UK Non-Target → Poland FO / Consulting (Realistic Path?)

Hi all,

I’m trying to sense-check how realistic it is to break into front office finance (IB/M&A) or strategy consulting in Poland coming from a UK non-target.

Background:

• 1st Class BSc Economics, Top 25 overall in the UK and top 10 for economics. (acceptable non-target roughly speaking)
• Summer Analyst in Risk + return offer
• Had a insight day at a MBB firm
• Public policy advisory exposure at the Polish Consulate in London.

I’m currently uncertain on the best path to pick I have applied to LSE for masters (very late in the cycle as I predominantly focused on securing graduate roles), I also have the safety of going back into risk management for a 2 year grad scheme. 

However i’m not too keen on the long term trajectory of risk management particularly as I want to live in Poland and it’s lack of any client exposure, hence is it worth risking withdrawing and going all in on securing a more aligned internship in Poland post graduation + high gmat and early apps to top European masters?

I was considering doing a masters at SGH however from networking and coffee chat insights it’s been made aware to me that it would very redundant given my UK undergrad.

Key question:

Given this background, is Poland (Warsaw) a realistic entry point into:

• IB / M&A
• Big 4 TAS / Deal Advisory
• Tier 2 / MBB consulting

Specifically:

1. How do Polish employers view UK non-targets vs SGH / Kozminski?
2. Is starting in something like risk → lateraling realistic, or a dead end?
3. Would doing a  EU/UK master’s (e.g. LSE / Bocconi / SSE / RSM) materially change outcomes for Poland?
4. What’s the actual hiring bar in Warsaw IB / consulting for entry-level?

Would really appreciate honest takes, especially from anyone who’s recruited in Poland or made a similar move.