Student Blog Collection

Hey everyone!

I know that when people mention the sentence “food in the UK is….”, it is usually followed by things like “bland”, “not spicy enough” and “boring”. I’m here to tell you that’s not all true – except for maybe the second one. But the point is, there’s still hope!! On campus, Bar Fusion has some amazing burgers and ribs whilst Varsity has a delicious array of chicken wings. Trust me, I’m talking from personal experience here.

When I travelled to London, I went to my all-time favourite Shake Shack for my dose of loaded fries and a cheese burger. I, also, discovered one of the best sushi restaurants I have ever been to, Sticks’n’Sushi. If you do go after reading this post, I’m pretty sure you’ll be thanking me.

In Edinburgh, I stumbled upon this authentic Thai restaurant in a little corner of Cockburn St called Krua Khun Mae. I’ve been back there almost every time I’m in Edinburgh because I just can’t believe how good the food is. It’s like I’ve been transported to Thailand. I know that sounds like an exaggeration but the restaurant’s setting is also true to its roots so it’s hard to remember that I’m in the UK. I can’t help it.

So, don’t be discouraged by what you may commonly hear. If you go out to find what you like and travel a little, I’m sure you’ll find something you love too. Being from Malaysia, I’m a natural food enthusiast, so I was a little worried coming here and not having any of my local food. But, having food similar to that of my own country’s has kept me so comforted. I hope you have a similar experience too. If you go to any of these places I’ve mentioned or would like to know about more cuisines and restaurants on campus or in the UK, don’t hesitate to send me a message on facebook or Instagram (@katmgomez).

I hope you have the best week, everyone! Enjoy the pictures ;)

Katrina.

MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations

When I arrived at the University of Warwick, I was a bit worried about the so called culture shock. Adjusting to new cultural environments is not easy, it is a process that requires patience and courage. I come from Panama, one of the smallest countries in America, with a 4 million population. Things are different in my country than in the UK; for instance, we speak Spanish, we eat very tasty food, we are very joyful and we love to dance salsa! In the UK, I had trouble with the food at the beginning because I could not find the different ingredients I used back home, so pro tip carry some spices with you in your luggage! However, there are many supermarkets near campus and in the city centre with a variety of ingredients and food from different countries at very reasonable prices. Also, the sweets in the UK are amazing, I love all the Cadbury variety and the biscuits! I also realised that people are very polite and they will always say 'hi' or 'cheers' to you, but it is not common to greet with kisses and hugs like in Latin America, but you get used to it, no big deal. And in the clubs or parties, there is no salsa (sadly), but there is a huge variety of music to dance to, from electronic to reggaeton!

In class, the cultural difference was more noticeable. I had classmates from all continents, except from Antarctica, which made the interaction very interesting. For instance, ways of working were very different, the ways of approaching and working in groups also varied, not only from person to person, but also from one nationality to another. It should be noted that this diversity made the experience very rich. I learned very useful skills from all of them and made very good friends. I also enjoyed food from all of their countries, which was the best part (just kidding). Even more, there are special events celebrated on campus for different cultures. For example, I had the opportunity to participate in the Chinese New Year activities, where I even learned Chinese caligraphy. There is also the Holi Indian Festival and many other celebrations to cherish the international nature of this uni.

Finally, I am really glad to have been able to enjoy this diversity and I hope my accommodation is guaranteed in all of these countries because I am willing to visit all of them in the near future!

Cecibel

MSc ITSO

The University of Warwick is located in the West Midlands, which represents an advantage for adventurers. I love to travel and this strategic location was one of the decisive factors when selecting the uni for my masters studies. First of all, Birmingham, which is one of the second-largest city in England, is just 20 minutes away by train from Coventry rail station. This is very convenient if you wish to travel internationally because this city has one of the best connected airports in the UK and travelling from there is cheaper than going all the way to London. For instance, I went to Prague, Czech Republic last Christmas for £140 and this was a round ticket! However, a ticket to London Euston is also very cheap, around £15 return, and London is just 1.5hrs away by train. For this reason, I went multiple times, especially in winter when the streets are all lightened up and so pretty!

I highly recommend travelling by train, the uni is just 20 min away from Coventry Railway Station and it is very well connected. I spent a weekend in Manchester, which is lovely, especially if you are a football fan, you wouldn’t want to miss a match at the Old Trafford. Near Manchester is Liverpool, where you will be able to enjoy the life at the docks and The Beatles Story Museum. These two cities are just a couple hours from Coventry and it is very easy to go for a weekend or even to spend the day. I highly recommend using Airbnb with regards to accommodation, which I found to be cheaper than local hotels and the quality is better than in local hostels.

My favourite cities are in the Northeast. I fell in love with every corner of York and Newcastle Upon Tyne. Although their weather is colder than in the Midlands and London, these cities are full of magic. In York you will find the most beautiful gothic cathedral and I recommend to explore the narrow alleys where you will find beautiful shops and cafés. I also recommend taking the Ouse River Cruise to watch the sunset, it is very cheap and the sights are really nice. Moreover, if you are a Harry Potter fan, you can take a stroll in the real Diagon Alley, which is an old street in the city centre named The Shambles. With regards to Newcastle, it has the Quayside, where you should go on Sundays because they put on a market where you can find very tasty treats and there is also Tynemouth, where you will be able to get nice views of the beach from the cliffs.

I had to leave the UK earlier than expected, but I travelled a lot in a short period of time due to the strategic location of the uni. I hope you guys can visit all these places and many more. You won’t regret it!

Best wishes,

Cecibel

MSc ITSO

A year ago, I quit my job to pursue one of my biggest dreams -studying an MSc at a Russell Group university. Things turned out better than expected; an excellence scholarship, my top 1 accommodation, even a job; however, with these opportunities came several challenges, especially related to my studies. For instance, my undergrad was from 2012 to 2016, and after that I started to work immediately, so when I came to the UK I was not used to multiple hours of reading and writing. Instead, I was used to a 9 to 6 schedule and a routine which didn’t take me out of my comfort zone.

It took me a while to adapt to the exigent programme. The most challenging part was my first post module assignment (PMA), for which it was required a minimum of 60 hours of work. I was not used to work on a same assignment for such a long period of time, and even though I was enjoying it, I lose focus very easily. Moreover, since I was meeting so many people I would rather spend more time out with them than working on my assignment.

In the end, I got a distinction, but I was very stressed because I had to complete the assignment in less than 60 hours due to the procrastination. So, what I would recommend is to read the books that are given in the reference list by the tutor(s) prior to the lectures, stay focused on the lectures, so that you have the most knowledge prior to the assignment, balance your social life with your studies and stick to a routine that includes working from 9 to 6, as in work, but from Monday to Friday. This way the weekends will be available to go out with friends or even travel, which I enjoyed very much. This worked pretty well for me and made the transition easier!

Cecibel

MSc ITSO

During my time here at Warwick University, I had the pleasure to visit a few places. I would love to stay here beyond the completion of my master programme to visit this country further. In the meantime, let me be your guide for some of the places I have been to, this for the first time.

Windsor Castle

If you are passionate as I am about the royal family, Windsor Castle is a must go to. If you have your 'to-do list' close to you put it on your list. I guess you have watched the Tudors? If you do walking on the so-called 'Long Walk' will be an eye-opener, together with the visit inside the castle, you won't be disappointed. Windsor Great Park is 5.000 acres big, as you walk away from the castle behind you, you may enter a deer park without you even noticing. Why is that? A deer park at Windsor Castle? Yes, Windsor Castle has been the residence of Kings and Queens for many centuries, the park being used as a hunting ground, actually dating back to the mid-13th century. As I also watched the Crown (Netflix series) you will unfortunately not be visiting the Queen's apartments but you will have a taste of it visiting the other 80% of it.

Warwick Castle 

Another castle worth visiting if you have the time, Warwick Castle. Although smaller than Windsor Castle, it is a very attractive one nonetheless. Since the 10th century, Warwick always was a strategic location. The first castle to be erected was in 900 built as a burh fortification to defend the area from invasions, only protected by a series of banks and ditches. A first castle was built in 1068, meant for William the Conqueror to retreat during his conquest of the British territory. Since William the Conqueror won the throne in 1066, killing Harold, he did use the castle’s location as a tool to control England, keeping a garrison there. The castle remained a strategic location beyond 1068, and for the earls to live in the castle, always were linked to the British crown, considered as number twos, confidant or even friends to the throne.

