Tell us a bit about yourself and what course you are studying.
My name is Anna, I come from Paris, and I am a second-year undergraduate student at WBS studying BSc International Management. Fun fact about myself: I hold both French and American high school diplomas, which is what led me to study for an English-taught degree.  

What attracted you to WBS? Why did you choose to study here?
The first thing that attracted me was the international ranking of WBS. At the time I applied, it placed 22nd worldwide in the Shanghai Ranking for Management courses. Second, I specifically chose WBS because its International Management BSc combined everything I wanted: an integrated year abroad with a wide range of partner universities, pathway opportunities and, more importantly, the freedom to tailor my module selection from the second year.  At the end of high school, I was not entirely sure about my career pathway yet, therefore, being able to explore different areas and keep my options open was a paramount criterion. 

What is the best thing about your degree? 
I am sure that the best thing about my degree will be the integrated year abroad, which I am very excited to begin in a few months. From my first day, we have been immersed in the process of planning our year abroad. From discovering destinations and returning student testimonials in year one to a send-off event at the end of year two where students gathered for ice cream, shared their destinations, and wrote postcards to their future selves.

How have you found having a personal tutor, have they helped you throughout your studies?
I’ve found having a personal tutor very useful throughout my studies, particularly in my first year. When I moved in as a fresher, I didn’t quite know how the facilities and my.wbs website worked, or who to notify for academic or non-academic queries. In these instances, I would email him as my first point of contact. Nowadays, even though I have completely settled into university life, I still regularly meet with him every term to update him on my studies. 

What has inspired you most throughout your studies? 
One of my biggest sources of inspiration throughout my studies has been my module leaders, particularly in Design Thinking and Venture Capital. Their passion for the topic, real-world application and individual support have helped me better understand my interests and define what I want to do with my life. 

What sort of support have you received from the careers team? How has that helped you?
I have received one–on–one support through individual meetings with a careers team member. This has helped me better understand timelines and procedures for internships and spring weeks, which were all very unfamiliar at the beginning of my studies. 

Have you taken part in any projects, internships or work experience so far while being a student at WBS? 
During my first year of university, I became the temporary social media manager of an interior design brand called Muskhane over the summer. My job consisted of planning and creating a series of posts and videos on various channels, like Pinterest, to promote the new collection. While this does not align with my current career aspirations, it was a fun experience that allowed me to put my Principles of Marketing module learnings into action!

Are you a member of any SU clubs or societies? What benefits did you get from that?
During my first year of university, I was a member of the Craft Society and Women’s Career, as well as a social member of the Golf club. These allowed me to practice my hobbies while connecting with like-minded people at the beginning of my studies. 

What do you aim to do once you graduate? 
Once I graduate, I aim to do a master’s degree before beginning my career in MedTech Venture Capital!

Do you feel that your degree is preparing you for your next steps? 
I believe this degree is equipping me with the academic knowledge, soft skills and network necessary for my venture capital career. 

What top tip would you give to prospective undergraduate students who are deciding if WBS is the right place for them?
I would say come to WBS if you can, visit the campus, and talk with current students or alumni online or in person...  Being clear on what you want and what you’re looking for in your course is the first step, but the best way to determine whether a place feels right is to get first-hand contact!

What top tip would you give to a student who is about to start at WBS?
My top tip would be to seize every opportunity! Don’t say no because you think it’s out of your wheelhouse or because you won’t “fit in”. Come with an open mind, and expect the best experiences to sometimes be the most unexpected...