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Work visa concern for International Students

France MBB & Big 4 spain UK
New answer on Feb 23, 2021
7 Answers
955 Views
Anonymous A asked on Feb 21, 2021

Hello,

I am an Indian student who is interested in MIM programs in Europe. I wish to break into Strategy Consulting. I have applied to schools in England, France, and Spain. I am well versed in English and decent in French. My priority order for countries is England>France>Spain. If I join a school in:

1. England: Find work within 2 years and obtain a Tier 2 visa.

2. France: Find work and obtain a work visa. Request transfer to UK if possible. (or) Apply directly to UK firms and request a Tier 2 visa sponsorship.

3. Spain: Find work and request transfer to UK or France if possible (or) Apply directly to UK or French firms and request a visa sponsorship.

I may also fail to obtain employment and be forced to return to India.

I would highly appreciate comments regarding the plausibility of these 6 scenarios.

(edited)

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 21, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

First, wishing you the best of luck!

I'd flag that Spain is highly unlikely given that you don't speak Spanish. France will be difficult as well...decent French is far from the level required at a professional level.

Your priority order makes sense, and I think your best odds lie in the UK. Moreover, it seems you're trying to end up in the UK (France + Spain both include a UK transfer), so I would take the most direct route.

Please note that this route is a tough one and will require extensive networking, persistence, and flexibility in regards to target companies. I would encourage you to diversify and apply to both UK and Indian offices in order to maximize your odds.

Again, good luck!

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Adi
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replied on Feb 21, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Hey,

Few things to consider to help you with the decisions:

  1. Visa will be a major sticking point in UK and most of EU countries as the region comes out of COVID slowly. The job market is very tough at the moment but is projected to improve (obviously). Visa sponsorships will continue to be selective & competitive specially in UK. You must work a bit harder to network, find a job and a sponsor. So please make sure you thoroughly research the Visa requirements which can change one year to another. Dont overestimate the ease of finding a sponsor in the current climate
  2. Language (French/Spanish) skills are very important to do well on the job in France/Spain. Beginner level wont do it am afraid specially in Consulting jobs
  3. Am not sure how you have planned/approach the MiM-> Strategy Consutling route, you might be better off getting an MBA from a top school if more education is what you are after
  4. Other option could be to get into MBB/Accenture/Big4 in India and then transfer after 2-3 yrs

All the best!

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Ken
Expert
replied on Feb 23, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

The challenge especially for MBB will be being able to show you have a relevant background to the local office. Language is one thing but post MiM is still seen as an entry-level qualification where you will be competing against local candidates. Although MBB consultants, say MBB in London, do work regionally or globally, the underlying assumption is that they have the appropriate background to be serving UK clients. A one year masters is often challenging where typically the the average candidate has lived/studied at least 3-4 years in the UK.

The best mitigation if you are keen to find a more certain solution is to pursue an MBA. MBBs have global recruiting for top MBA programmes where various offices, especially London, will be far more flexible about your background.

Good luck!

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Clara
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replied on Feb 22, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

If you go to a target school, I would say chances are very very highy.

Do you want to share a bit about the schools and the companies with which you would be happy later (since it´s not the same saying that you want to do consulting than saying that you would only stay for MBB)

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Francesco
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replied on Feb 22, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Options 2 and 3 seem unlikely for what concerns local employment due to the fact you don’t speak the local language, unless you reach something close to C1 in French before graduation.

I would recommend you base your decision on data. You can have a look at people with your background who did a similar move in the past on LinkedIn and see which strategy worked best. Then define your strategy accordingly in terms of school and country.

Best,
Francesco

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 21, 2021
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi there,

On top of what has been mentioned already, the school cost might weigh your decision-making.

Whatever your decision will be, good luck!

GB

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Florian
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Content Creator
replied on Feb 22, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

The 1st route seems the most promising and in reality also the most commonly used one. I think it is very plausible and reasonable.

If it fails, you could start in India and then do a transfer after 1-2 years within the company...

Fingers crossed!

Cheers,
Florian

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