Tell us a bit about yourself, and what you studied?

My name is Jaakko, originally from Finland and I am currently studying BSc Management with Marketing at WBS.  

What attracted you to WBS, why did you choose to study here?

Apart from the course and the rankings, along with the high employability opportunities and quality of education, the fact that WBS is so new really affected my decision when decided where to study my undergraduate degree. When I say new, I don’t mean the building I mean the fresh perspectives and innovations that are taught in the modules. Along with the world-class research that the academics undertake at WBS. For me, it is important to stay on the cutting edge of research and study something that will prepare me for the real world, which is why WBS was an obvious choice for me.

What is the best thing about the degree? For example, classmates, group work, lecturers, visiting staff.

The best thing about my degree is the balance and diversity of the modules available. I do not have a huge interest in finance, but having studied the compulsory finance modules I feel like I have a much more mature view into the world of business and management.  At the same time, my degree offers a wide variety of elective modules to choose from so I can focus on the topics that I am most interested in. One of the best things about my degree programme is that it gives every student the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of business whilst allowing you to delve deeper into the topics you are most passionate about.

How did you find having a personal tutor, have they helped you throughout your studies?

My personal tutor has been a crucial part of my extra-curricular activity while at WBS as well as helping me with internship applications and preparing for competitions. They have supported me in tailoring my CV, cover letters and providing reference letters and I feel really lucky that WBS provides such great support to its students.

What has inspired you most throughout your studies?

Although the professors and my personal tutor have been a huge help and motivation, I’ve been inspired even more by the students on my course. I have befriended some of the kindest, smartest and funniest people I know. When I observe the amazing initiatives my friends are starting, it inspires me and gives me the motivation to do the same.

What sort of support did you receive from the careers team? How has that helped you?

The WBS CareersPlus team have provided really useful guides and online material for internship applications. In addition to this, they have given personalised support to me when working on my CV and cover letters. The support I have received from the team has been a big reason why I managed to get an internship this summer.

Have you taken part in any projects, internships or work experience while being a student? Where did you go/what did you do and how did your modules help you during that time?

I’ve been involved in several projects and competitions throughout my first year, one of them being the “Change Our Space” competition, organized by WBS. This year, I qualified to the top 15 in the nation-wide Management Undergraduate of the Year competition, and I also worked part-time during my first year at the Warwick Library.

During the summer I did a marketing internship in Finland and I continue doing remote work for the same company during my second year of studies. These experiences have enabled me to use the theoretical and practical knowledge I have learnt from my course.

Are you a member of any SU clubs or societies? What benefits did you get from that?

As the Founder and President of Warwick Graphic Design and Marketing Society, I am able to help other students on a daily basis. Whether it’s in organizing workshops or writing blog posts, I am happy to contribute to students’ development in these fields. The experience of founding a new society has taught me invaluable skills in leadership, strategic thinking and time management. The biggest benefit has been networking with more people who are passionate about the same things I am.

Do you use the sports centre, visit the Arts Centre, attend club nights on campus, or have any hobbies you enjoy?

I regularly use the gym and the Sports and Wellness Hub which is a great way to release any stress amid hectic studies and society work. I also regularly use Warwick Arts Centre which is a hidden gem on campus for providing an optimal space for studying.

What do you aim to do once you graduate?

I am very passionate about marketing and therefore my future career path will definitely be in this area of business. However, I am still debating on the exact area of marketing that I would like to focus on. I am unsure whether I would like to join a marketing agency or a marketing department within a larger company such as Google, or alternatively whether I should start my own marketing agency. Going forward in my studies the many marketing modules I am studying will be a huge help in defining which area of marketing I would like to focus on.

Do you feel that your degree is preparing you for your next steps?

I feel that my degree is providing me with a great overview of all elements of a business, which will be pivotal in my future career as a marketer. The practical modules I have studied have shown me the importance of value proposition and understanding target customer problems. In addition to this, my degree has improved my confidence enormously. Through group works, presentations and a self-reflection module, I’ve grown to understand that I have opinions worth sharing. Before joining WBS I felt anxious to think about leading a group or delegating tasks, simply because I didn’t believe in myself enough. However, even after just one year at WBS, I now feel ready to adopt a leadership position even in unfamiliar contexts and groups. These skills, among many others, will be of immeasurable help in my career and future life.

What top tip would you give to prospective undergraduate students who are deciding if WBS is the right place for them?

My top tip for future students decided on whether WBS is the right place for them would be to remember that within the field of business employers are always looking for experience and evidence of your skills. So when weighing up your choices on where to study keep these three things in mind:

1. Fellow students - Do you study in an environment where you’re surrounded by change makers and inspiring people?
2. Societies and events - Are there enough opportunities to feed your passions?
3. Style of teaching and module structures - Do you have practical modules where you get to apply your learning to real-life situations and develop your skills?

What top tip would you give to a student who is about to start at WBS?

For students who are about to begin their educational journey at WBS, my top tip is to take advantage of all the opportunities you are given. Whether it’s participating in a competition organised by WBS, a society event or something else make sure you take part. I have found that almost all my successes stem from fully immersing myself in my learning and by ignoring any self-doubt and just doing my best. If something doesn’t work out for you there are always new opportunities on the horizon, and if you fully engage in your learning there are no limits to what you can achieve. I have been a student at WBS for over a year now and as I begin my second year I am I still finding new ways which WBS moves me forward in my career and personal development.