How the Foundation Year supported my career

We are excited to be celebrating the WBS Foundation Year 10th anniversary. Undergraduate alumn, Jake Howard, shares how the Foundation Year has impacted his career journey.

I'm Jake Howard, and I was lucky enough to be part of the first cohort for the Foundation Year at Warwick Business School (WBS). If I were to sum up my WBS journey in three words, they would be: lucky, eye-opening, unforgettable.

The Foundation Year was crucial in preparing me for degree-level study. One of the biggest challenges I faced was the gap in my knowledge due to not completing A-Level maths. The Foundation Year allowed me to bridge this gap and reach the standard required for the main degree.

Upon starting university, I was still undecided on what career I wanted to pursue. The Management course at WBS offered diverse modules, providing the flexibility and time I needed to discover my passion. After graduation, I chose to specialise in property and joined the Deloitte Real Estate graduate programme in London. The reputation of Warwick played a significant role in my application, as students with real estate-related degrees often secure these positions. However, the skills I developed during the Management course set me apart, allowing me to approach problems from a unique perspective and present solutions in an innovative way.

The WBS Careers team was instrumental during my time at Warwick. Their guidance and support were invaluable, helping me navigate the internship process and eventually secure a place on a leading graduate programme. I highly recommend current students to utilise this service, even if it's just for a CV review, as it can make a significant difference in your career development.

While on the graduate programme, I completed a part-time master's in Real Estate Development at Westminster University. The foundational educational processes I learnt at Warwick facilitated a smooth transition to the master's programme, especially while balancing work commitments. This journey led me to become an RICS chartered surveyor, and I am now an Associate Development Director at Tritax Big Box, a FTSE 250 company, where I oversee the delivery of several high-profile logistics schemes in the UK.

What I miss the most about university is the people. The access to learning, facilities, staff, and alumni during your time at WBS is incredibly valuable. If I could go back, I would take even more advantage of these resources.

My advice to those considering the Foundation Year is - don't miss out on this opportunity. The Foundation Year is a chance to build a solid academic base and gain the confidence needed for further studies.