker. The schools do have a great reputation, but you are going to have to be proactive to get your foot in the door with companies back in the states.

The economy is not good in the UK. There are more opportunities in the US as our economy is so much stonger.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Richard Montauk costs a lot and he knows less about the changing face of UK admissions than he thinks he does.

The people at Oxford Tutors, this is all they do and they are there, in Oxford and they cost a fraction of what Montauk will charge you.

Plus, you'll have to spend $$$ just to listen to his tired old anecdotes. Ask how I know this...!

This has to be an ad by someone affiliated with Oxford Tutors. Montauk is NOT expensive! I'm the dad who paid for both of my kids. He does not charge a huge up-front fee - he charges by the hour. When we first hired him for child no 1, he was $280 an hour. Then child 2 was more like $300 an hour. Both bills for college entry were around $3,000. Compare that to the companies that want $30K up front. He got my kids into UVA, STanford,

As to UK, He got my kid into Oxford twice: MPhil and DPhil. Here are his credentials as to UK? He is overseas almost every time I contact him. He frequently presents in Europe - especially in Paris - for parents seeking opportunities outside their home counties (he speaks fluent French, I believe - but could be wrong on that), and has at any one time 30-40 pro bono clients). His presentations are usually divided between European options and North American/Asian options. If you would like to attend one of his upcoming presentations, contact The Message (www.messageparis.org), an anglophone group with which he works. Or they could attend his next set of presentations in D.C. He frequently gives a full day's worth of free lectures in D.C.

My Oxford kid hired him to get him into law school (Montauk wrote a book on it). He recommended an LSAT coach who was wonderful. Off to a T4 next fall (deferred).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Richard Montauk costs a lot and he knows less about the changing face of UK admissions than he thinks he does.

The people at Oxford Tutors, this is all they do and they are there, in Oxford and they cost a fraction of what Montauk will charge you.

Plus, you'll have to spend $$$ just to listen to his tired old anecdotes. Ask how I know this...!

This has to be an ad by someone affiliated with Oxford Tutors. Montauk is NOT expensive! I'm the dad who paid for both of my kids. He does not charge a huge up-front fee - he charges by the hour. When we first hired him for child no 1, he was $280 an hour. Then child 2 was more like $300 an hour. Both bills for college entry were around $3,000. Compare that to the companies that want $30K up front. He got my kids into UVA, STanford,

As to UK, He got my kid into Oxford twice: MPhil and DPhil. Here are his credentials as to UK? He is overseas almost every time I contact him. He frequently presents in Europe - especially in Paris - for parents seeking opportunities outside their home counties (he speaks fluent French, I believe - but could be wrong on that), and has at any one time 30-40 pro bono clients). His presentations are usually divided between European options and North American/Asian options. If you would like to attend one of his upcoming presentations, contact The Message (www.messageparis.org), an anglophone group with which he works. Or they could attend his next set of presentations in D.C. He frequently gives a full day's worth of free lectures in D.C.

My Oxford kid hired him to get him into law school (Montauk wrote a book on it). He recommended an LSAT coach who was wonderful. Off to a T4 next fall (deferred).

Haha. This seems more like an ad just in time for the interviews.

[Anonymous]

The PP that mentioned the SADD lamp rings authentic. I went to university in the UK and its very true. Higher latitude so days are mich shorter also.