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!
