Starting the Full-time MBA at WBS

"The first few weeks of this course can be intense, and it takes determination to apply and commit to the MBA, but there is a lot of support from WBS to help you through". Michelle Cooper describes her unique experience starting the Full-time MBA via our online learning platform.  

How would I describe my experience starting at Warwick Business School (WBS)? I think this is a difficult question to answer because not only did I start my Full-time MBA journey, but I started my journey during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Typically, my answer would involve heading to campus for my first week, attending welcome events, and meeting my classmates in person. However due to the pandemic, this was not my experience. I began my semester as an online student in Canada due to some visa complications and when I was able to fly over, I did so immediately. I arrived at my house in Coventry and similar to most international students, I had to quarantine. This experience was made better by the fact that I was sharing a house with a few other students from my programme, who helped guide me through the logistics of setting up my student affairs, figuring out how to get to class and introducing me to all of their home cuisines. I am thankful to my roommates for making me feel at home when I was so far from home.

Once I arrived on campus, I was greeted by the rest of my cohort. Everyone was amicable, welcoming, and happy to meet one of the ‘online’ students. I quickly discovered that I was not the only one feeling anxious and consumed with nerves starting the Full-time MBA. I was happy to find people I could relate to and had things in common with. Although I felt prepared with all my notebooks ready to go, I also felt uneasy. It was reassuring knowing that other people felt the same way.

The first few weeks of this course can be intense, and it takes determination to apply and commit to the MBA, but there is a lot of support from WBS to help you through. All the clubs, committees, and assignments are allocated right away, and it can be overwhelming, but the trick is to remember why you are doing your MBA, and everything will come together.

The advice I would give to incoming students is not to get wrapped up in what other people are doing, what jobs they are applying for, and what electives they are taking. At the end of the day, this MBA is an individual process for everyone, and it is essential to stay true to yourself throughout the course. I look forward to what's to come with my MBA, and I hope that I can help future students who are starting their MBA journey. 

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