Reflections from the Virtual Trenches: My Experience Studying a Warwick MBA Online 

As someone balancing a senior role at Microsoft, Non-Executive Director responsibilities, family life with two young children, and frequent international travel, I often get asked: “How do you manage it all?” The answer, in short, is flexibility and Warwick Business School (WBS) has built a learning experience that makes that possible without compromising on quality or connection. 

Flexibility without compromise 

One of the defining features of the Warwick Global Online MBA is its adaptability. Studying online has allowed me to structure my learning around the unpredictable rhythms of real life. Whether that’s tuning into a lecture after a long day of board meetings, catching up on reading during an overseas business trip, or revisiting materials after bedtime stories at home, I’ve been able to keep momentum without being tied to a rigid timetable. 

The my.wbs platform has been a game-changer in this respect. It’s more than a learning portal, it’s a command centre for your MBA journey. I’ve relied heavily on recorded lectures to catch up when tied up with work, board commitments, or travel. The ability to download materials for offline study, revisit concepts on demand, and access everything from anywhere in the world whether from a hotel room in New York or an airport lounge in Bangalore has been invaluable. 

Immersive learning through technology 

At first, I wondered if remote learning might feel a little… flat, but Warwick’s use of technology, particularly Lightboard and SmartStage, has flipped that assumption. These tools transform lectures from passive to participatory. Seeing professors speak directly to the camera while dynamically illustrating concepts on the Lightboard adds a level of clarity and presence you wouldn’t expect from online content. SmartStage, on the other hand, creates the illusion of being in the same room even when you’re halfway across the world. 

A global classroom 

One of the most unexpected perks of the online MBA has been the diversity of the cohort. Studying alongside professionals from every continent has brought global business theory to life. Case discussions are enriched by cultural and industry insights that challenge your assumptions and broaden your thinking. In that sense, the virtual classroom has been more global than any in-person experience I’ve had. Warwick also facilitates virtual networking events, webinars, and informal peer groups that make it easy to connect outside of modules. I’ve made friends, future collaborators, and even found myself WhatsApping with classmates in different time zones after a particularly meaty lecture. 

Final thoughts 

Studying remotely doesn’t mean studying alone. If anything, this experience has taught me the value of asynchronous collaboration, the power of digital community, and the importance of creating space for growth, even in the busiest seasons of life. The Warwick MBA hasn’t just taught me about business, it’s taught me how to thrive in a distributed, digital-first world. And that’s a lesson that will serve me far beyond graduation.