By Daniel Nikolla
When I first heard about the idea to form ALSA UK, I was genuinely excited! I feel that this is a fantastic platform that would have a significant impact on the journey of Albanian students in the UK, especially those born in another country and face the process of gaining visas.
The UK is very overwhelming when you first move here. That was certainly my case. I would assume that most (Albanian) international students are based in big cities
like London, Birmingham, Manchester, etc. The cost of living, just like opportunities, are high. This is where ALSA comes in and helps you settle, learn, connect and succeed.
Young Albanians are super ambitious and as someone who has been through that journey, I would highly advise new arrivals to keep focused, ask questions and get work experience. I know that hospitality jobs are heavy and draining, but you've got to start somewhere!
For those who would like some more in-depth advice to make the UK work for you, as a student and young person, I would encourage you to create a 5-year plan. It may sound cliché, but it is useful. In your 5-year plan, include triggering points. So, you already know the starting point and somewhat the end goal. There will be many things that won't work out as you wish in-between. Decipher your WHY-s and think about what actions you'd take when things go south!
When I first moved to the UK, the government revoked the Post-Study-Work-Visa (PSWV). I was a student union president and governor at City and Islington College in my student life. As part of that, we did a lot of lobbying with the NUS UK to reinstate PSWV, which has now been successfully reimplemented under the new Graduate visa.
It is crucial to have a LinkedIn account. Use it to your advantage, not only to apply for jobs – but to learn what skills they require. Look at the career journeys of other people who have made it and adopt specific approaches that fit your values.
I'm now nearing my full settlement in the UK, and have been through many visas, organisations and sectors. From film, marketing, finance to manufacturing and charity. I'm currently the marketing manager for a leading UK manufacturer, so let ALSA know if you'd like any advice about marketing, leadership, or anything else mentioned above.
The end goal is to help young Albanians succeed, and I'm honoured and willing to support them when I can.
PS: Remember that you're young and allowed to make mistakes and have a lot of fun.
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