Kaitlin Ha explores how she found the first few weeks of the Full-time MBA programme, living in a new country, making new friends and starting lectures.
What it's like to start the Full-time MBA
Moving to a new country, meeting new people and starting studies, full-time MBA participant Imane Radouane, explores her first weeks on the programme.
Today we are at week three, our third week in class, and, for me, my third week in the United Kingdom.
Nearly everyday, the thoughts that resonate loud in my head are: "Why on earth would I do this to myself?" And "This year will go so fast, I wish it wouldn't".
Entering an MBA programme, particularly when it is highly ranked and you know that you are among the best, can be extremely overwhelming. Especially when also mixed with being in a new country, having been away from the academic world for a while.
The good news is that starting an MBA at Warwick Business School is not only about the lectures and the readings. Starting the MBA is about learning to be mindful about so many aspects of your life and reflecting on what matters most in your life.
The hectic schedule, the coaching, the events, the career sessions - all activities push in one direction: who you truly are, and what you are going to do with it. Everything we have studied so far is not about giving you answers, it is about pushing you to ask good questions.
To give the newcomers a better idea on how the MBA begins, in a more practical way, the term starts with a long induction day. You basically have access to a long list of resources, and your new best friend is the my.wbs learning platform. This platform gives you access to all readings, presentations, and references you may use to study.
The first class is LeadershipPlus with the amazing Graham, my key note here is to enjoy the day and be creative! During week one, which is the second week within the MBA journey, you start the Organisational Behaviour and Strategic Thinking modules, which will continue for few weeks. You explore lots of theories, and even more case studies. My advice here would be do your pre-readings, especially the case studies, as things go fast.
Disclaimer for the next MBA class: learning while having fun is certainly the approach here, or at least the most effective, I would say. A little laugh can help boost focus during class and group work when dots are lost and you need to restructure ideas.
For life outside of studies, I have chosen to live on campus, a decision I absolutely do not regret. The best part about being on campus is the gym. The Sports and Wellness Hub is absolutely amazing! Finally, when you enter WBS, you meet great people. They warned us all that we will make new friends, probably for life. I have met a bunch of incredible people, and as much as I can’t wait to spend the few months to come with them, I know for sure that it is going to last beyond the year.
Long story short, I look forward to what is coming. The journey is just starting and I feel it is going to be one of the best years of my life. I could not be more grateful for the opportunity of being here and for the people I have met, and I can’t wait to see where it will take me.