'Barely any companies want to sponsor': Indian working in the UK warns against pursuing a Master's there, here's why

The UK job market is in turmoil, and rising political tensions, fueled by anti-immigrant protests, are making things even worse. A Redditor from India who had moved to the UK for a master's in Data Science two years ago is now warning others to think twice before following the same path, pointing to an exceptionally tough job search scenario that has left many struggling.

The UK hosts over 180,000 Indian students currently, making it one of the top five destinations for studying abroad.

The Redditor's post cuts through the typical success stories, urging, "Think twice before doing a Master's in the UK. Job search is very difficult."

Why you should think twice before doing a Master's in UK. Job search is very difficult
byu/renblaze10 inIndians_StudyAbroad

They explain that, despite having a job, they find it nearly impossible to switch roles since "barely any companies want to sponsor."

They reveal that most of their classmates returned to India after failing to secure jobs, noting, "Too expensive to survive here on a loan, and the only other option was to continue working in a store or restaurant, which they were already doing for almost a year."

They add that the situation is even more dire for fresh graduates and caution against coming to the UK if: "You need to take a loan over 20L, have less than 2 years of work experience, or are studying a non-shortage field like business management."

According to them, the only safe bet right now is in the medical field, where a massive shortage of doctors and related roles practically guarantees a job and visa.

How did people respond?

In the comments, many shared similar stories of struggling to find jobs in the UK. One user wrote, "I know someone who did a Masters in Economics from LSE and has been looking for a job since graduating a few months ago. Had work ex in India as well. Talented guy. After seeing stories like that, it¡¯s not really conscionable anymore for me to suggest graduate studies in the UK."

Credit: Pixabay | Representational image

Another commenter emphasised the importance of strong academics or work experience before moving abroad: "This is the case pretty much everywhere. I've studied abroad and have to come back and then move to the Middle East. Multiple times, I've recommended people in this sub to not move abroad without solid experience or unless you're exceptional in academics. Logically thinking, why should they hire and sponsor someone with hardly any experience over a local."

A third warned that a similar trend is emerging in the USA: "H1Bs are no longer a priority even with experience (if you have close to 10yoe, you might find a job)." They warn, "Be very careful before jumping in. Universities profit from you, but ultimately, you'll have to pay everything back."

"Hope future students can read this and take a wise call. It pains to see some of my relatives kids struggling here in the UK. If you are coming here try for the best colleges and be fine if you have to go back," one commenter wrote, capturing the general sentiment.

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