Residential Weeks on the Global Online MBA

Face-to-face interaction is an essential element of the Global Online MBA programme at Warwick Business School, and this is delivered through two separate Residential Weeks in your first year of study.

These intensive periods of study include the beginning of teaching for one module through lectures, case studies, seminars, group work and assessment briefings; provide an opportunity to network and socialise with your cohort; and allow you to focus on yourself as a leader, as well as providing the opportunity for careers and professional development support.

Here, some of our Global Online MBA participants talk about their experiences with the Residential Weeks and what you can expect.

Paolo Barile - Global Online MBA (London)

During my first Residential Week, I vividly remember a breakout session where a peer from a radically different industry raised some challenges to which I could perfectly relate, highlighting the universal nature of business and leadership issues. This interaction, along with others during the week, allowed us to apply theoretical knowledge from modules like Organisational Behaviour or Strategy to our experiences, crafting practical solutions collaboratively.

Beyond the classroom, networking continued very naturally - whether it was at a bar near The Shard, a sports bar, or during a Thames cruise. These relaxed contexts fostered not only professional exchanges but also fun moments, blending enjoyment with opportunity.

The most striking aspect for me has been that all this interaction with the other peers wasn't forced, I have never felt for a moment that I was pushing myself to entertain those conversations: it has always felt highly natural!

The Residential Weeks wasn't just about networking. We were also taught the first lessons of the Operations Management module, where the teaching staff fostered engaging and dynamic participation in the lessons, encouraging us to share our experiences and even providing examples where many, if not all, of us could relate to, which I realise is not an easy task with an audience coming from all over the world. Another great memory is from the teaching on leadership and development, not just because it forced us to focus on our own strengths and weaknesses, but also because it allowed us to give a structure and reference to recognise them in others, which I think is crucial in a leader's career.

My advice to new students approaching their first Residential Week is to immerse yourself fully. The value extends beyond formal classroom sessions into every conversation at the coffee break or casual chat post-class. Don’t miss out - engage deeply to leverage this unparalleled opportunity to its fullest.

Oladoyin Adelowotan - Global Online MBA (Warwick)

I love the fact that the Global Online MBA incorporates the social aspect of life to the programme by providing face-to-face engagement and interaction with the teaching team and my cohort during Residential Weeks. These are two seperate weeks where we all come together as a cohort to integrate and collaborate with our lectures, work together as a syndicate, brainstorm on group work, and attend social events.

I am an introvert, but leveraging the social events organised during the Residential Week has helped me to be intentional about networking and socialising. Now, I have a growth mindset that leadership is also about networking and interacting with others beyond the strategic meetings and Teams calls at work.

The Residential Week brings groups of students to WBS from all corners of the globe. Students get to know each other beyond the classroom environment and develop lifelong relationships. The different unique cultures, diversity, perspectives, and experiences made the Residential Week dynamic and enriching. I have made amazing networks and friends that are going to transcend beyond WBS.

Tosh Asoako - Global Online MBA (Warwick)

My highlight at the Residential Week was connecting with my cohort outside of classrooms. The WBS Global Online MBA is made up of students from around the world and across different sectors. Getting to know them on a personal level has truly broadened my perspective and given me an appreciation of the diversity of the student body.

The programme offered occasions to network through lunch, dinner and social events, but it was also important for me to be proactive and find extra time to get to know my cohort outside of these organised events. I wouldn’t have ever known some of the many interesting things that my peers are involved in through their work if it wasn’t for these extra efforts.

My advice to make the most of Residential Week is to be open to others about your MBA experience. If you are struggling with the class materials, time management, deciding which course to take etc, it is likely that other members of your cohort are thinking the same or have gone through a similar experience as you are going through. Don’t be afraid of being judged and start sharing your experience. You will be surprised by how much people are willing to have genuine conversation about their own experiences too.

Discover more about our Global Online MBA programme.