Bristol

Unfortunately for me, it was raining while in Bristol, I love rain but it affected my general appreciation of the buildings around me. It was cold and rainy but I will keep a very good memory. Such an exercise it was, so be prepared to walk up and down the hill if you want to visit Bristol University. The Clifton Suspension bridge is probably the attraction of your day, a nice place to go to, as it is built 101 meters above river level. Yes, be prepared to hold your breath as well that day. Personally, I am acrophobic so I wasn't able to cross the 'mighty' bridge. Honestly, 101m high is... very high. The tower on top of the hill gives you the opportunity to walk down a cave to go inside the cliff as well, probably carved for checking and protecting the river below for invasions or taxpayers, I tell you to beware of the floor as you may love to look through, seeing the river below, just saying.

Bath

One of those cities which will be marked in my memory forever. Bath is a very beautiful little city, a bit similar to Leamington Spa but much bigger and again as I love climbing I was served with a hill accessing Alexandra Park. From Alexandra Park, you have a beautiful panorama on the city down the hill, a very good point of view of everything which is possible to visit, given a map is drawn to guide you on the different things you see, all from where you are standing. I knew Bath from my imagination having read "Did He Do It?" (War er es?) from Stefan Zweig. Stefan Zweig has this ability to enter his character's psychology to extract the essence of everyone he writes about (women and men), I went on visiting his house (from the outside).

Hopefully, I gave you enough desire to visit some of the things I have done. Although I have been to Oxford 10 years ago, I still desire to visit Cambridge, Stonehenge and York if I have the opportunity. Remember, if you are still weighing on why you should study at Warwick University. Ask yourself this: "If it excites me and scares me at the same time it may probably mean I should do it". Seth W. Godin

Xavier de Wasseige

MSc e-Business Management

Similar to the people that may read this blog, I had a job before coming to Warwick. I had a motorcycle, I had an apartment, I had the money for my guilty pleasures, hamburgers from a place called Johnny Rockets, I had my savings. However, there was a moment in life where I began asking myself what I wanted to do and where do I see myself in the near future. And after been accepted at Warwick Uni, all those questions had an answer, I wanted to be a better version of myself.

I had to quit my job, and sell my motorcycle. I had to take my saving with me to pay for my accommodation and needs in the UK, it was a big decision! But day after day I felt better and better about the decision I made. I was doing the right thing. I was making something for me, I was pushing me to become who I wanted to be.

It was not easy, I had finished my BSc degree years ago and since then I had forgotten how to be a student again. I had to assign time limits for my homework and assignments, I had to organise myself for lectures. It took me some weeks to get on track, but I did it!

Now that I am nearly at the end of my MSc, I have found this process incredibly fulfilling, it has taught me a lot more than just high-quality knowledge about my subject. Organisational skills, discipline, respect for your time and the time of the others are all key soft skills that I have developed and enhanced too. I have learnt that if you are scared of doing something, you should continue anyway, because you have to try day by day to be a better you.

Right now I am in a job hunt and I am confident that the MSc process has given me a lot of new capabilities and skills that I didn’t have before, not just expert knowledge about my subject, but other skills that I will use in my career for many years to come.

(Photo taken before the Covid-19 pandemic)

Braulio Solano

MSc in Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles aka SCAV

Weeks before your arrival, the anxiety pops up. One thing that helped me to feel better was having already somewhere to live in. For weeks and weeks, I was looking for a nice place to stay.

Around the campus, there are multiple options to live in case you didn’t get an option in-campus. In my case, I wanted to live off-campus. Because of multiple reasons, I wanted to live in a place that was closer to Coventry downtown, to the train and the bus station, I wanted to have a gym in the building, I wanted to have a studio for me.

I made an online search in the Coventry area to see options. Among them I found Study Inn, City Village, App Living, etc. All of them have a lot of advantages, a lot of different room options, supermarkets at a walking distance, etc.

Some days before coming to the UK, I found the perfect option for me. I was really close to the bus station, I had a studio with the kitchen, shower and bathroom only for me, I had all the furniture included, and therefore I was really happy.

However, not everything was great. Living in a studio is a bit lonely with respect to a shared floor, for example. Also, I had to take a 20 minutes bus to the campus, which sometimes was tired because I had to get up earlier than if I lived in-campus.

It is a matter of tastes and budgets. Having a studio in-campus was more expensive than having a studio off-campus, but living in-campus, as per my friend’s comments, was really nice. They used to tell me that they get up from the bed like 20 minutes before the modules starting hour, and I was jealous.

If I had to choose again where to live, I would choose the same. For me, it was completely worth living in Coventry. Actually, I really miss that, as I told in previous blogs, I had to return to Costa Rica due to the pandemic.

What would you prefer? In-campus or off-campus? Would you rather a studio or a shared floor? Would you like to share the bathroom and kitchen, or you prefer to have your own? Which is your budget?

Those are the main questions you need to ask yourself.

Braulio Solano

MSc in Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles aka SCAV

Hey everyone!

Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions you will make. Partly because you will spend a significant part of your life there; having new experiences and making new memories.

When it was my time to choose which university I wanted to attend for my masters, I knew that Warwick would be at the top of that list. Here’s 10 reasons why Warwick is my dream school and how it has exceeded my expectations since I joined last October.

1. A world-class education. I mean this goes without saying. With Warwick being one of the world’s top institutions, I knew when I accepted my offer that the education I would receive here would be invaluable. I couldn’t have been closer to the truth. The expertise and knowledge lecturers share with us students have impressed me very much. In this year alone, I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned. I feel so much more prepared for the working world now.

2. Student support. Never before have I come across a university that cares about its students as much as Warwick does. In WMG, there is a whole team dedicated to supporting students; on top of personal tutors, course leaders and a full-time office. Especially during this time of Covid, Warwick has really stepped up and proven its support for us students even more.

3. The people. I am so grateful for the people I have met here. Course mates, lecturers, tutors, WMG staff and friends from around campus. I feel so inspired by them. They’re the ones I miss most now from this whole experience.

4. Great accommodation. I absolutely love the accommodation I was given. I’ve also visited the other accommodation Warwick has. There’s definitely something for everybody. Whether you like a newly built place, living near the lake or in the city.

5. A beautiful campus. Warwick’s campus is HUGE and beautiful. The varying architecture, greenery and open space are some of my favourite things. There’s so much on campus – from restaurants and cafés all the way to an art centre and gym (we’ll get back to that in a bit). In a way, it’s great that whenever I walk around campus, I don’t feel as if I’m always “on campus” because there’s so much else around.

6. The location. Even in the area itself, the campus is the perfect halfway point between Coventry City Centre and Leamington Spa. Whenever I feel like getting away for a bit, I take a bus from campus straight to Coventry Rail Station. It is so great because this station is so well connected to the rest of the UK. I can get to London within an hour or go all the way up to Edinburgh in 5 hours.

7. Opportunities to grow beyond the classroom. With Warwick being home to so many societies, there’s always a chance to try something new and meet other people outside of the classroom. I joined quite a few societies and am so happy I did. It has made me feel as if I am making the most of my university experience.

8. An exceptional gym facility. On campus, you can find the Sports and Wellness hub – Warwick’s new gym. I used to find myself there almost every day. It is absolutely amazing and well-equipped. There’s an indoor climbing arena, basketball court, squash courts, Olympic swimming pool and a world-class gym. It’s my go-to place whenever I need to let out my PMA stress.

9. Job prospects. With Warwick being a great institution, its employability rates are always one of the best amongst universities in the UK. The careers fairs on campus bring so many big names with them. Every time I apply for a job, I feel so proud to say that I am a Warwick student.

10. The library. The campus and online library provide students with access to so many materials. For my PMAs and dissertation, I am always looking for sources at the library (right now, only online) and I find such great journals and publications to include in my work.

In case that wasn’t convincing enough, here’s a bonus reason!

11. The beautiful sunsets. I know this doesn’t seem like a big deal. Hence, why it is a bonus. But I mean, who doesn’t love to end their day with a beautiful sunset? I have caught some incredible ones on campus and they always put a smile on my face; no matter the day I have had.

I hope these reasons have made those of you who are joining us soon more excited to be apart of Warwick! We are so happy for you and look forward to meeting you.

If any of you have any questions about joining WMG or anything else related, please do not hesitate to message me on LinkedIn, Instagram (@katmgomez) or Facebook. I am more than happy to help you.

We’re also having a live chat on Wednesday, 12^th August 2020, from 12pm to 1pm (BST) if you would like to join!

Take care and have the loveliest week, everyone!

Katrina.

MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations

Business Model Generation: A Module Review

This module experience is a real throwback, and I have to cast my mind back to November 2019 to recall the Business Model Generation (BMG) module. In my previous post, I spoke about discerning between the result and the process. In terms of BMG, I enjoyed both.

The result was stellar, an A! A satisfying conclusion to a mentally and emotionally demanding module that involved me toiling away on an assignment over the cold and dark winter during Christmas time. When the Tabula notification went off on my phone, I couldn’t check it fast enough. This was because I knew I put together a stellar document. This one felt good!

The process was the most difficult assignment I have ever put together. I still remember working on it over the Christmas holidays. While friends vacationed on beach fronts in Morocco, and visited family in Turkey or hiked mountain trails in Eastern Europe, I was one of three people sat in the Wolfson Research Cluster on the third floor of the library typing away on a keyboard. I can’t say that this was much fun, however the final module mark made it worth it! This involved using Osterwalder’s revolutionary Business Model Canvas to conceptually capture how I would commercialize an app aimed at ameliorating weight loss in suburban California.

But don’t worry, putting together this piece of work wasn’t all doom and gloom. I sandwiched my workflow before and after a two-day trip to the beautiful city of Glasgow with friends! This made the second half of the workflow significantly more enjoyable given that I had ushered in the New Year in Scotland.

After the turn of the year, I had 6 days to finish of the assignment and then attend the Innovation module on the 6^th January. I submitted this assignment on deadline day, with a big smile and big expectations, and later would receive a great result! Great module all round!

Karabelo Maloi – MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Financial Strategy: A Module Review

A wise man once said: “Don’t fixate on the result, enjoy the process.”. I unfortunately am very guilty of obsessing over both and a recent module (Financial Strategy) is case in point. Being an undergraduate graduate in Investment Management and Banking, I was determined to do well in this module given that my bachelor’s degree implied I had a firm grasp of all things finance.

I will therefore begin by describing the process, also known as ‘the module experience’. Given that this module occurred in May 2020, the class was virtual and took place online through Microsoft Teams. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, I was very sceptical, but I found it a very enjoyable and informative modules. The crux of it was to equip students with the fundamentals and considerations managers and business leaders need in order to evaluate projects for financial investment. Some of the themes explored included Mergers and Acquisitions, Sources of Capital, Company Valuation Methods, and others. We even explored the causes of 2008-09 global financial crisis and as part of our homework for Module Day 3, were to watch the movie ‘The Big Short’ on Netflix. Great Stuff!

I will know talk about ‘the result’. When the Tabula notification popped up on my phone, I rushed to check the result given the 3 weeks of blood, sweat and tears I had invested into the Financial Strategy post-module assignment (PMA). The result was disappointing. As a student that strives for to perform well on every task, my motto is simple…The Best or Nothing! So, seeing the module mark was very disappointing. But then I remembered all that I had learned during the module and it put things into perspective. The failures really do exist as a stepping stone to development on the pathway to eventual success. Regardless of how upset or emotionally attached I had become to said PMA, the disappointing module mark is a reminder that I can indeed, do better. That I am capable of much more, of achieving at a higher standard. And that, is what I will take from this. Thank you, Lee Griffin (Module Tutor).

Karabelo Maloi - MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Hey everyone!

I am very excited because I submitted my last PMA last week and now I can focus on my dissertation. At this time, it is important to work very hard. My biggest advice is to stick to a routine and work at least for a couple hours every day. Most of us usually think “there is plenty of time” or “I can get it done in 2 weeks”, but the truth is that a good dissertation requires hard work and dedication. With this I am not telling you to work 24/7, but just try to manage your time appropriately. Moreover, well-being is crucial at this stage, so go for a walk, go to the gym, do things that make you happy to stay motivated and keep a positive mindset. Mindset is everything, your body will do what your mind is willing to do.

I also recommend that you keep in touch with your supervisor. I usually send mine stuff to read and ask him for feedback, since this allows me to polish my work before submitting it. I am very lucky for having Dr. Martyn Pinfold, the Programme Manager for FT MSc, as my project supervisor, and I would highly recommend him as a first option if you are willing to ace your project! He is very supportive and, trust me on this, he will bring out the best in you.

In addition, you can contact the Research Methodology team about any doubts regarding the project. They are extremely helpful and they have regular drop in sessions!

This being said, I wish you all the best, stay positive and stay safe wherever you are!

And remember, "The only time you should ever look back is to see how far you've come".

Cecibel

MSc ITSO

It’s August!

It’s less than 2 months before you’re here at the amazing wmg! The first thing you’ll encounter here is the Welcome Week of activities. I must say, it is something you don’t want to miss! But in order to enjoy it, you need to plan for it.

Wait. What? How does planning and enjoyment go hand in hand? 

Believe me. If you want to truly make the most of the welcome week events you need to carefully plan.

Disclaimer: Should welcome week happen this year, I’m sure it may be much different from the way I experienced it last year. You know… Because of Covid-19 (I really hoped I had mentioned that word for the last time in my blogs). But I’m sure wmg and Warwick will find new innovative ways and events to welcome you into the family!

Before arrival

The weeks leading up to my arrival at wmg were extremely busy. I had to sort out visa arrangements; book flights; and some pre-reading for my course. Along with these things, wmg and Warwick would be sending you various emails. Some for just informational purposes and others which require some action on your part. Please, ensure you read each of them. You don’t want to miss anything! This also applies to the welcome week. 

Welcome week is packed with activities. Various Clubs, Societies, Courses, Academic Departments etc. put on a variety of events. Some are open to all. Others are only for postgraduate students. Some are social events while others are academic-related. There are free events and some which require an entry fee. Believe me when I say there is a huge variety to choose from. There will be something for everyone! So, before I arrived, I went through each activity and made a note of the ones which I would like to attend. After doing that, my timetable was packed!

Tip: If this activity is on this year, I highly recommend it! The Sports Hub hosted a bike ride around campus. The Campus is massive! So, this was a quick, fun way of seeing most of the important parts of the campus. Also, they often point out some of the hidden gems of campus. Ensure you sign up for this one!

Free food is always a good motivator to attend events!

After Arrival

You’re a postgrad, you’ll only be here for a year, so get involved quickly! Chat with people! Go do an activity together. Make connections right away. Because before you know it, you’ll be in a module week and battling your first Post Module Assessment (PMA).

Pro Tip: Some of the welcome events (especially for Sports clubs) extend beyond the welcome week! So keep attentive, and use this time to try something new!

Carlyle

MSc Cyber Security Engineering

A Master’s degree provides an opportunity for persons to change career fields. I am one of those persons who has used the MSc as a way of pivoting into a new career. If that’s you I hope this blog post gives you a boost of confidence as you prepare to join Warwick.

First of all, congratulations on being brave enough to step out of your comfort zone in a significant manner. That could not have been an easy option. The fact that you have chosen to do this, shows that you have what it takes to succeed at a challenging wmg degree.

Secondly, I want to let you know that you are going to be successful! It is August month (already!!) and when I reflect on where I was at the start of my programme to my present condition, I realise how much I have learned! I moved from being a Chemist into pursuing a Cyber Security Masters. Big change! I am a different person! This journey has been life-changing academically and personally. It has allowed me to recognise that I can literally learn ‘anything’ once I put the effort in and am in a conducive environment!

Us Chemists were wearing masks long before this pandemic!

Thirdly, once you’ve been accepted on the course you belong there. You may feel like an imposter when comparing your experience to that of your colleagues. Don’t do it! Your experiences are different and help you to bring a different perspective to the issues you will face. Also, your tutors know the varied backgrounds from which the course participants originate. They are willing to engage with your questions and assist in your learning. Be bold! Ask questions. Engage with tutors!

Finally, wmg’s Research Methodology (ReMe) team is fantastic! They are there to help you succeed! They host drop-in sessions where you can ask specific questions about your Post Module Assessments (PMAs) and projects and academic workshops. They offer much-needed support to help you get through.

The year ahead will be challenging. There will be some dark times. But you can overcome it. You will excel. You will surprise yourself!

All the best!

Carlyle

MSc Cyber Security Engineering

For you who's holding back, it is time to step outside of your comfort zone, take a deep breath and take action, on the future you deserve. If you are still doubting, it is normal, it probably also means you are doing the right thing. Not going to lie, I was in the same situation. Studying is a big decision to take, but leaving your current situation aside, ask yourself what you really want. Good news for as soon as you let go of all the pressure, you will rather aim for the things that you deserve, going after things you like to do. Yes sometimes forgetting about everything around you and listen to your inner voice, is valuable. Take this one year programme as an opportunity to check on the dream you have. Remember, when you do something according to who you are, people will feel it and sometimes resonate with what you do. Accepting your shortcomings is letting greatness coming your way. The future may be scary, the present is something you can act on now.

