Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but for those in the UK, reality often hits hard after graduation. Many struggle to secure jobs despite earning a degree, and a UK-based lecturer has shared some candid observations on why this happens.
Posting on Reddit, the lecturer, who teaches at a UK university where 80% of the students are from India, pointed out key challenges Indian students face.
The lecturer, a dual British citizen, explained that most Indian students come to the UK for a one-year course with the hope of getting a permanent job and settling down. However, the harsh truth is that a degree alone is not enough to land a job in the UK.
“The problem is that many students are so focused on part-time jobs and covering living expenses that they neglect their studies. They are not building the skills, knowledge, or professional portfolios needed to compete in the UK job market. A UK degree alone will not secure a job; employers want more,” the lecturer explained.
One of the biggest issues the lecturer highlighted was poor communication skills among Indian students.
“The reality is that most Indian students I teach lack basic communication skills, confidence, and curiosity. They are shy, reserved, and often passive in their learning. This is a serious problem because employers in the UK value proactive, well-spoken, and adaptable candidates. If you don’t fit that mould, you won’t get hired.”
Another major issue is networking – or rather, the lack of it. The lecturer pointed out that Indian students often stick to their own community, spending most of their time with fellow Indians instead of interacting with a diverse group of people. This means they miss out on valuable professional connections that could help them land jobs.
“A degree alone is not enough; networking plays a huge role in securing opportunities. Employers already have stereotypes about Indian students, and unfortunately, many current students are reinforcing them by showing little initiative, poor communication skills, and a lack of engagement in their studies.”
The lecturer ended their post with an important message: “If you don’t have the right skills or the willingness to develop them, think carefully about your investment. Studying in the UK can open doors, but only if you take full advantage of it.”
Have a look at the full post here:
What are the hard truths about studying in the UK from non-Indian?
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Several people responded to the post by agreeing with what the lecturer had to say. It’s the hard truth – just a degree isn’t enough; one must work on securing additional skills.
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Students must focus on building skills, improving communication, engaging with their studies, and networking to have a real shot at securing jobs after graduation. Otherwise, many will find themselves returning to India with nothing but a degree and unfulfilled dreams.