years
coaching and mentoring university students and young professionals
coaching hours
supporting mentees with UK adaptation, job searches and career journeys since 2013
years
navigating United Kingdom, recruitment processes and corporate culture
engagements
including speeches, Q&As, workshops and mentorships with UK universities
My journey
I arrived in the UK in 2008 as an international student to study A-levels and went on to do Economics at the University of Manchester as an undergrad. Since then, I had a successful 10 year career at PwC London, earned an MBA from the University of Oxford, and worked as a strategy consulting manager at McKinsey & Company.
I know the pressure to succeed that is placed on international students. The time, investment and sacrifice. Family expectations to make the most out of this opportunity. But sometimes trying hard and doing your best is not enough.
Ever since I started my career, I mentored British and international university students to help them secure their dream jobs after graduation. I advised on CVs, skill building and interview prep whenever somebody reached out to me for help. I wanted to be the person I wish I had when I was starting out.
I was involved in PwC and McKinsey recruitment, speaking at campus events, mentoring (McKinsey's Make Your Mark and Future Talent), carrying out interviews and ACs. I helped hundreds of students, from undergraduates to MBAs, secure their dream jobs in the UK.
Mentorship and coaching has always been my favourite part of the corporate journey. And this is why I created UKey, Your key to the UK: to continue doing what I love and see others succeed.
Mary
"Mary walked me through how recruiters actually read, why my formatting was working against me, and how ATS tools rank applications.
She cut the noise and helped me frame my experience around the skills target roles truly screen for. I left with a one page CV that finally felt like me and a clear plan for interviews and applications.
It felt like having a coach who genuinely cares and is willing to support you all the way. "
- Mikaal, University of
Loughborough
"Mary came to my rescue when I was starting to give up hope. She helped me improve my profile by suggesting which experiences would help demonstrate the skills employers need.
What I really appreciated was the honesty - she never avoided the fact that getting a graduate job was not easy. At the same time, she made me believe I could do it if I prepare the smart way.
It's very much the "work smart, not hard" approach, and I am glad Mary showed me the way"
- Anonymous, University of Bath
"Mary combines sharp insight with targeted, granular feedback across the entire application process (CVs, cover letters through to interview prep).
Her consistent ability to pose thoughtful, guiding questions helped spark deep reflection during and beyond my MBA journey.
Her generosity, energy, and ability to go above and beyond are truly inspiring, and I would encourage anyone to seize the opportunity to connect with her."
- Anurag R, University of Oxford
About UKey methodology
Clear Path to Graduate Career Confidence
At UKey, we believe international students unlock their fullest potential when they access culturally attuned, strategic, and action‑oriented career guidance. That’s why our proprietary UKey Career Framework™ is purpose-built for driven students from global backgrounds: helping build clarity, confidence, and momentum toward a fulfilling UK career.
Reflect deeply. Build clarity.
We begin with the basics:
- Understanding career goals, motivations, values, strengths, and gaps
- Educating on the realities of the UK graduate job market, visa sponsorship, and the tools successful candidates use in their job search
This is about more than skill-mapping or visa information. We are aligning the student's identity as an international student with their ambitions in the context of the UK labour market opportunities, giving them a realistic lens on what is possible.
Students will work through several personal assessment exercises and will receive an extensive action list to address immediate gaps, plus guidance for deeper exploration and self-reflection.
Bridge strengths to real-world impact.
We work on developing and refining transferable skills most valued by UK employers. These include, but are not limited to: problem-solving, teamwork, communication, initiative. We will do so by ensuring they identify and get relevant UK experiences to strengthen their profile:
- Part-time jobs
- Internships
- Competitions
- Volunteering opportunities
Together, we will find the balance that works best for them, considering their skill gaps, interests, career goals, and personal circumstances.
In most cases, it’s crucial to go beyond academia to build practical skills, rooted not only in theory, but also in hands-on experience within UK work and social cultures.
Focus to ensure efficiency and quality.
The next step is to convert their insights and developed skills into a bespoke career strategy. We craft a targeted and actionable plan: from identifying the right industries and subsectors, to building their own Target Employer List.
Students will receive detailed guidance on key industries and their attitudes towards visa sponsorship, and learn where to find the right roles and companies.
We will also cover how to network effectively as a university student to stand out amongst other applicants.
Job search success starts long before clicking “submit” on the application.
Execute with pride and purpose.
Armed with their strategy, the students will approach job applications with detailed insights and tailored preparation. They will understand application timings, learn how to write professional CVs and cover letters, and gain clarity on ATS and psychometric testing nuances.
Beyond this, they will confidently tackle graduate interviews and assessment centres as we teach them how to showcase their unique story and strengths.
Being an international student is an asset: global mindset, resilience, and problem-solving give them a competitive edge in recruitment... if they can tell that story well!
Choose the right next step with clarity.
Finally, we make sure the students don’t just take any job... they take the right job for them. We help evaluate job offers and alternative pathways like pursuing a master’s, staying on Graduate Route or moving to another country.
This step ensures each career move resonates with their aspirations, circumstances and strengths. We also cover resilience as an asset that will serve them throughout their whole life, not just the career journey.
Uncertainty is scary, but with our help the students will be able to make a decision that is right for them.
Why work with UKey
UKey transforms international students’ potential into lasting career success, combining lived experience with insider strategies from the world’s top employers.
Authenticity
Founded by an international student turned PwC auditor and McKinsey consultant, UKey brings hard-earned insights no textbook can teach.
Precision
Every lesson, tool, exercise, and framework is designed for international students navigating visas, UK culture, study pressure and competition.
Impact
Our methodology delivers measurable progress: stronger profiles, sharper applications, better interview performance , and higher conversion rates.
Empowerment
We don’t just prepare students for their first job after graduation; we equip them with a versatile toolkit they will use for the rest of their career.
UKey is uniquely tailored to help international students not only adapt to life in the UK but also build the confidence, connections, and career skills needed to truly thrive.
- Jinran W, University of Warwick
Connect on LinkedIn
I am always open to new connections on LinkedIn, where you will find my public profile as well as our UKey company page. Follow me for the latest news and insights on UK employability
Got a question?
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