Learning to know other people has always been a pleasure for me, especially people outside my culturescape. In fact, challenging my worldview has been my mission all the way through now. WMG makes no exception, as I was able to meet two exceptional individuals who have shown me the way and level up. Through opening up on my own journey, I was able to better understand myself. Life will set people in your way to offer you growth. Thanks to my time here in the WMG department, I was offered time to think, lots of time to strategize for the future, but most of all dig within to further continue a path towards self-development. I mentioned checking on your dreams and objectives, here above. I went through this amazing phase and it feels rewarding. I do hope you experience the same, but make sure you set yourself no specific boundaries, tasting different things while on campus, joining societies and making use of the Library. Embracing a wider purpose is taking advantage of all resources on campus, researching other topics you are interested in. The journey is pleasant for anyone to agree with me that once you taste this experience, you even wish you could extend it further.

“Life is a mystery to live, not a problem to solve,” said Gandhi and he is undoubtedly right. In fact, the reason I came to study was to better understand myself, what I am good at, my skills and the modules I loved. Asking myself a simple question: What are the modules I could picture myself dealing with on a daily basis? Warwick University more specifically the WMG department will prepare you for your next chapter and help you achieve that one dream you are holding back, write that dream down, write down the goals you have for the next five years and you will see the result. You may want to aim higher than what you wrote initially. Looking back you will be proud of yourself. Remember, we are all capable of anything, but giving yourself the chance to gain confidence in a field you are passionate about is something you deserve and will help lighten up your little corner of the world.

“And to you my dear, I give you the light of Eärendil our most beloved star. May it be a light to you in dark places when all other lights go out.” Galadriel

Xavier de Wasseige

MSc e-Business Management

Hey everyone!

Something I have been asked a lot recently is what job opportunities there are on campus. During my orientation week at WMG, I first heard about the opportunity to become a Student Marketer. I didn’t quite know what that job would entail at the time but I was definitely interested.

I applied and had an interview, which was more like a friendly chat. Clearly, I was hooked and, so, I begin my job as a WMG Student Marketer.

My main responsibility for a while was to write blogs, such as this one, about my personal experiences at WMG as well as upload related-posts on my social media. This turned out to be such a great opportunity because, what I didn’t realise at the time was that, this job would give me the time to reflect on my master’s journey. It’s almost like having a diary and documenting my life here. I can already see future Katrina being so grateful and patting me on the back for this.

Another great thing about this job is that there is always an opportunity to try something new. Recently, I’ve become more involved with other tasks, such as Live Chats where I get to meet new and prospective students. That has been one of my most favourite things about this job. It also helps me build upon my communication skills; especially in a multicultural setting. That is always a beneficial skill to learn and develop. With all of these new opportunities, I have now become a WMG Ambassador!

Moreover, the job is very flexible and autonomous. I can choose my hours of work and fit it appropriately in my schedule. It truly is great. I love the tasks that I’m given and, especially, meeting all of you who reach out to me. To top it all off, I have a fantastic boss. We, WMG Ambassadors, are very lucky to have her.

If any of you have any questions about joining WMG or anything else related, please do not hesitate to message me on LinkedIn, Instagram (@katmgomez) or Facebook. I am more than happy to help you.

Take care!

Katrina.

MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations

Hi everyone!

It’s been so nice meeting some of you recently. Lockdown measures in the UK have been easing up a bit more which is quite bittersweet. So, I thought it would be nice for us to reflect on our daily routines to see how we have adapted to the new norm thus far.

Towards the first half of lockdown, I was feeling a bit down because I was struggling to feel like myself. However, I kept that feeling at the forefront so that I could find things that would work for me and improve my mood more regularly. This is when I began experimenting a bit with my daily routine to find one that worked for me. And, thankfully, I found it.

Every morning, I put an alarm between 8am and 9am to make sure that I have enough hours of sleep. As soon as I get up, I have a shower because it helps me feel ready and fresh for the new day ahead. After, I have my breakfast and it’s usually something that makes me feel good, such as yoghurt and fruits. While I have my breakfast, I always watch a short episode of something (currently it’s Brooklyn Nine Nine) which I found has made me feel instantly better because it helps me settle into the day.

After I finish my breakfast, I begin my work. I’ve finished all of my modules already so I mostly do dissertation work. I work for a few hours until I feel hungry for lunch. I give myself a proper lunch break then get back on the grind for a number of hours. Listening to a good playlist and having a nice study environment has really helped keep me motivated.

At some point, I go out on my daily walk. I found that soaking in the sun (whenever it’s out) and being around nature has really helped me relax and re-align my mind. I come back to my work feeling refreshed and focused with a clear head.

Around 6pm, I start to slow down with my work and think about dinner. I normally have something for dinner that makes me feel good and happy. It’s something to look forward to for me.

After that, if I feel like working more, I do so. Then, around 9pm, I go into the living room to chill and watch TV with my housemates. Being social and relaxing like that has proven to be so good for me. I feel so satisfied most days when I go to bed. It’s such a contrast to how I was feeling before.

On the weekends, I make sure I don’t do any work. I have tried my best to maintain a proper routine of work on the weekdays and relaxation on the weekends. That has really helped balance my work-life a lot more.

If I have any advice to give you, it is to listen to yourself. Also, making to-do lists can really help as they can take some things out of your mind and keep you focused on what you have to do. Most of all, make sure you give yourself a break. That’s what the weekends are to me. If that’s what you want for yourself as well, amend your routine accordingly. I have never been in an institution before that focuses so much on prioritising wellbeing. WMG has really showed me that focusing on my health and wellbeing can have such a positive impact on every other aspect of my life. Sometimes small changes make a big difference.

I hope you guys have been doing good and this post has helped you in some way! Please stay safe and healthy.

Katrina.

MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations

As I type this, I have officially completed the taught module component of my MSc modules. I have submitted all but one post-module assignment and its now all hands-on deck for the MSc dissertation. It has been a mixed bag of results so far, as I have done a spectacular job in some modules, while the result has been far from ideal in others. This blog post is a window into my experience with the Leadership module.

The module format was one of the most unique things I have ever experienced. I had assumed that the module would be about techniques, frameworks, and theories about leadership in business and management. I could not have been any more wrong!

The module was about looking inward to be more effective outwardly. The premise is that if you lack clarity about your values, priorities and integrity, leadership in business (and life) will be a difficult journey.

A big part of the module was a reflection. That is, the practice of regularly journaling your experiences, being cognizant of the issues that trigger oneself and ultimately striving to be more present and authentic everyday interactions. Another prevalent theme in the module was that of thinking reflexively. That is, remaining open to perspectives other than your own and being receptive of the inputs of people other than yourself.

As far as assessments are concerned, they do not feel like assessments at all. As opposed to writing a 3000-word post-module assessment, students are required to produce a creative art piece that captures what the essence of leadership means to them, and then justify this. Because not every one of us can be Michelangelo or a Picasso, the marking scheme is not based on the quality of the artefact or even beauty. But rather, the relevance of the art piece to the meta-message.

A unique module that gets 7.5/10 for me!

Karabelo Maloi - MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Big Data, Analytics and Visualization: A Module Review

An elective of mine, this was by far my favourite module of all. Equally, this was the most challenging module because of my limited background in information technology and non-existent background in computer science.

What made the Big Data module so relevant for me, was the global Big Data hype train. Buzz words like ‘Artificial Intelligence’, ‘Data Mining’ and ‘Deep Learning’ seem to be the words on everybody’s lips. In my own mind, whenever I heard these terms; answers were few, but the questions aplenty. How will the Big Data revolution transform our world? What will Artificial Intelligence look like in the developing world? What about the Luddite Fallacy; will all our jobs disappear?

So, it goes without saying that I was massively excited about this module, and the first lesson did not disappoint! In just 30 minutes, the WMG Big Data Module Teacher, Michael Mortensen dispelled all the misconceptions I had about Big Data. Apparently, Big Data did not just mean big data sets. It is equal parts a science, and equal parts an art!

Over the next 14 days, what followed was the most intellectually stimulating content I could have hoped for. The first few days were used to explore the hot button issues. The Cambridge Analytica scandal was unpacked and put into context for me, while students debated the ethics of the issue.

