UK Business Degree: Is PSW Worth It for Indian Jobs?

The UK’s two-year post-study work visa (Graduate Route) does make the UK a more attractive destination for international students, especially for those looking to gain valuable work experience before returning to their home country, like India. If your goal is to study business in the UK, benefit from the post-study work visa, and then return to India with international work experience, the UK can be an excellent choice for several reasons. Here's why:

1. Gaining International Work Experience

• Global Recognition of UK Education: The UK has some of the world's top business schools, including institutions like London Business School, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and many others. A business degree from these institutions is highly respected globally and can enhance your resume when seeking jobs back in India or anywhere else.

• Work Experience in a Global Hub: The UK is a major financial and business hub. Gaining work experience in sectors like finance, consulting, marketing, or management in cities like London, Manchester, or Bristol can be an asset, as employers in India will value the global exposure and the opportunity to have worked in a diverse, high-demand market.

2. The Graduate Route Advantage

• The two-year post-study work visa is a significant advantage because it allows you to work full-time after your studies, even in roles that may not be directly related to your degree. For business graduates, this can open up opportunities in startups, multinational companies, or consulting firms where you can gain hands-on experience.

• Having international work experience for two years gives you a competitive edge when applying for jobs back in India. Many Indian companies value work experience abroad, especially in business strategy, finance, and management, which are key areas of interest for many firms in India.

3. Networking and Building International Connections

• The UK has a diverse and multinational workforce, allowing you to build a global network of professional connections, which can be beneficial when seeking job opportunities in India. Employers in India often appreciate candidates who have exposure to international business practices and cross-cultural environments, which is something you can gain while working in the UK.

4. High-Quality Business Programs

• The UK offers a variety of highly regarded business programs that can give you the academic foundation needed for a successful career in business. Master's in Management (MiM), MBA, and other postgraduate business courses in the UK are specifically designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the global market. These programs also focus heavily on practical experience, case studies, and internships, which will help you build relevant work experience during your studies.

5. Cultural and Work Environment Experience

• The experience of working in a western business environment can give you insights into international business culture, management practices, and problem-solving techniques that may be different from those in India. This broadens your perspective and makes you more adaptable in a competitive job market, both globally and in India.

6. Competitive Edge in India

• Having UK-based work experience and a degree from a prestigious UK institution can significantly boost your prospects in India. Companies, especially multinational corporations (MNCs) and those in industries like finance, consulting, and marketing, often prefer candidates who have worked abroad, as it demonstrates global thinking and adaptability.

7. Ease of Transition Back to India

• If you're planning to return to India after two years, you may not face significant challenges in transitioning back to the Indian job market. In fact, your UK degree and work experience will likely make you more attractive to employers. You will have developed soft skills like leadership, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving that are in high demand in India.

Considerations

While the UK is an excellent choice for gaining international work experience, there are a few factors to consider before making your decision:

• Cost of Living: The UK can be expensive, particularly in cities like London. However, there are ways to manage this, such as living in more affordable cities like Manchester, Bristol, or Edinburgh.

• Job Market Conditions: The job market in the UK, especially for international students, can be competitive. However, the two-year visa does give you the freedom to explore job opportunities without the immediate pressure of needing to find work within a restricted time frame, as was the case under previous regulations.

• Post-Graduation Experience: While the Graduate Route gives you the freedom to work anywhere in the UK, your experience will largely depend on the industry you choose to enter and the job opportunities available. If you aim to work in finance, consulting, or business development, you will have better prospects in large cities like London or Edinburgh.

Conclusion

If your primary goal is to gain international business experience and then return to India, the UK’s two-year post-study work visa can be an excellent opportunity. The prestige of UK universities, combined with the flexibility of the Graduate Route, means you’ll be able to boost your employability back in India and enhance your career prospects. The work experience you gain in the UK can make you more competitive in the Indian job market, especially with multinational companies or businesses looking for individuals with global exposure.

So, yes, the UK is definitely a preferable destination for international students aiming for business courses if you want to leverage the two-year post-study work visa to gain experience and then return to India.