Tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and the course you are studying.

I am Oliver, an international postgraduate student at WBS. I have a background in European business studies, which I pursued at the University of Portsmouth and Münster School of Business in Germany, my home country. Prior to enrolling for my MSc Business with Consulting course at WBS, I gained work experience through internships in Germany and Luxembourg. These internships focused heavily on IT and strategy consulting and benefit me greatly in my current studies.

What first attracted you to WBS, why did you choose to study here?

I wanted to continue my studies in the UK, as I thoroughly enjoyed my undergraduate experience and responded well to the British university atmosphere. Furthermore, the unique Business with Consulting concept enticed me and this combination stood out to me, as I intend to pursue a career in consulting. Additionally, I was recommended WBS by several of my friends, praising the business school for its good reputation and quality of research and teaching. WBS is widely recognised as a superb institution and this is reflected in the national and international university rankings. 

What would you say are the key things that sets WBS apart?

The main aspects that stand out to me is the diversity of the international students attending WBS, which makes for a rich cultural experience. Furthermore, the high quality of teaching and research is noticeable which challenges and encourages you to perform to the best of your abilities. Additionally, the high level of engagement of the teaching staff, CareersPlus service and other members of WBS enriches the student experience and creates a welcoming atmosphere.

The choice between dissertation and Business in Practice is a unique concept to WBS and offers students on MSc Business with Consulting an alternative to writing a dissertation. It offers another great way to gain experience and improve team working skills.

What is the best thing about your course so far?

I thoroughly enjoy my course and my time at WBS. Firstly, the consulting modules as part of my course are unique in their setup and structure. Industry guest speakers, who are often course alumni, give great insight into the industry and how their career developed after completing their MSc at WBS. These talks create great networking opportunities within the MSc Business with Consulting alumni family. Additionally, academic experts from other top universities are brought in to cover specific aspects of the consulting industry. Another highlight of the course is the live client consulting projects. These offer valuable insights into real-life consulting work and give you the opportunity to apply the theory you have learned throughout your course in real-time. My group of classmates are very internationally oriented, which offers great opportunities to meet and interact with new cultures. In addition to this, through extensive group work and projects, team working and leadership abilities are refined.

Plenty of employers come to the university to present their company and the graduate opportunities they have available. The WBS CareersPlus team organises several events to make the most of these presentations and enable great networking possibilities.

What is your favourite module? What do you cover on this module?

Having chosen to pursue a dissertation, it was mandatory to attend the research methodology module. However, it turned out to be one of my favourite modules. The content covered is highly theoretical and uncovers different types of methods for conducting research. These theories and approaches to research can be applied across all modules to enhance academic writing skills. Another great aspect of this module is the fact that the final mark is derived fully from an individual assignment and there is no exam or group work involved, which offers a good balance to the other modules covered in the term.  

What has inspired you most throughout your studies at WBS?

The people around me have inspired me the most whilst studying at WBS. The ambitions of my fellow students displayed in class and through intensive group work have sparked my own ambition to perform well and contribute to the group. Furthermore, the challenges set by the teaching staff through assignments and contributions have driven me to aim to achieving my fullest potential. Being supported and encouraged by teaching staff and my personal tutor have given me the confidence to strive for high performance in my studies.

What sort of support have you received so far from the CareersPlus team? How has that helped you?

The CareersPlus team have provided me with a CV template and guidance on how to construct and tailor my CV to each employer. Additionally, they have organised networking and career events to meet potential employers. These events have featured a variety of employers of different industries and sizes. Furthermore, the CareersPlus service provides drop-in sessions to support with applications and interview preparations.   

Are you a member of any sports clubs or societies? How has being a member of a society or club benefited you?

This term I have joined two societies, the consulting society and the risk management society. Both societies offer a wide range of networking opportunities through employer presentations and application workshops. Furthermore, they enable me to connect with like-minded students outside of my course.

I recommend all students join a society when joining WBS, as they are a great way to network and meet fellow students that share your interests. Joining a sports society also enables students to represent the university across the country in matches and creating a strong sense of community within teams.

Do you use the sports centre, visit the Arts Centre, attend club nights on campus, or have any hobbies you enjoy?

The Sports Centre and Wellness Hub is a great place to destress through physical activity, such as squash. I personally prefer to run outside and enjoy going to the nearby War Memorial Park which is a great place for a park run. The sports centre also has a great place for coffee, and at the Piazza there is a Pret as well as a street food market which takes place every two weeks. The main bars on campus are Terrace bar and Fusion, which both offer a great place to grab a bite to eat or a drink and unwind from a stressful day of studying. There are also two pubs on campus, the Dirty Duck and Varsity which offer outdoor spaces in the summer and are great spots for a drink and some food. 

What do you aim to do once you graduate?

My intentions after finishing my studies at WBS are to start working in the strategy consulting industry within the ASG region. I intend to dedicate the first years fully to my career, as I enjoy project-related work and frequent travelling. Further along the line, I intend to pursue a PhD and possibly an MBA in business-related studies.

What are your tips for getting the most out of an MSc for those starting in September?

Being open-minded about different cultures and people is the greatest asset to gain whilst studying at WBS, and being in such a diverse environment will enrich your MSc experience. Volunteering, student representative and ambassador roles are also a great way to meet new people and contribute to your experience whilst studying here. Joining societies to pursue existing hobbies and to find new passions is a great way to experience campus life fully.

I also recommend travelling around the UK outside of your academic studies. WBS is located centrally in England and there are many ways to travel by train or coach around the UK. Each region has a lot to offer in terms of landscape and culture and there are plenty of opportunities to explore. WBS also offers social trips to cities, such as Oxford, as well as seasonal trips to Christmas markets across England. These are great opportunities to visit places that may not have been on your bucket list yet but are definitely worth a visit.

What top tips would you give to prospective MSc students who are deciding if WBS is the right place for them?

Research the course and WBS to make sure the content of your course is right for you. Don’t be discouraged if you do not have a business background, as several of the MSc courses at WBS are designed with everyone in mind. Read testimonials of current and former students and follow the official social media channels of WBS to get a glimpse into everyday life at WBS. Take part in webinars and open events and ask questions. No one can give you a better insight than those already on campus.

In my personal experience, talking to lots of people about your intentions and getting their opinions works best when deciding if a university is a good fit. If you are still unsure, make a checklist of the features that are most important to you in a university and rank the results. Writing down and critically assessing your options afterwards will provide you with a clearer picture of what you are working with.