The next day was about Supply Chain Analytics and prior to this, I had no interest whatsoever in this subject area. However, in came guest lecturer, Dave Food. He was energetic and excited, and this made the lecture incredible to listen to. An industry leader, he explained to us how there was a shortage of supply chain technicians in the job market and how companies like Starbucks have monetized the data supply chain. The rest of the module covered data processing, data collection, analytics systems, and visualization software.

A great module experience for me, I give it an 8/10!

Karabelo Maloi - MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Last week I had my last taught module, Project Planning, Management and Control, and the last day I started to feel very strange; mixed feelings started to arise. I was very happy because I had successfully completed all of my modules, but I felt very sad because it meant that this great experience was coming to an end. The fact that it was online made it a bit easier because goodbyes were already said in person, but still… nostalgia couldn’t be avoided.

This part of my master’s studies was very exciting, the tutors and their skills and methodologies are something from another planet. I have never learned so much in such a short period of time. Moreover, although the PMAs were very challenging, these made you acquire a lot of knowledge in addition to what you were taught in the lectures. This being said, I am more than satisfied with the university’s staff and education level.

It is now time to focus on the dissertation, which represents the other half of this experience. This is also very challenging because you need to know how to manage your time in order to meet the deadline. I highly recommend you to stick to a schedule and a to-do list, and to stay in contact with your supervisor. The latter is very important, since receiving constant feedback and support will ensure the best results.

Also, is there a time machine that can take me back to October 2019? I would appreciate it.

Good luck to all of you reading this post and get ready for one of the best experiences you will ever have!

Cecibel

MSc ITSO

When you are planning on moving to another country to study for one year, one of the most difficult decisions to make is where you are going to live. Thankfully, the University of Warwick has many different options on campus and off campus to choose from. I will write about Claycroft, which is on campus, since I have a broader knowledge on this.

First of all, I highly suggest that you prioritise your preferences depending on what you like to do and your budget. For instance, I chose Claycroft as my number one option, since I like nature a lot, its location is very convenient and it is very affordable. I lived in a single bedroom with a shared bathroom, but it felt like the bathroom was mine because I only shared it with one person. Also, I liked that it is cleaned two times per week, and the same with the kitchen. There is also a laundry room in each block and a mailbox.

If you are very organised and like the fact of being very close to a supermarket, Claycroft is for you. It is 3 min walk to Tesco’s and 5 min walk to WMG buildings. The latter is a big plus if you like to have a few more minutes of sleep in the morning before the lectures. Behind this accommodation, there is Tocil Nature Reserve, with a trail to exercise or just go for a walk to clear your mind or get some inspiration for the PMAs.

Some of my friends lived in Cryfield and Lakeside and they were very happy with their choice. Lakeside is very nice if you like the peace and quiet, and Cryfield is just amazing; it has very nice newly built studios with a lot of space when compared with other options. I suggest you consider the latter if it is on your budget. These two are also very close to the Sports & Wellness Hub.

Moreover, there are LOTS of things to do on campus -restaurants, cafés, pubs, cinema, gym, library, you name it! ... so I am very happy with my decision :)

I hope this information will give you a bit of guidance on your options, and don’t worry … whatever you choose, your new home will be great for sure!

Cecibel

MSc ITSO

I did say I’d update you after the craziness of the months of May & June. So here goes!

As you would expect, it was a tough challenge to get through the assignments (PMA) in the required time. But you know what I’ve come to realise?

That I’ll be graduating with two masters- Cyber Security Engineering and Project Management and Strategy.

The people who are actually studying a Project Management degree may be slightly offended by my claims. I do apologise. However, having a large volume of critical work placed upon me to complete within a challenging period of time has helped me learn skills which are essential in managing projects. Below are some of the skills honed during the last few months.

Organisational Skills

The first thing I did after receiving my Post Module Assessments (PMAs) was to mark my calendar up. I first marked each of the due dates. Realising the due dates were quite close to each other I knew I could not spend the recommended 110 hours on each PMA. So, I had to strategise which ones would require more time (I speak more about this in my blog ‘Blessed are the flexible’).

Intrapersonal Skills

When running a project, you would have to interact with a variety of persons with different skills and priorities. Which is not necessarily the case in doing individual assignments. The main battle is with yourself. You need to figure out how to motivate yourself. You need to understand when your body is telling you it is tired. You need to be self-aware. There is no point in being at war with yourself by setting impossible goals. Mindfulness needs to be cultivated.

Technical knowledge

Of course, you cannot undergo a project without the requisite technical knowledge! A sound understanding of the underlying principles is required for the project to be successful.

I’ve come through the last two months and I’m so happy about it! Some days were really difficult. But then there always came a point where I looked at my work and smiled and said to myself, ‘You’re actually doing this!’. Those were some of the best moments on the journey for me. Realising that I can actually do this.

I can’t wait to submit my dissertation and say, ‘I’ve actually done it!’. 

Maybe, that will be the title of my final blog.

Carlyle

MSc. Cyber Security Engineering

Where I’m from, there is a saying which goes:

“Blessed are the flexible. For though they bend they will not break.”

During ‘May madness’ (have a look at my previous blog for an explanation) understanding and submitting to the art of flexibility was a tough lesson I learned. It was a bloody battle- filled with frustration, introspection and doubt. But here I am at the start of July though! Much stronger as a result the battle fought.

Here is the background.

As a result of the COVID situation (I really hope after this blog I never have to mention this C-word again. My blogs have been dominated by it recently.) Warwick and wmg have graciously made changes to the way our final grades would be assessed. This was done in an effort to support students. It was as if they were saying to us :

“The world has changed. You are distracted. You are dealing with much. We’ll make an effort to support you while maintaining the integrity of the degree you’ll be leaving the university with.”

I cannot fully explain the measures taken here because they are a bit technical in nature. But the gist is: we need to pass all of our assessments but only a certain number of modules will be considered in our final grade.

I was ecstatic to hear this! It meant that although I was short on time and a lot of PMAs (assignments) to do, there was a system in place to make this unforeseen situation better for us students. However, it meant I needed to flexible.

What do I mean?

Initially, I had one rule. I had to give 1000% to every assessment. Everything mattered. I had to spend the required 110 hours on each PMA! No excuses! I needed to find the time and make it work. However, now that all of my modules would not be used to tabulate my final grade (added to the scarcity of time) I needed to be smart about where I placed my effort. Because although I like to think I’m a machine, there is only a finite amount of energy and time available to me.

I struggled so much with this. 

It was the smart play. It was the efficient play. It was the only move. Yet, I didn’t feel like it was the way “I” did things. “My way” of doing things involved putting my all into everything and doing the best that I could. But things change. Situations change. Doing my best also involves evolving with the prevailing circumstances. Being flexible.

I’m sure this is a valuable lesson which will serve me well in the future. Established companies, services and products die regularly because of a lack of flexibility. In order to survive, we need to learn to be flexible while maintaining high standards. A difficult, but possible task.

Carlyle

MSc. Cyber Security Engineering

During this academic year, I had the opportunity to work on soft skills. But most of all work on anxiety and stress which were common ground. Through the Skills+ programme at the beginning of the year, I pointed out a few areas for improvement. Further helped by Warwick University Wellbeing centre I was able to better understand myself. It helped as the storm was yet to hit the year. I do not even know what would happen without it coping with the current circumstances, the fact is thanks to it I grew stronger. Luckily I was aware of my flaws and worked on them, grateful for what happened to me. I found loving people around me which helped me get better. Confidence and low self-esteem were the areas of attention. What I realised is once those are to be sorted, other skills just flow naturally. Being more assertive and having worked on my internal speech enabled me to put in the right mindset throughout the difficult period. Allowing me to seek for new opportunities with confidence, despite uncertainty.

I am grateful for the experience here at Warwick University. Thanks to the amazing staff and the great friends I made, I learned to better deal with myself. When preparing for the job market we often tend to forget the importance of Soft Skills as important as relevant education. Through the completion of the WMG Skill+ Certification Module, I was able to be aware - when completing the first self-assessment - of the importance of soft skills such as Communication, Adaptability, Flexibility, People Management, Emotional Intelligence, Teamwork, Leadership, Problem Solving as well as Intercultural Awareness, as all those skills will help shape yourself throughout the year. Those aforementioned skills are necessary for you to demonstrate in interviews when possible.

Through reflection, the WMG Skills+ module invites you to assess yourself on your soft skills from the day you join Warwick University through the end of the master programme. Educational qualification and work experience are great on a CV, however, soft skills are key to success in interviews, cover letters as well as on the work floor. During the WMG Skills+ Certification Module, Konstantina Dee will guide you through your journey helping you out, inviting you through workshops and events to practise the skills you have set out to practise and improve.

