Engaging with industry throughout my MBA

Full-time MBA participant, Shailza Dubey, explains to us how her programme has supported her career goals, encouraged engagement with industry leaders, and impacted on her professional and personal growth.

Utilising industry links at Warwick Business School (WBS)

WBS has been exceptional in providing access to employers and industry leaders and has been incredibly proactive in facilitating meaningful engagement throughout the MBA journey. The CareersPlus and Employer Relations teams have been on their toes, ensuring we have access to the right opportunities to grow professionally and expand our networks.

As an international student, one of the biggest challenges is connecting with like-minded professionals already working in the roles we aspire to. WBS made this much easier through a wide range of well-curated networking events. From the Sector Connector sessions at The Shard, to industry panels like the one with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), every interaction has helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry expectations.

One of the standout experiences for me has been the LeadershipPlus client project. I had the opportunity to work directly on a real problem statement with IBM, which allowed me to engage with senior leadership, understand their strategic priorities and contribute to a live business problem.

During my LeadershipPlus project, I had the chance to work closely with IBM. Our mentor, John McNamara, supported us throughout the project. He was impressed by the work we delivered, and by the end of the project, he offered to connect me with other leaders at IBM and even provided a personal recommendation. That interaction gave me both confidence and a potential pathway for future opportunities.

Additionally, the company trek to Barclays was another highlight. It gave us a chance to interact with senior leadership, learn about their career journeys and gain first-hand insight into what the organisation looks for when hiring. It was a truly enriching experience that gave us a realistic picture of the industry and hiring landscape.
These events have had a significant impact on both my personal and professional growth. The benefits include:

• Meeting and learning from senior professionals about their businesses and leadership styles
• Gaining clarity on how to break into sectors like finance, even without prior experience
• Using coffee chats as a starting point to explore how I could add value to organisations through my background and interests
• Inviting some of these professionals to speak at student-led events, providing exposure to the wider MBA cohort
• Receiving referrals and recommendations from industry contacts I built relationships with.

Pivoting career focus with support from CareersPlus

Initially, I was exploring consulting as a career path. But, after participating in a consulting simulation event organised by the Employer Relations team, I realised that consulting might not align with my strengths and interests. That experience helped me pivot and focus on roles that allow me to leverage my technical background, especially in the Fintech domain.

One-on-one coaching sessions with my career coach were incredibly helpful in clarifying my direction. We discussed my strengths, worked on tailoring my CV to specific roles, and built a targeted strategy to maximise my chances in the job market.

Advice for future MBA candidates

My biggest advice to future MBA students is to treat every employer interaction—no matter how small—as an opportunity to learn, grow, and build meaningful connections. Start by being proactive. Attend as many events as you can, whether it's a panel discussion, a trek, a workshop, or even a casual networking session. These are not just events on your calendar—they’re gateways to real insights and career opportunities.

Be intentional in your approach. Before each session, do some quick research about the companies and speakers attending. Prepare a few thoughtful questions. Showing genuine interest not only helps you stand out but also lays the foundation for more personal conversations later.

Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up message. A short LinkedIn message or email thanking someone for their time can go a long way. That small gesture often leads to coffee chats, referrals, or invitations to stay in touch—and these relationships can open doors down the line.

Also, use these interactions to explore and reflect. When you're early in your MBA journey, you might be unsure about your career direction. Engaging with industry professionals can help you discover what aligns with your strengths, values, and interests. For me, it was through conversations and events that I realised Fintech is where I truly want to make an impact.

And lastly, take full advantage of CareersPlus resources. They can help you prepare for conversations, tailor your CV and LinkedIn profile, and coach you on how to approach different roles or industries. When combined with employer interactions, this level of personalised support becomes a game-changer in shaping your career path.

In short, don’t treat these employer touchpoints as one-time events—see them as stepping stones in a long-term strategy to build your career with purpose.