MILKYWAY

Elena Zhou

Summary
Final work

Elena Zhou is an Interactive and Visual Designer experienced in creating both virtual and physical design solutions. Her work spans public installations, immersive VR technologies, and cultural packaging, blending aesthetics with strategy to shape meaningful user experiences.

Elena Zhou is an Interactive and Visual Designer experienced in creating both virtual and physical d...

CollegeCentral Saint Martins
CourseMA Narrative Environments
Graduation year2025

In 2025, the UK raised the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas to £38,700, making it even harder for recent grads—especially Chinese postgraduates with limited experience—to qualify. For them, job hunting is about both career growth and visa security.

To cover living costs during the Post-Study Work visa period, many graduates work in bubble tea shops. These jobs are accessible but rarely lead to sponsorship. MILKYWAY addresses this by linking part-time work to long-term goals.

MILKYWAY is a recruitment platform built to help international graduates in London, especially those seeking Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. It connects graduates, bubble tea shops, and companies offering sponsorship, creating a supportive ecosystem. By leveraging the social nature of bubble tea culture, MILKYWAY turns part-time work into career opportunities.

The platform offers tailored features like digital CV cups and industry-themed badges. Bubble tea shops benefit from better recruitment reach and new branding opportunities via partnerships with companies. MILKYWAY helps all stakeholders move from uncertainty to connection and opportunity.

A project co-directed with Elena Zhou, Collaborators:

Xavier Llarch Font, Project Consultant

Chayan UK, Partnering Business

Joseph, Data Analysis & Insights