Writing about the WMG Skills+ Certification Module, one quote from of Peggy Klaus comes to mind: "Soft skills get little respect but they will make or break your career”.

The persons to be thanked for the adventure are two great personalities which have crossed my path this year. Truly, some people on the programme have changed my life forever. Anyhow, the COVID-19 is now part of the master programme, blessed and prompt, despite all things, I grew stronger from the given situation, showing resilience. The learning, as well as the understanding I gained, are some of the things I will be forever thankful.

"Ever failed, ever tried, no matter, try again, fail better" Stan Wawrinka

Xavier de Wasseige

MSc e-Business Management

Last week I began my first module online. I was slightly nervous about this as I have spent the last three months focusing on my dissertation. I was worried about how I would concentrate again, whether I would struggle with the online format and whether I would still remain engaged.

Thankfully, this has not been the case and I am enjoying my online experience. This module has been split into a half day structure over the course of two weeks. This has been a great easing back into learning approach for me. The module course leaders have done a great job of ensuring there is still a mix throughout the week of different types of work. Lectures, group work, case studies, guest speakers and allocated question time all exist as they did in the classroom. The slideshows, videos and class material are all uploaded to Microsoft Teams where each student as individual access. The main classroom is used for guest speakers and question time, while syndicate rooms are set up to facilitate group work and case study work. It is very straight forward and easy to navigate. It has been really nice to engage with other students again too. It so strange that we are all in different corners of the world but are altogether during this class time. It really does demonstrate the power of technology today! I feel incredibly grateful that I did not have to change my modules choices, and that I am able to have as close to a classroom experience as possible. The online system WMG have created is a credit to them as department. COVID-19 has taken the world by storm and disturbed everyone’s life dramatically. To be able to gain my MSc, and continue studying as planned, is a huge achievement by the University in my eyes.

Personally, if my first module had been all day online I think I would have struggled to focus, but the mix of content and shorter days has allowed me to adjust to home learning greatly. One module online down, one to go!

Leah

Supply Chain and Logistics Management

Lately, I've been melancholic, and this blog post is about that specifically. We are 2 months to go and I want to make a quick recap about what I've lived.

My First days

10 months ago, I went to Warwick full of doubts, insecurities and willing to have the best year of my life. During the induction week, WMG focused on clarifying all the questions I had. Talks, workshops, sports activities, course socials, all of those events just to make myself comfortable at the Uni. Thanks to that welcome, I was able to calm my anxiety and make myself a better idea of what was coming for the upcoming year.

Coventry

To be fair, before going there, I hadn’t search for any information about the city. All I knew was that I had to get to the bus station and from there I had to walk 5 minutes to my apartment. Once I was settled, I started exploring the surroundings and I found nice restaurants, pretty spots, stores, libraries, etc. You can take a look about it clicking here. 

Friends

Every place you go, you find people who make you feel like home. In my case, since the first days, I found Latin American people, some of them from my same country, some from other countries but no matter that it was easy to find people to talk to. In my course, I found friends that I know that will be friends forever.

Uni itself

The university was more than I expected. The facilities are amazing, the labs where I had some of the practices were out of this world, for example, the Faraday Cage for the 5G communications practices. The NAIC cafeteria had the best food in all the campus. The multiple options for coffee shops and the common areas were the best. I really miss not being there. I hate the fact that I had to leave Warwick Uni due to Covid-19. You can find some info about the Uni following these links (one) and (two). 

Braulio Solano

MSc in Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles aka SCAV

This pandemic has changed lots of things. In my previous blogs, (click here) I wrote a bit about all I have passed. However, these times of change, have modified lots of plans for almost everybody. Also, it has affected the emotional status of us as MSc students. Handle a master dissertation thesis during these days is strange. Every day in the news, we saw the cases rising and rising, the same for the death toll all over the world. Right now, Costa Rica is facing the second wave of infections and the government is putting more and more limitations for us to go out.

Nevertheless, the show must go on. We have a dissertation to do and a pandemic is not an excuse to not giving the 100% of effort and dedication. The support of my supervisors has been incredible. Any time I need a call to make something clear, they have the disposition to help me. Both AVL (the company that is supporting my dissertation) and WMG are always willing to help me get through all the issues and challenges I face.

On the other hand, the fact that I am surrounded by my family here in Costa Rica is the best part. While studying in the UK I missed them so much and they are the ones that are helping me to go through these difficult times. Before the masters, I had more than 5 years without living with my parents and now COVID-19 put us together once again.

There is always a bright side of everything. COVID-19 represents a lot of bad things, but it depends on us how we take it. Sometimes is difficult to be positive and optimistic but we have to do our best. In case you as a student find it too difficult, there are wellbeing services at Warwick University to help you (click here to know more about it).

Braulio Solano

MSc in Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles aka SCAV

First of all Warwick University is ranked top 10 in the UK, Top 100 (62) in the world. This ranking says a lot about the teaching excellence on campus. In my opinion, Warwick University has the potential to be better than this, having the potential to become top 5 in the UK in the future.

New projects on Campus

Walking on campus, you are able to observe major construction projects. It is obvious to see that Warwick University is aiming big and sees the area around as a way to increase attractivity and develop itself further. A new Faculty of Arts building will create a space open, inviting and flexible, enabling collaboration, creativity and innovation to flourish. A space that will act as a hub both for public engagement in the arts and humanities and for nurturing cultural value. A building, most importantly, to unite all of the Faculty of Arts departments from Millburn House and the Humanities Building under one roof. Warwick Arts Centre Redevelopment is now on its way aims to refresh, renew and redevelop the existing building, which was constructed in 1974, creating a modern, updated, larger area in which to continue the organisation of, creative, artistic and cultural events. A new Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Building will be a new state-of-the-art research building on the Gibbet Hill campus, which aims at bringing together up to 300 biomedical researchers from across the School of Life Sciences and Warwick Medical School, this to fight human diseases.

Teaching Excellence

Navigating through the current pandemic, Warwick University is actively looking at ways to enhance and improve their facilities, developing their communication and crisis management plan to become even better over the years through a thorough understanding of the pandemic and its effects on students wellbeing and teaching excellence. Through introspection, Warwick University is demonstrating a desire to constantly improving itself and aim to be the best through transformation and adaptation.

Developing online teaching even further

The pandemic has shown the need for universities and all businesses to make use of online resources. Through a very quick adaptation to the given changes, Warwick University has shown their abilities to respond to a new reality very effectively. However, the future will probably increase the need for the University to develop online resources for students who eventually will have to enrol online. Developing an online University would add another reach for the University.

Warwick Wellbeing Centre

Finally, I did not study in many other universities, therefore I am not sure if all universities in the UK, all have a Wellbeing Centre. All students when joining a University and coming from abroad are coming with a mental suitcase which might be heavy or light depending on people’s upbringing and experiences. I have seen the importance at times to have such Centre at student’s disposal and consider this one of my biggest achievements this year, in going there and speak to someone at times where I needed the most.

Hands-on Experience

Probably the major reason you should consider WMG for your master programme is the link towards actual needs and skills employers are looking for. Graduating from Warwick University guarantees you to be capable of working in a field having had teamwork and business reports to write matching requirements you will face in all types of businesses.

"May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears" N. Mandela

Xavier de Wasseige

MSc e-Business Management

Hey guys!

A lot of prospective students have been asking me questions about my experience at WMG. So, I thought I would answer some of the more popular ones here for the rest of you who might be wondering the same thing!

How did you choose your thesis topic and supervisor?

In my first week of classes at WMG, the ITSO course supervisor, Paul Gower, was talking about a project that related to the UN SDGs and mentioned that if anyone was interested in a topic within that area, he’d be happy to supervise. I jumped at the sound of that, firstly, because I did not have a clue in mind about what my topic would be and, secondly, I am really passionate about social and sustainable issues. So, I went up to him after class and he immediately offered to talk to me about it over a cup of coffee! My biggest advice when it comes to your turn to choose your topic and supervisor is to not be afraid to jump at any opportunity that excites you most.

Would you recommend living on or off campus?

Personally, I have truly loved living on campus and wouldn’t have it any other way. The campus is where I spend most of my time because of classes, the gym and its where a number of my friends live. Also, very conveniently, the campus is pretty much the halfway point between Coventry and Leamington Spa; which is where most students spend their time.

How do you find the online teaching at WMG?

