How an MSc at Warwick can help guide your future career

Arafat Aziz is a WBS alum from MSc Management, now thriving at National Grid. His journey reflects how WBS equips students with the resilience, adaptability, and practical skills needed to turn challenges into career success.

My journey to landing offers in both the corporate and public sectors in the UK taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and self-discovery. When I joined Warwick Business School in September 2023, I was determined to pursue a career in consulting.

What career support is on offer at WBS?

With guidance from the WBS CareersPlus team, I learned to pivot strategically and focus on roles that aligned more closely with my commercial and strategic interests. This experience not only reshaped my career outlook but also reinforced the importance of resilience and a growth mindset in today’s competitive job market.

When I first started applying for roles, I was convinced that consulting was the perfect fit for my interests and skillset. I began reflecting on my strengths, weaknesses, and the changing demands of the job market, supported by the invaluable career coaching sessions offered by WBS.

Through this process, I discovered that I was better suited to roles that addressed the commercial and strategic needs of organisations. This insight proved pivotal. It taught me that flexibility and openness to new opportunities are key, especially when navigating an unfamiliar job market.

I also learned to balance focus with flexibility in my applications. Rather than applying to every open role, I concentrated on positions that resonated with my WBS experience and long-term goals. This refined approach led to more positive responses and meaningful progress in my job search.

As a postgraduate student with limited professional experience, I initially targeted graduate schemes and entry-level positions. One critical insight I gained through WBS CareersPlus was the importance of timing - most graduate programmes open applications almost a year before the start date. Regular updates and curated opportunities shared by the CareersPlus team were instrumental in keeping me on track.

How will my MSc help me in my career?

Researching target companies became another cornerstone of my preparation. It not only enhanced my understanding of different roles but also gave me confidence ahead of interviews and assessment centres. The mock assessment sessions hosted by CareersPlus were especially helpful in simulating real-life recruitment processes.

Before each final interview, I reached out to CareersPlus for personalised guidance. Their support exceeded my expectations - they went beyond standard advice to research specific companies and help me tailor my preparation.

Of course, not every application journey ended in success. I learned to channel that disappointment into motivation. Now, after a year with National Grid, I can confidently say that perseverance and openness to change are essential. You never know which opportunity will ultimately align best with your strengths until you take the leap.

The career journey of a postgraduate student is rarely straightforward. It’s a process filled with learning, reflection, and personal growth. My time at Warwick Business School taught me that resilience and adaptability are just as crucial as technical knowledge. By staying focused, learning from setbacks, and making use of the exceptional support available through WBS CareersPlus, I found a role that I truly enjoy and a career path that aligns with my aspirations.