How the WBS Careers Team can support plans beyond your MSc

Minh Anh Lee and Diala Darwish share how the Careers Team at Warwick Business School supported their professional development during their MSc.

What motivated you to engage with the Careers Team at WBS?

Minh: After arriving in the UK to study MSc Business Analytics, I quickly became aware of how competitive the job market is. While I had strong academic performance and some internship experience, I realised there was a gap between my potential and how ready I was for professional roles. I knew I needed more strategic guidance, which led me to book a one-to-one session with the Careers Team.

Diala: As an MSc Marketing and Strategy student, the pressure of securing a job after graduation felt constant. Balancing coursework with career planning became overwhelming at times. I decided to engage with the Careers Team early on, and from my first interaction, the experience felt personal and reassuring, which helped ease a lot of that anxiety.

How did the one-to-one support impact your approach to career preparation?

Diala: The one-to-one sessions were tailored to my individual goals, which made the advice feel practical and relevant. I was encouraged to speak openly about my concerns and aspirations, and in return, I received clear, structured guidance.

This helped me feel more in control of my career planning.

Minh: The sessions were highly practical and insightful. I learned how to reshape my CV by focusing on measurable impact rather than listing responsibilities. It also helped me understand how to position myself more competitively in the UK job market, despite being at an earlier stage in my career.

What specific skills or strategies did you develop through this support?

Minh: One of the most valuable lessons was understanding how to present my profile from an employer’s perspective. I began tailoring my applications more carefully, highlighting achievements, and communicating my value more clearly. This made my approach far more strategic.

Diala: For me, networking and personal branding stood out. I refined my LinkedIn profile and became more intentional about building connections. As a result, I started to see increased engagement and even opportunities emerging through my network, which was very encouraging.

How did the Careers Team support your interview preparation?

Diala: I booked a session focused specifically on interview preparation, which helped me understand what employers are looking for and how to structure my answers effectively. It made me feel more confident and prepared when approaching interviews.

Minh: Interview preparation gave me clarity and structure. I became more confident in presenting my experiences and responding to common questions. Instead of feeling uncertain, I felt equipped to handle interviews more effectively.

Beyond one-to-one sessions, what other experiences added value?

Minh: The Careers Team provided valuable insight into the expectations of the UK job market. This helped me shift my mindset from feeling discouraged by rejection to seeing each step as part of my development.

Diala: Attending CareersPlus events, such as the session with AlphaSights, gave me direct exposure to employers and industry insights. I also had the opportunity to connect with a WBS alum, which provided reassurance and a clearer understanding of the transition from study to work.

How has your perspective changed since starting your MSc?

Diala: I have moved from feeling anxious about the future to feeling more confident and prepared. The support I received helped me approach my career with greater clarity and direction.

Minh: My mindset has shifted from uncertainty to strategy. I now understand how to translate my strengths into a competitive advantage and approach my career development with purpose.

What advice would you give to future students?

Minh: Be proactive and make full use of the support available. The earlier you engage, the more effectively you can shape your career direction.

Diala: Stay open, seek guidance, and take action. The Careers Team is there to support you, and making use of those resources can make a significant difference to your experience and confidence.