It has actually been working really well for me. Much better than I thought it would. Lecturers are just as committed and enthusiastic about their modules online as they are in class. Students still benefit from the expertise of lecturers and world-class teaching at WMG. Plus, there’s still a lot of group work going on which is really great as it helps build relationships between course mates.

What is there to do around campus? Where can I do my essential shopping?

The campus is like a student village. There are so many eateries around, including Caffè Nero at the gym and Prêt À Manger near the Student Union. My personal favourite is Bar Fusion at the Rootes Building. The gym itself is well-equipped and houses an Olympic swimming pool as well as a rock-climbing zone. On campus, there is a mini grocery store called, Rootes, where you can get essentials. If you would like to do a bigger shop, 5 minutes from WMG there is Cannon Park. That’s where you can find a big Tesco, an Asian supermarket, Aldi, Boots Pharmacy, the Post Office, Wilko and other stores. Also, the bus interchange is on campus. The buses can take you to Leamington Spa, Coventry City, Coventry Rail Station and other areas you may like to explore!

Are there any societies or good jobs on campus?

The list of societies on the Student Union website is extensive! I can’t even begin to tell you. There’s a whole range of clubs, such as Salsa, Film, various sports and Harry Potter. I joined Warwick Consulting Society and Warwick Women’s Careers Society, which I am the Postgraduate Representative of. There is something for everyone and the best part is you get to meet so many like-minded people.

As for jobs, the university has a website that displays a list of jobs available on and off campus. WMG itself offers students opportunities which are very flexible and autonomous. There’s also career advisors and hubs on campus you can visit to ask about more opportunities.

I hope you’ve found this helpful. If there are any other questions you’d like to ask, please feel free to DM me on Facebook if you are part of the WMG MSc 2020 intake group, on Instagram (@katmgomez) or LinkedIn if you have added me on there. Please don’t be afraid to reach out. I am here to help you with anything you would like to know and am more than happy to do that!

I hope to meet some of you soon!

Katrina.

MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations

"Welcome on board this A340 with Warwick University as a final destination, please remain seated during the flight. We may encounter some changes in pressure, but please remain calm and seated. If the seatbelt sign is switched off, you may well unfasten your belt. Just in case, oxygen masks will come down for you to grab, if the situation demands it of course. Please tighten the face mask around your mouth, and make sure yours is fixed before helping others."

As you can imagine time flies… When joining Warwick University one year programme goes quickly by. Having no more modules to follow and no PMA’s to write, my attention is now dedicated to my dissertation only, hoping to graduate and submit it at the end of August. When joining WMG for a master’s degree, make sure you fasten your seatbelt, as time will fly by. Make the best out of the time given to you. The induction week is a golden opportunity to experience all of the things which are being offered to you. For as soon as modules will start, managing your time will be required to combine leisure and intensive work. Intensity lays around the module weeks, as soon as a module week comes to an end, work starts. Remember you are your own boss, nobody will tell you what do to except the deadlines to be met. Good advice here is to treat every day as a workday 9:00 to 17:00, weekends to allow you to take some time off. Considering the afternoons to relax and chill. Try to record the speed at which you write for you to remain on top of your schedule. Trust yourself, trust the process, many people before you have graduated and many will still graduate after you. Remember, you are meant for greatness even if you are not sure about it yet.

From all the modules I have had this year three were my favourites out of the eight I have taken. Cloud-Native Computing, Data Science and Machine Learning, as well as Digital Consultancy, were high up there. With those three modules, I feel I am ready to take on any challenge ahead of me. Building on my confidence looking for a job these days. Mixing post-modules assessments, self-study and taught modules you gain hands-on experience on lots of new knowledge and skills for you to apply in the business straight away. For the Cloud Native Computing module, I applied the things I would be using in my dissertation recommending AWS, DevOps processes as well as CI/CD to adopt the agile methodology. Learning about Data Science and Machine Learning I learned to build algorithms using prediction models on a given dataset, it was a very good exercise and a new territory for me to explore. Finally, the module Digital Consultancy was an opportunity to make myself ready for a consultancy position. I am slightly biased but if you are still wondering what specialism to chose from Digital and Data Science, rules them all as it covers all the other specialism. The icing on the cake here is that the Data Science topping adds a bit of challenge and new knowledge for you to gather. I am happy and proud of myself, now I hope and trust the best it yet to come.

All students on the e-Business Management programme have fancy jobs in well-known companies as the experience you got is preparing you in the very best way. My future lays in Gods' hands...

"… Thank you for choosing Warwick Airlines, on behalf of all the crew and cabin members we wish you a pleasant journey and hope to see you soon as an Alumni, looking forward in listening to your story and accomplishments in the upcoming years, hopefully, we would be hearing about your great deeds."

Xavier de Wasseige

MSc e-Business Management

Hey guys!

I can’t believe I’m saying this but… I have already finished the last module of my Master’s degree!! It feels like only last month I moved here and was sitting in my first class. It’s crazy how fast time flies. I guess that just means I have been enjoying this journey a lot.

It saddens me that I’m already done with all of my modules because so many of them exceeded my expectations and left me feeling so motivated and well-informed. I will forever be grateful for being given this opportunity to study at WMG.

My last module was Financial Analysis and Control Systems. I was really looking forward to it because I love working with numbers. It was really cool to see how the lecturers adapted to the online class platform and built an entire gameboard on an Excel spreadsheet. I didn’t even know that was possible!

Reflecting on all of my modules, one of my favourites was actually my first elective, Leading Change. It was so engaging and involved a lot of teamwork. This course was one of the most significant in my personal and professional development this year because it taught me so much about the corporate world. From working with others and understanding the significance of effective communication to the importance of storytelling. I have learned to apply the knowledge I gained in this course to others and it has proven to work so well.

One of the reasons I think WMG excels in its teaching is because the lecturers have all had deep experience in their areas of expertise. Not only do they bring with them theoretical knowledge. They also share their insight of the practical application as well based on their personal experience.

I hope that those of you who are thinking of joining WMG in the future enjoy this experience as much as I am!

Take care, everyone!

Katrina.

MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations

Last weekend I was allowed back to campus to collect my belongings that I had left in my room at Lakeside before lockdown occurred. It was very surreal going back to campus as it felt like a lifetime ago since I was there studying full-time and actually waking up in Lakeside each day. My room was exactly as I had left it, minus the new dust that had gathered! It took a while to organize my belongings and pack up the car, needless to say I have a lot of stuff as I lived in London for five years prior to moving to Warwick so I didn’t just move with one suitcase, but everything I own! Luckily, it all fit in fine, and I even managed to squeeze in seeing my best friend Kyle who I missed dearly in the last few months. I have now moved back to London permanently and although I am really happy to be back, it felt incredibly bittersweet leaving the University. I went to Warwick a different person than I am leaving it, all for the better and for that I am so incredibly grateful. Although it is not over yet, my dissertation is still on going and I have my last two modules online in July, it was an emotional goodbye to campus.

Speaking of dissertation, I am starting to see the light after three solid months of non-stop work. I have genuinely never worked so hard on one thing in my life. My supervisor Janet Godsell has been an amazing support and our meetings have allowed me to create my own deadlines and structure for hitting targets surrounding my dissertation. I have reached the second last chapter and will continue to push on as with two modules in July, I am hoping to be finished the bulk of my dissertation work by the end of June. I cannot believe despite the circumstances, how quickly the last few months have gone by. It’s June in 2020! How did that happen?

I hope you are all keeping well, although we are not out of the woods yet, it is nice to not be on full lock down in the UK. Please ensure you are being kind to yourself!

Leah

MSc SCLM

What’s that old saying, better late than never? Well, I have finally completed classes for the taught module component of my MSc following the completion of the Financial Accounting and Control Systems module. My focus turns to the submission of my dissertation.

The taught modules have been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, both in the virtual and the face-to-face (F2F) classroom. Each module is equal parts exciting and challenging as the previous one. What has been interesting is how the dynamic changed in the transition form the live classroom to the online classroom.

In the live environment, the taught modules are fast, furious, and fulfilling! Everybody in the same room for engaging lectures on subject matter, student presentations and syndicate group work. It was the syndicate group exercises that I enjoyed the most. Typically, the module lectures occur in the mornings and then the afternoons are set aside for application. Students are assigned to random groups comprised of other students. They are then assigned to a case study and application becomes the name of the game. The time pressure is immense and there are always heated debates as group members go back and forth in debate. In the end, it is always the result that always amazes me. How quickly students can turn nothing into something.

