Deborah Ajide
Junior Brand Manager, Primor Cosmetics
BSc Management with Placement Year (2018 - 2022)

Tell us a bit about yourself, and what course you are studying?

My name is Deborah Ajide, my parents are Hungarian and Nigerian, and I grew up in Hungary. I moved to the UK two years ago to enrol at Warwick Business School and I’m studying BSc Management.

What attracted you to WBS?

Many things attracted me to WBS over other top business schools in the UK. Firstly, I knew I wanted to be part of a campus university and after visiting the University of Warwick I feel in love with the campus, it had so many facilities, such a friendly atmosphere and it just radiated the feeling of belonging. I also choose WBS because of the value of the degree it gives. WBS not only has a very impressive network of alumni but I have also found out that top employers favour choosing students from WBS due to the knowledge and skills they present. And finally, I choose WBS because the BSc Management course enabled me to acquire a wide range of business knowledge and the flexibility to tailor my course to my interests when choosing my elective modules.

What is the best thing about the degree so far?

The best thing about my degree is being surrounded with like-minded people from whom I’m continuously learning from and who motivate me to work towards my greatest potential. I also love that all our classes are mentally stimulating, and I have never once left a classroom without learning something new. What has made the lectures and seminars even more enjoyable is that the academics at WBS have a variety of teaching methods. Besides the traditional teaching method of face-to-face learning, they include video material, teamwork, group discussions, presentations, and other innovative ways of teaching which helps me to stay engaged and motivated throughout my studies.

How have you found having a personal tutor, have they helped you throughout your studies?

Having a personal tutor is undoubtedly the best part of studying at WBS. My personal tutor is one of the most empathetic, understanding, and nicest people I have met so far whilst studying at WBS. When you first begin at university it can be quite scary, especially if you are not from the UK. Therefore having a personal tutor to guide and support me with academic and personal matters was really reassuring, and she was able to redirect me to one of the many student support services available at Warwick to help me with any issues I had. My experience of having a personal tutor has been amazing and I fully owe credit for my achievements so far at WBS to her.

What has inspired you most throughout your studies?

The most inspiring thing at WBS is my cohort. I am surrounded by other highly motivated and goal-oriented people who keep pushing me to achieve my best potential. Although the business school has a competitive nature everyone is extremely helpful. From my classmates, to academics, to the professional staff you can gain lots of useful advice. Seeing my classmates achievements such as gaining professional experience at top businesses, becoming key members of societies and succeeding in their extra-curricular activities has definitely inspired me to do my best. I have developed and learned something new every single day by surrounding myself with the right people.

What sort of support have you received from the careers team?

The WBS CareersPlus team have been an amazing support system throughout my time at WBS so far. As I am an international student I was unaware of the UK job application processes from CV requirements to what to expect during an interview, and the CareersPlus team have given me the support and advice I need to familiarise myself with the UK job market. The team organise many career events, practice interviews and assessment centres as well as one-on-one consultations for you to develop your CV. They have helped me find my future path and have given me advice on where to look for positions, both in the UK and abroad. Without their help I wouldn’t have been confident enough to secure my internship.

Have you taken part in any projects, internships or work experience so far while being a student at WBS?

During my internship at GE I worked as a Logistics Intern. I worked within the company’s power department and my main job was based around calculating and scheduling dates for shipping orders to customers; taking into account various factors, such as available storage place, shipment lengths, logistics dates and customs services. I worked in a team of six and reported to two managers, one in Hungary and one in Spain, while also collaborating with colleagues from all around the world.

Surprisingly many of my WBS modules overlapped with the job, but it is not the theoretical knowledge that helped me succeed through my internship but the mindset I learned at WBS. WBS has helped me in acquire a mindset that prepared me to work hard, not give up when things are harder than I anticipated and also to be open and work collaboratively in a team.

Are you a member of any SU clubs or societies?

I am part of Warwick Volunteers, Warwick Enactus the Public Speaking Society and the Volleyball team. I have organised my societies into two different groups. I chose societies which I wanted to do for fun with the main purpose of making friends and attending social. These types of societies did not require a regular commitment and I only attended them when I had some spare time. The second group of societies I decided to join are more related to my future career. Being an incremental part of a society can significantly boost your employability so therefore I recommend you decide on a society you would like to join after careful consideration, as being an active member or an executive colleague in one is a commitment but it is a highly rewarding job.

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

I am a part of the university's volleyball team and I also visit the sports centre several times a week. In my opinion, one of the best and easiest ways to make friends and fully experience the social aspects of Warwick is by joining a sports club. We not only have training together several times a week, but there are also weekly social events and club dinners. Being part of a sport club can truly change your whole university experience and can help you make lifelong friends.

What do you aim to do once you graduate?

I will be moving to London after I graduate and although I am not yet certain on my exact career path, I am aware of the company culture I want to join after graduation. My internship at GE introduced me to an employee focused corporate environment which I truly loved and intend to work within after graduation. My plan is to work in HR or Marketing, but most importantly I want to have a job that is challenging, different every day and can contribute to my professional and personal development.

Do you feel that your degree is preparing you for your next steps?

I truly feel that WBS is preparing us to stand out in a highly competitive job market. The business school gives us the knowledge and skills we need to secure positions at top companies within the business world. Moreover, the various assessments prepare us to be critical thinkers and also enhance our problem-solving skills. In addition to this, we have the opportunity to attend various networking sessions to meet industry experts and gain a deeper insight into the area of business we are interested in.

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

When I was deciding where I wanted to study I wrote down the key requirements of what I was looking for whilst studying at university and then analysed how WBS fitted these requirements. I knew I wanted a campus university with a vivid student life, high rankings, high employability rates, proximity to London, and a great volleyball team.

Then I also summarised what I was looking for in a course. The most important aspect for me was to have flexibility in choosing my modules and the BSc Management course has fit perfectly to my expectations. I would also advise prospective students to attend an open day if you can or join the online chats with the Undergraduate Recruitment Team. By doing this you will have the best opportunity to speak to current students and get their honest feedback, as well as asking any questions which you may be unsure of helping you to make an informed decision on whether WBS is the right place for you.

What top tip would you give to a student who is about to start at WBS?

My most important advice for someone starting their journey at WBS would be to come with a game plan. Starting university can be an overwhelming experience at first and if you don’t know exactly what you want to achieve you may end up not achieving your goals. So, plan your year in advance and try to stick with that plan, it is the best way to utilise all the opportunities that WBS offers.

Secondly, I would recommend that you begin your experience with an open mind. You will meet amazing people who will motivate, guide, and push you to be better, learn more and work harder. Mentally prepare yourself as you will be challenged throughout your time here, but it will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.