– Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) at the University of Glasgow

Professor Rachel Sandison, has called for international universities to make the career value of overseas degrees more explicit for Indian graduates entering the labour market.

Amid ongoing debate in the UK and globally about the value of higher education, questions are also being raised in India about how international qualifications compare with domestic degrees. Sandison noted that many international institutions lack visibility in the Indian labour market, where employers often maintain established relationships with local universities. As a result, graduates with overseas degrees may be overlooked if they cannot clearly explain the distinct value of their education.

She argued that universities must take responsibility for articulating this value. In an interconnected world, employers seek individuals who can work across cultures, understand different perspectives and navigate complex environments. Universities, she said, are positioned to develop skills such as active listening, intercultural communication, global and interdisciplinary thinking, and the ability to build professional relationships across borders.

However, these capabilities are often assumed rather than clearly demonstrated. Graduates may possess them but struggle to present them in ways that align with employer expectations.

Sandison said the University of Glasgow’s Learning and Teaching Strategy aims to address this by embedding employability into the curriculum. This includes aligning learning outcomes with career-relevant competencies, integrating work experience opportunities, and helping students identify and communicate the skills gained through international study.

The university is also supporting staff to adopt inclusive teaching and advising practices that recognise diverse backgrounds and learning approaches. According to Sandison, how institutions frame students’ strengths and experiences plays a role in their transition to employment.

While employers continue to value internationally educated graduates, she said the competitive landscape is changing. Holding an international degree alone is no longer sufficient. Graduates must be able to evidence and articulate the distinctive aspects of their education.

Equipping students to do so, she added, will enable them not only to participate in the global workforce but to shape it.

Also Read: Preparing Indian Graduates for Jobs That Didn’t Exist Five Years Ago