MSc International Business alum, Sanjna Verma, shares how her experience at Warwick Business School helped turn an unconventional academic journey into a global career, equipping her with the skills, confidence and global perspective to build a successful international career.
I chose WBS because I wanted more than academic excellence; I wanted a business school where ideas translated into real-world impact. Coming from a Liberal Arts background, I wasn't simply looking for a qualification, I was looking for an environment that would help me bridge my interdisciplinary education with the practical realities of global business.
Even before I applied, WBS stood out because of its international reputation, strong links with industry and its emphasis on turning theory into action. I was particularly impressed by the diversity of the cohort, as I knew learning alongside people from different countries and professional backgrounds would just as powerful as the curriculum itself.
One of the biggest attractions was the Business in Practice module. Rather than learning solely through lectures, we stepped into the shoes of senior leaders, analysing complex business scenarios and making strategic decisions in a realistic setting. It gave me first-hand experience of balancing commercial priorities, navigating uncertainty and thinking strategically, skills I continue to use every day.
Looking back, WBS exceeded my expectations. It didn't just strengthen my business knowledge; it transformed the way I think. It gave me the confidence to navigate international environments, challenge assumptions and approach business problems from a truly global perspective.
My academic journey has never followed a traditional path, and that has become one of my greatest strengths.
Growing up, I was influenced by two very different perspectives. My father, an entrepreneur, introduced me to the commercial side of business, while my mother, a soft skills trainer and author, taught me the importance of communication, empathy and understanding people. Together, they showed me that lasting success isn't driven by numbers alone; it's built through people, relationships and ideas.
After studying Business, Economics and Geography at school, I chose Liberal Arts at university, specialising in Media Studies and Anthropology while continuing to study Marketing, Finance, Consumer Behaviour and Organisational Behaviour. Researching topics such as Netflix's international business strategy reinforced my belief that business cannot be understood in isolation, it is shaped by culture, technology, people and global markets.
Pursuing the MSc International Business at WBS felt like the natural next step because it brought all of these interests together, combining international strategy, leadership, economics and cross-cultural management while giving me the commercial grounding and global perspective needed to build an international career.
My time at WBS was transformational, both professionally and personally.
Coming from an interdisciplinary background, I initially wondered how I would compare with students who had studied traditional business degrees. I quickly realised that there was no single “right” background. The diversity of experiences within the cohort was one of the programme's greatest strengths, making every discussion richer and every challenge more dynamic.
Through case studies, simulations, presentations and projects, we learned how to analyse complex business problems, evaluate strategic options and make decisions under pressure. Working with classmates from across the world also taught me how differently people approach leadership, communication and problem-solving, giving me first-hand experience of collaborating across cultures.
Outside the classroom, WBS provided countless opportunities to network with employers, attend guest lectures and connect with alumni. Those experiences gave me greater confidence in navigating the UK job market and helped me understand the expectations of global organisations. Looking back, I don't just remember what I learned, I remember how much I grew.
Before joining WBS, I had already explored very different corners of the professional world, from journalism at The Hindu Business Line to business analysis at American Express. Those experiences gave me a strong foundation, but WBS helped me connect the dots and turn a varied background into a clear career direction.
After graduating, I secured my current role through Totaljobs, a story I still find surreal because I now work for The Stepstone Group, the company behind one of the UK's largest recruitment platforms.
Today, I'm Partnership Manager for the UK and Ireland, where I build strategic partnerships that deliver long-term value for both our customers and our business My role sits at the intersection of relationship management, commercial strategy, project management and data analytics, while increasingly focusing on AI and digital transformation in recruitment.
Over the past three years I've been promoted, recognised with the Marketing Star award and selected for Stepstone's prestigious 10-under-30 programme. Each stage of my journey gave me something different: Liberal Arts taught me to think critically, American Express gave me my first understanding of how businesses operate, and WBS brought those worlds together, helping me turn curiosity into strategy and ideas into action.
The MSc International Business programme taught me to think strategically rather than just operationally. It encouraged me to consider the wider economic, cultural and competitive factors that influence business decisions, which I rely on regularly when working with partners across different markets.
The programme also strengthened my analytical skills and taught me how to approach complex business challenges in a structured way. Equally important were the softer skills I developed through international group projects. Learning to navigate different perspectives, manage competing priorities and build consensus has been invaluable in my current role.
Perhaps the most valuable thing I gained from WBS was confidence: the confidence to embrace opportunities, ask better questions, challenge ideas and recognise that my unconventional background wasn't a limitation, it was an advantage.
As an international student entering the UK job market, understanding employer expectations and recruitment processes was incredibly important. The Careers team provided practical, hands-on support throughout that journey.
I attended CV workshops, interview preparation sessions, employer networking events and careers fairs, all of which helped me better understand how understand how to position my experiences, tell my story and communicate my strengths with confidence.
Beyond the practical advice, they also gave me confidence. Having experienced professionals review my applications and provide constructive feedback helped me approach interviews with much greater assurance. The support I received played an important role in helping me secure opportunities before graduation, remains one of the most valuable parts of my WBS experience.
Don't worry if your journey looks different from everyone else's. That difference may become your greatest advantage.
If you choose WBS, embrace everything beyond the classroom. Build relationships with your classmates, engage with your professors, attend employer events, use the Careers team and say yes to opportunities that challenge you.
Business today is increasingly global, collaborative and interdisciplinary. Employers value people who can think critically, communicate effectively and adapt to change, not just those with technical expertise.
Most importantly, remember that careers rarely follow a straight line. Sometimes the most unexpected opportunities become the defining moments of your journey. I found my job through Totaljobs, and today I help build partnerships for the company behind that very platform.
For me, that's proof that an unconventional path can take you exactly where you're meant to go—and sometimes, even further than you imagined.
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Curious about a business management degree? Learn what a business degree is, the skills you can develop, and explore the career paths available.
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