I need to have a job by the end of my Master's course completion (Sep 2026). I have 2 variables for 2 categories and I am interested in all the combinations.
Location- GCC and UK
Field- Strategy consulting and Implementation Consulting
Being an Indian Citizen and having UK student Visa (Currently). Which combination has the highest chances of getting me an entry level job considering the location, field and me being a fresher. So I should focus primarily on that (Which field at what Location).
That is a very structured way to approach your job search, and focusing on probability right now is the right strategic move. We can eliminate the lowest probability option immediately: Strategy Consulting in the UK.
The primary hurdle for non-local candidates seeking entry-level roles in the UK is visa sponsorship. While you have a student visa now, firms have to weigh the added cost, risk, and administrative burden of sponsoring your post-study work visa against hiring a candidate who requires none of that. For a fresher role, this is often the deciding factor, regardless of how good your interviews are.
The highest probability play is combining location and field to maximize demand and minimize visa complexity. Right now, that means focusing on Implementation Consulting in the GCC, specifically Riyadh or Dubai. The sheer volume of transformation and delivery work stemming from Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia means all firms (MBB included, but especially the Tier 2 and large systems integrators) are hiring for capacity. Visa sponsorship in the GCC is standard operating procedure for every expat hire, removing the competitive disadvantage you face in the UK.
While Strategy Consulting remains the ultimate aspiration, the headcount for implementation roles is vastly larger. Your immediate strategy should be to target the implementation arms of major consultancies in the GCC. Once you are in the firm, transferring internally to a pure strategy track is a much clearer, lower-risk path than trying to win a coveted few strategy spots as an international fresher.
All the best!
hi!
Given your situation (Indian citizen + currently on a UK student visa), your highest-probability path to an entry-level role is clearly Implementation Consulting in the UK.
You already meet the UK’s basic visa/availability requirements, and implementation/tech consulting teams hire significantly more fresh graduates than pure strategy teams. Strategy roles, in both the UK and GCC, tend to prefer prior experience and are far more competitive.
If we rank all combinations by likelihood of landing an offer as a fresher, it looks like this (my judgement):
BR Alessa
I don't think the field makes a big difference in your chances (meaning, strategy vs implementation).
Location-wise, I think the UK would be better for you just because you studied there, there is some link as to why you are applying there.
From your description, I understand you have no direct connection to the GCC aside from being interested in working there. That's typically not sufficient to pass screening.
When you're thinking about how to approach the application process, you might find this guide useful:
Best,
Cristian
Hi there,
In general the UK tends to be more structured and predictable for entry level hiring (i.e. set application windows, campus pipelines, consistent interview formats for you to prep), especially if you already have a student visa, so that combination often gives you the highest odds. GCC offices can be very attractive but usually prefer some experience or strong referrals, and implementation roles there tend to be more accessible than pure strategy. If your priority is securing a role by Sep 2026, focusing on UK applications first while keeping GCC as a parallel option and building your profile and network over the next year is a smart approach.
