Tell us a bit about yourself

I am currently a full-time, 2^nd year MRes/PhD student and a mother of a three-year-old boy. I am Egyptian, but I also hold a British passport. So, I am not very new to British culture, yet the whole experience at Warwick Business School (WBS) ia

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you studied.

I completed my MSc in Business Analytics at Warwick Business School (WBS) before continuing to a PhD in Business & Management. My doctoral research explored consumer video engagement behaviour by analysing unstructured data such as text, images, and videos. Alongside my main project, I also collaborated with colleagues on research projects examining brand logo design and human–AI interactions. I am now continuing some of these projects in my current role as an Assistant Professor in Marketing at the University of Birmingham.

Why did you choose to study for your PhD at WBS?

The main reason was the excellent experience I had during my master’s degree. WBS has an outstanding reputation both in the UK and globally. During my studies, I received great support from professors and felt surrounded by a strong sense of intellectual energy within the school. Through conversations, workshops, and events, I could see that students were genuinely valued and supported. I was also inspired by how WBS researchers strive not only to advance business knowledge but also to make meaningful contributions to society. These experiences motivated me to continue my PhD journey at WBS.

What has been the best thing about your PhD programme?

The departmental “brown bag” seminars. They provided an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues, hear about the latest research, and meet external speakers.

What inspired you most throughout your research studies?

Marketing is a broad and dynamic discipline that draws from fields such as computer science, psychology, neuroscience, and communication. Many scholars in marketing not only explore how consumers think and behave but also strive to promote responsible and ethical practices that benefit society as a whole. It is inspiring to see researchers leading the way in responsible marketing - an area that both WBS and I are deeply committed to.

Tell us a bit more about  working with your supervisor during your research studies.

My supervisors were always supportive and caring. Working alongside such intelligent and dedicated scholars helped me develop my own research instincts, academic taste, and professional habits. Their mentorship played a key role in shaping my research identity and preparing me for an academic career.

Can you tell us about the doctoral community at WBS?

The Doctoral Office provides strong support and organises a variety of events to bring students together. They also offer valuable opportunities for students to attend academic conferences, which is especially important for early-career researchers seeking to connect with the wider academic community.

Can you tell us about your current role and how your PhD helped you achieve this role?

My PhD at WBS provided me with a solid foundation in research design, analytical techniques, and academic communication. The experience also taught me how to approach complex research questions with both rigour and creativity - skills that are essential in my current academic role.

What advice would you give to potential students wanting to join the PhD programme at WBS?

Enjoy your PhD journey -it’s one of the most valuable and intellectually rewarding periods of your life. Make the most of the uninterrupted time to focus deeply on your research. Take full advantage of the resources and expertise available at WBS, and, most importantly, choose a research topic you are truly passionate about.

s different.

What first attracted you to Warwick Business School?

First of all, the reputation of the University in general and WBS specifically. It also has one of the best professors in the areas that I am interested in. In addition, I have friends who graduated from this programme and managed to find jobs in well-reputed institutions.

What elements of the programme do you value the most and why?

There are so many elements in the programme that I like. First, the modules are varied yet very specific to what we need to learn for our careers and are informative.  The way the programme is designed may look a bit tough since there is limited time given to the PhD research in specific, however, you get all the support needed and our feedback is taken seriously into consideration. Surprisingly also, there is room for flexibility which is incredibly amazing.

Second, my cohort is so nice, cooperative and affectionate and we are well-diversified, which has made a huge difference to my overall experience. Third, we get all the needed support from academics, even those who are not in my own group. Finally, the PhD office is always there and always supporting us individually with all our personal and general requests as much as they can.

What is it like studying for an MRes/PhD?

I truly enjoy being part of this programme and am proud I have been accepted to be part of it.

What kind of support have you received from the careers team? How has it helped you?

(Found in a previous answer- However, I could also add a simple example that whenever I need a letter to support any paperwork or for any organization that I need to communicate with, they usually understand what I need and provide it to me promptly)

Can you tell us about your career plans? What’s next for you?

I would like to I pursue my career in teaching (since I have been a teaching assistant at Cairo University for at least 10 years) in one of the top institutions in the UK or Europe.

What do you hope to get out of our programme? What have you actually got so far?

I have recently started my second year. The first year was mainly attending modules and doing coursework, but I can say that so far they are helping me get the experience and academic maturity needed to be highly qualified.

How do you find the work/life balance?

A bit challenging with a young boy. Also, because of the long waiting list for nurseries that we had to experience, I was struggling at the beginning with finding the right and safe environment for my son. If it wasn’t for my family support (my mum and my husband) I wouldn’t have been here. Sometimes I needed more time for myself and my family but there were moments that I didn’t have much freedom to do so. But again with the support and some flexibility in the programme, it passed.

Do you have any advice for anyone currently thinking about studying for a MRes/PhD?

I highly recommend it as there is a huge opportunity to learn new things and meet academics who highly elevate your experience and way of thinking. Also, the support you get to go out for conferences and summer school will provide you with a huge opportunity to meet people from all over the world and get the essential networking you need to develop.