Breaking barriers: The story of Ibrahim Malik and the WBS Foundation Year

“Every day I felt like the odds were stacked against me.”  

These words from Ibrahim Malik encapsulate the struggle, resilience, and ultimate triumph of a young man who refused to be defined by his circumstances.  

As Warwick Business School’s Foundation Year reaches its 10-year milestone, Ibrahim’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and opportunity. 

His story begins in 2005 when his family emigrated from Pakistan to the UK, settling in one of the country’s most deprived postcodes in Halifax. 

Growing up in a working-class household, the realities of hardship were not apparent to Ibrahim until his teenage years. His neighbourhood, characterised by high crime rates, was simply home – a place where community bonds provided a sense of security amid economic struggle. 

Despite financial challenges, education was non-negotiable in the Malik household. His mother, recognising the power of knowledge, dedicated herself to ensuring her children had access to the best opportunities available.  

Through sheer determination, Ibrahim secured a place at North Halifax Grammar School, a stepping stone that his family celebrated as a triumph. His elder sister went on to graduate from King’s College London, further reinforcing the family’s commitment to higher education. However, his parents’ academic achievements in Pakistan held little recognition in the UK, a reality that fuelled Ibrahim’s drive to succeed. 

The unseen challenges 

For Ibrahim, ambition was never lacking, but the pathway to success was littered with obstacles.  

“I frequently feel like giving up with university,” he admits, “but it is not an option.”  

Self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the pressure of financial independence has weighed heavily on his shoulders.  

Unlike many of his peers, Ibrahim lacks the networks and prior exposure to the corporate world. His A level results did not reflect his true potential, limiting his access to traditional university entry routes. Yet, he has refused to be deterred. 

The WBS Foundation Year became his gateway to higher education – a course specifically designed to bridge the gap for students whose backgrounds had presented barriers to conventional university entry.  

Crucially, the programme is free, with the £5,760 fee covered by a scholarship for all who successfully gain entry. For Ibrahim, it eliminated a financial hurdle that might have otherwise been insurmountable.  

More than just an academic stepping stone, the year-long course provided Ibrahim with the skills, confidence, and environment needed to thrive at one of the UK’s leading business schools.

Ibrahim’s resilience was forged through personal trials. From an early age, he observed his parents’ financial struggles, prompting him to seek ways to earn his own income and alleviate the burden on his family. Ibrahim spent time as a labourer on construction sites, worked on IT service desks and became a bouncer in Leamington during his Foundation Year. 

Unwanted isolation led him to develop an intense focus on self-improvement – whether through academic excellence, fitness, or financial independence.  

His commitment to personal growth was evident even as a teenager; his impressive physical transformation in the gym, his academic achievements, and his ability to secure his own financial stability all became sources of confidence.  

“Confidence came from proving to myself that I was able to be successful,” he reflects. 

Yet, success was not just about personal gain. For Ibrahim, it was about honouring the sacrifices of his parents – who left their lives and family in Pakistan behind. His ultimate ambition is not merely to carve out a career, but to create financial security for his family, including paying off his parents’ mortgage.  

“This opportunity gives me the chance to make life easier for those around me,” he says. “It gives my parents pride in me and my journey.” 

The power of opportunity 

Ibrahim’s story is emblematic of the very essence of the Foundation Year. Designed for students who may have faced setbacks or barriers to education, the programme offers a second chance – a chance that can redefine futures.  

For many, reaching a Russell Group university is simply out of reach due to circumstances beyond their control. This initiative has been a lifeline, proving that potential cannot be measured solely by grades or privilege. 

Now, 10 years on, the Foundation Year continues to break down barriers, nurturing students who might otherwise have been overlooked. Ibrahim, like many others before him, has demonstrated that determination, when paired with opportunity, can lead to remarkable achievements. 

Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledges the difficulties but embraces them as part of his growth.  

“It has shown me that this place breeds successful people, and lots struggle to make it to this point,” says Ibrahim. “I must exhaust the opportunity that I have been gifted with.”  

His success at WBS stands as a powerful reminder that where you start in life does not have to dictate where you finish as he is expecting a 2:1 in his course and wants to peruse a career in the finance industry. 

As the Foundation Year celebrates a decade of impact, Ibrahim’s journey embodies its purpose – ensuring that talent and ambition are never limited by circumstance.  

His story is not just one of perseverance; it is proof that when given the right opportunities, students like Ibrahim can defy the odds and forge their own paths to success. 

Find out about more of our Change Makers at Warwick Business School.