My transformative Foundation Year Journey

We are excited to be celebrating the WBS Foundation Year 10th anniversary. Undergraduate student, Mariyah, reflects on how the Foundation Year has impacted her experience at university. 

My name is Mariyah Shah, and I am currently in my second year studying BSc Management with a Placement Year at Warwick Business School (WBS). I began my journey at Warwick in 2022 with the Foundation Year, an experience that has been truly transformative in shaping my academic and personal growth.

Transitioning into University Life

The Foundation Year was pivotal in helping me transition into university life. It familiarised me with the academic expectations of university study and enabled me to adapt to the diverse social and cultural environment. I learned to manage my workload effectively while building confidence in essential skills such as public speaking, critical evaluation and group work. Additionally, the Foundation Year allowed me to establish strong connections with staff and WBS faculty. The programme’s small cohort of students fosters a close-knit community, allowing me to form amazing friendships that have continued to enrich my university experience.

Developing My Skillset

Among the various modules of the Foundation Year, Academic Practice stood out as particularly impactful, teaching me how to write high-quality academic work. I gained critical evaluation and referencing skills and learned to adopt a professional writing style. Also, Introducing Accounting and Finance and Maths for Management laid a solid foundation in areas that proved invaluable when tackling finance and accounting modules during the first year of my degree. Another highlight was Management of Global Risks, a first-year module I took during the Foundation Year. This gave me an early understanding of degree-level module structures and demands while allowing me to attend lectures and seminars alongside first-year students, making me feel included in university life.

Preparing for Degree-Level Study

The Foundation Year thoroughly prepared me for the challenges of degree-level study. I gained confidence navigating the campus and understanding who to approach for support, whether it was my tutors, lecturers, or the ever-helpful WBS faculty. The skills I developed, such as referencing and producing high-level academic writing, gave me a head start, making first-year work less stressful. One of the foundation year modules, Business Consulting, also included a month-long placement, which I completed at Knight Frank. This real-world experience offered me valuable insights into the business world. It helped me identify areas of interest for my degree, guiding me in choosing modules that align with my passions.

Feeling Welcomed and Supported

From the start, I felt incredibly welcome at Warwick. The lecturers are approachable and always willing to help, creating a supportive and inclusive environment. The personal tutor system was particularly beneficial, offering guidance and a reliable support network whenever needed. Although being in the Foundation Year might initially feel separate from the rest of the university, I took full advantage of the opportunities, such as joining societies and participating in events, which helped me feel integrated. I strongly encourage Foundation Year students to push themselves out of their comfort zones and seize every opportunity.

Memorable Experiences

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Foundation Year was the month-long placement with Knight Frank. This opportunity allowed me to apply what I learned in class to real-world scenarios and gain a deeper understanding of the business world. Visiting their London offices and working on live projects were highlights that reinforced my interest in business. Additionally, I loved the Coventry Arena visit, where we toured the venue and heard from business professionals about the industry. These experiences, coupled with forming lasting friendships and exploring a range of engaging modules, made the Foundation Year unforgettable.

Progressing Beyond the Foundation Year

The preparation provided during the Foundation Year made my transition into the first year of my degree seamless. It gave me the confidence to explore areas of business I am passionate about, such as marketing and project management. I am now applying for placement roles, and the skills and experiences I gained during the Foundation Year have greatly strengthened my applications. With my newfound confidence and improved skill set from the Foundation Year, I was eager to gain work experience, which led me to spend a few weeks at Alpine F1 during the summer—a fantastic opportunity where I applied everything I had learned and further developed my abilities in a real-world setting.

Reflections on Warwick and WBS

Warwick Business School, in particular, stands out for its commitment to student success. The faculty are knowledgeable, approachable and always eager to help. The dedicated WBS CareersPlus and Employee Relations service has been invaluable in guiding me through placement applications and career decisions. Opportunities like attending networking events at The Shard, participating in the WIISP programme in Venice, and engaging in the mentoring scheme with MBA students have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.

Advice for Future Students

To anyone considering the Foundation Year, I cannot recommend it enough. It is an incredible opportunity, that will shape you personally and professionally, setting you up for success in your degree and beyond. Make the most of this experience—embrace every opportunity, build lasting friendships, and take full advantage of what Warwick and WBS has to offer. Time flies, so immerse yourself in the experience, work hard, and create memories that will last a lifetime!