Najae's Next Steps: Helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds

With our first cohort of Foundation Year students having just graduated, we caught up with Najae Hackett to reflect on his time at WBS and discuss his next steps as he aspires to become a teacher.

Some people may not realise but there is so much more to university than just your degree. You have a social life to balance, your studies and a future to plan for, applications along with other commitments. Being on the Foundation Year allowed me figure out how to balance many of these challenges at a manageable pace allowing me to gain experience and knowledge that I could then carry on into my first year.

Many of the foundation year modules either indirectly or directly prepared me for my first year. Half way through my first year studying BSc Management I realised the CORE learning module I had experienced during the foundation year was by far the most useful in developing my skillset in terms of essay writing and general writing techniques. My favourite module was Creativity and Innovation where the interesting readings along with the engaging seminars really changed my way of thinking, and was a pivotal point in my transition from college to university. The small cohort also gave me the opportunity to ask lots of questions and I received detailed feedback, which was always helpful in improving my learning and understanding.

I would recommend that all future Foundation Year students take advantage of the huge variety of clubs and societies on campus. I signed up to many societies including basketball, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, the Afro Caribbean Society (ACS) which I became heavily involved with throughout my time at university and more. Though I didn’t attend all society events I was able to filter what I liked and didn’t. I also helped to create a new society called ‘Flow’ which was a music-based society with over 100 members in our first year! We organised lots of events for students such as open mic nights, freestyle sessions, recording sessions and more. I was given the role of treasurer for the society, which meant I had to budget, request funds, consider pricing and plan costings for a range of events. Being involved in societies is a really valuable and rewarding experience, and I would definitely encourage future Foundation Year students to get involved with the clubs and societies available on campus.

Luckily, I benefited from a bursary whilst at WBS which really helped me focus on my studies and enjoy my social life with less stress focused on money. The support available from all the staff at WBS is amazing, they all have such a positive attitude and energy. The Undergraduate Programme team made me feel like WBS is my second home and it is clear to see how they genuinely care for all their students. For students joining the Foundation Year in the future I would say that my top tip is to make sure you visit your lecturers during your Foundation Year as much as possible, and really get to know them, as this relationship will be hugely beneficial as you continue your studies.

Throughout my time at WBS I have made life-long friendships, and the Foundation Year has given me the opportunity to enjoy my university experience whilst balancing my social life alongside my academic studies. After graduating, I always planned to enter the corporate world straight away but my experience during the foundation year and my journey throughout university has diverted my career path slightly. I now plan to go into teaching for a while before going into project management and this summer, I will be spending 6 weeks in Tanzania with Warwick teaching English. Once I return, I will be starting a two-year course with Teach First to gain teaching qualifications helping those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds like myself.

Our Foundation Year course is designed to prepare you for degree-level study. In a supportive environment, we are here to help you realise your ambitions and unleash your full potential.

To find out more about the Foundation Year course you can contact us via email or call us on +44 (0)24 7615 1111.