Tell us a bit about yourself, and what course you studied at WBS?
My name is Jinesh Timbadia from Singapore, and I studied BSc Accounting & Finance at Warwick Business School, graduating in June 2020. During my time at WBS, I was active in various clubs, sports and societies – for example, playing competitive cricket, being a member of Warwick Finance Society and being a WBS Ambassador. WBS has played a big role in nurturing me into who I am today. Having graduated, I look back on three amazing years that taught me how to be an all-rounded individual and one that embodies the CORE values.
What attracted you to WBS?
As an international student, I did not have the chance to come to an open day. However, I did want to know more about the university before making a decision. With just one email to WBS, they planned an online meeting with me and answered all my questions. Immediately this made me feel welcome as they had gone out of their way to give me the best possible glimpse of what student life at WBS was like albeit being 7000 miles away. Besides this, WBS is one of the best business schools in the country. Rankings aside, having spent three years studying here, I can attest to the life-long bonds you have with your tutors, staff and peers.
What was the best thing about your degree?
The best thing about my time at WBS would definitely be the relationships I have made, both personal and professional. I believe I have been one of the lucky few to have worked closely with the marketing department, the careers services and the undergraduate team. This has exposed me to the various operations that WBS undertakes and being at the forefront has allowed me to network with various people. I am a firm believer of networking and this exposure allowed me to enhance my soft skills. At WBS, I have also made many personal friendships that I am certain will last me a lifetime.
How did you find having a personal tutor?
A personal tutor is an academic member of staff that oversees your progress and ensures you are on the right track as you progress through university. Academia aside, they are also there for any support you may need. Personally, I was very close to my personal tutor. Apart from the mandatory once a term meeting, I would meet with her on a fortnightly basis just to discuss my progress and share my experiences. On many occasions, I was given great insight based on her personal experience that motivated me and helped me understand issues from a wider perspective. Whatever I shared with my personal tutor was confidential and that trust was never broken. That helped me be as open as I needed and ultimately having this safe haven was a blessing that helped me overcome any obstacles I had during my time at Warwick.
What sort of support did you receive from the careers team?
At WBS, you are in a unique position as you have unprecedented access to WBS CareersPlus. This is a platform that is only accessible to students from the business school. CareersPlus have played a huge role in shaping my today. Here, you get access to various sessions such as one-to-one CV checks, career counselling, or even mock interview and assessment centre practices. CareersPlus reviewed my CV multiple times to make sure it is in excellent condition before sending it off for applications. They also prepared my for the interviews that companies hold and I have them to primarily thank for successfully getting a graduate job!
Were you a member of any SU clubs or societies?
I was a member of the University of Warwick Men’s Cricket Club (UWMCC). Cricket has always been an activity that I enjoy and a stress buster for when I am cluttered with work. Being at UWMCC provided me with the opportunity to make numerous friends and enabled me to play against some of the best universities during competition season. When under work pressure, I used this as an avenue to relax and sweat the tension out.
Did you use the sports centre, visit the Arts Centre, or attend club nights on campus?
Having been part of a competitive sports team, the main facility I utilised was the sports centre. The sports centre is a state-of-the-art complex that has almost every sporting facility you can think of. There are more than 250 clubs and societies you can join at Warwick and I am certain you will be able to find some that fit your personality. Warwick hosts a clubs and societies fair at the start of every academic year so be sure to check out the clubs and have a taste of what you enjoy the most!
Do you feel that your degree is preparing you for your next steps?
Having completed my BSc Accounting & Finance course, I definitely feel ready to enter the corporate world. Most of us have heard that academics alone does not prepare us for the real world. However, at WBS we get a lot more than just academia. There are various courses and workshops that you could attend during your time here that help you prepare for the next stage. Some of these workshops include the Bloomberg Market Concepts programme or the Excel workshop. Such programmes ensure you develop you individually and hone your interpersonal skills such as teamwork, leadership and rigour.
What top tip would you give to prospective undergraduate students who are deciding if WBS is the right place for them?
Ask as many questions to as many people! We have all heard the phrase “there is no such thing as a stupid question”. This is especially true when deciding your university and career path. There is no chance that you would be able to get all the information you desire as every individual has a unique university experience, however, by asking as many questions and going to as many meetings as possible, you get a wide array of what could be your experience at WBS.
What top tip would you give to a student who is about to start at WBS?
‘Throw yourself in the deep end’ - this is something that I tell many prospective students. University is more than just academics – it is an incredible experience that brings out the best in you. Education sharpens your academic mind but there is a multitude of other activities that aid you in becoming the successful image you have in your mind. WBS is an amazing platform that encourages the balance between education, corporate experience and lifestyle. Speak to friends or message people on LinkedIn that have had the opportunity to experience Warwick and find out how to make the best of your time. Most importantly, enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime experience!