In the virtual classroom, the dynamic is different. It’s a little harder to coordinate syndicate group exercises on Microsoft Teams, however I have been pleasantly surprised by home much we are able to get done and how quickly students have adapted. This says a lot about the resilience of students, and I feel very fortunate to have seen such fortitude.

Now, that my taught modules are complete, it’s time for me to show some fortitude of my own and complete my dissertation.

Karabelo Maloi - MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IAE)

It’s at times like this when I am reminded of the 2013 smash hit by Clean Bandit featuring Jess Glynne, Rather Be. ‘If you gave me a chance, I would take it. It’s a shot in the dark, but I’ll make it….When I am with you, there’s no place I’d rather be!’ In the midst of a global pandemic and great uncertainty, these lyrics capture how I feel about the University of Warwick. Let me explain this love affair.

My mind is cast back to when I first began my search for universities in the UK and I first came across the MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship programme at the University of Warwick. To be blunt, I had never heard of the university. However, when I read through the program brochure and did background research on the university, I became home sick for a place I’d never been. I knew this was the right place for me. How? It was the promptness of the e-mail responses to my queries, by support staff at WMG and the University of Warwick. The politeness and patience of the UKVI correspondence at the International Office, who ensured I they supported me every step of the way in the visa process. It was watching the YouTube videos by students documenting the magical experiences they had at Warwick. I had been considering other universities in the UK, but I knew there was no place I’d rather be than Warwick.

Now, fast forward a couple of months, and a public health crisis has changed the world. Its effects have also left the Warwick Campus empty and deserted, but for a few international students like myself staying in the dorms. Sometimes I take a walk, and my heart breaks when I see the library doors shut or when I hear the deafening silence at the Student Union building. But then I remember what it was like back when campus roared with activity. Back when I sat in lecture halls and exchanged ideas with other inquisitive young minds from all over the world. I think back to the overly competitive 5-aside football games between me and other course mates. And then I become grateful for having the chance to fall in the love with the university. Even with all that’s going on, there really is no place I’d rather be.

Karabelo Maloi - MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IAE)

Self-discovery is a journey. Probably one of the most beautiful journey. The more life you breathe the more conscious you become, showing more compassion, understanding things, to finally become watchful. Defining my journey so far: Befriended with some brilliant people at Warwick University. Generally speaking, I have connections all around the world which proves a belief dear to my heart: The consciousness of unity and community across cultures.

My journey of self-discovery started at the end of the academic year of 2016 which for many reasons was an important year were learnings and understandings were gained. Taking challenge after challenge, learning a new discipline, a new language, taking on work experience and finally a master programme, I look back at the previous 4 years with awe. When I look back at where I came from I am proud of the accomplishments, this year more than any of them as I met with my other half helping me with bags I carried for a long time. Those bags became too heavy, to finally be able to release the weight, still carrying them but feeling much lighter than before.

To all of the graduates and incoming students: Do not look back at this year as a horrible one, look at this year as a year were hard work finally paid off. Remember where you came from, looking at the journey not at the small steps you may have stumbled on. I will consider this year as one of the best experiences of my life. The reason is simple: Resilience. The journey ahead of you is long and requires you to fill it with positive energy you have gathered this year. Opportunities will present themselves as you are amazingly strong. Yes, you have shown resilience in keeping up with modules and online exams, all of this will lead you to your graduation to look upon with pride and fulfilment.

Change has had an impact on your self-belief, that very change is now required in the wider world to declare the change, work for change and finally be the change. The world needs a fresh pair of eyes on many issues. We all need to band together to show the world our resilience acting on small things for them to unfold in future generations. Take good care of yourself as self-respect, self-awareness, self-development, self-care and self-belief are the key to your inner happiness.

As we all came to this world with a unique soulprint, we have to dig deep in discovering our values and beliefs driving us, for us to act according to our true self. Life is a beautiful journey were a succession of lessons are helping us to live, know, influence and teach along the way. Remaining true to yourself at all cost will pave the way to success no matter what you achieve.

“With the realisation of one's potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world” Dalai Lama

Xavier de Wasseige

MSc e-Business Management

Let me tell you this: living in the West Midlands is one of the main advantages from studying at Warwick uni. I consider myself a traveller, I enjoy exploring and discovering new places, and living in the middle of the country makes it very possible … and affordable! Just next to Coventry you can find Birmingham, lovely city, especially in December; the Christmas markets are to die for. There is also an International Airport in Birmingham, very convenient if you prefer not going all the way to London.

Twenty minutes by bus from Warwick University Interchange, there is Coventry Rail Station, where you can buy a ticket to London just for ten pounds and you will be there in approximately one hour! Good idea, I must say, to clear the mind and get some extra energy for the PMAs. London is full of things to do; it is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

The West Midlands holds so much culture. There is Stratford-upon-Avon, one of the most iconic towns in the UK, and birthplace of William Shakespeare. The region is studded with medieval cathedrals, castles and museums that makes it look like a fairy tale. If you get a chance, visit the Warwick Castle, one of the greatest castles in England; the gardens are beautiful and it has plenty of events throughout the year.

World at Warwick organises trips within the UK every now and then at very convenient prices, in case you are interested in traveling with a group from uni. Some of last year’s trips included York, Cambridge, Oxford, Liverpool and even Edinburgh! You would not want to miss these in the next academic year!

Cecibel Suarez, MSc ITSO

I just have one more module left from my master’s course, but I remember my first week at uni as it was yesterday. The first week at uni is the best opportunity to meet new friends and get to know the campus. It is full of activities, from treasure hunts to societies fairs. My favourite activity was the treasure hunt; I had the opportunity to meet students from other courses within WMG and to get familiar with the campus while having lots of fun solving riddles.

I also enjoyed the societies fair, where you can sign up for any society in which you are interested. I must warn you, there are A LOT, so it might take a while for you to choose. I highly recommend TEDx and Warwick Salsa Society; the first one for the learnings and the CV, and the second one just for fun!

During the first weeks, you also get a chance to try different sports for free at the Sports & Wellness Hub, which is very beneficial because there are A LOT of them as well, some of which I had no idea before coming to the UK, like underwater hockey … yes, sounds like a lot of fun! Regarding sports, you can also subscribe to the Sports & Wellness Hub during this week. There is a variety of membership options to choose from, like just the swimming pool or just the gym or both.

Another thing that I loved from the first week were the activities at the piazza. You could just get there and there was always something going on, like food markets or someone giving bags with goodies or just a group of people willing to answer any enquiry regarding university life. This being said, I felt really welcome during my first week at uni and that gave me the energy boost I needed to start my master’s course.

Cecibel Suarez, MSc ITSO

Do you remember when you were younger and every adult asked: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

How were we meant to answer that as 6-year olds? I still have no idea what I want to be, and I’m almost done with my Masters!

Well. That’s not totally true.

As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, this MSc Degree represents a change of fields for me. My previous studies and jobs were within the physical sciences and now this degree is within the Digital space. I am excited to make this change. But, how do I go about it? Will my MSc be sufficient to equip me with the requisite skills to land a job and be competent?

Plan

After surveying the vast Cyber Security field, I realised that I’m particularly interested in Digital Forensics. So after doing some research into the field and job requirements, I realise that after completing the MSc, I’ll need to do further certifications. 

But which ones?

Help!

This is the point where I need help from seasoned professionals. Sure, I could continue to Google stuff; read blogs online and reach out to practitioners on LinkedIn. But why go through that hit-or-miss method when I have access to experts right within WMG?

I asked my Digital Forensic lecturer if he’d mind mentoring me within this field. He said yes and promised me access to his network of peers and experts! Furthermore, I asked my personal tutor (not to brag, but he is the head of the Cyber Security Centre at WMG ;) ) about advice about entering the field, regarding certifications etc. He gave me helpful tips and also introduced me to a contact who could help. I even reached out to a few other lecturers who have been super helpful to chat with me about this. I even have a follow-up meeting with one next week!

I’ve already spoken about the joys of networking while at university in a previous blog. But I don’t think it can be overemphasised! The most important thing university gives you access to, I’ve come to realise, is the human resource! Your peers and your lecturers are invaluable! Make use of it! Ask questions! Ensure you leave WMG taking advantage of everything on offer!

Carlyle

MSc. Cyber Security Engineering

“WHAT is going on here?!”

“OMG! I have no idea what I’m doing!”

“Am I going to fail my dissertation?”

“Maybe….. I should quit this degree?”

As the deadline approached for the submission of my Methodology chapter, I was wallowing in despair.

Let me set the scene so that I can help you understand my plight.

Choosing a Project Supervisor

A few weeks into the academic year we were given the opportunity to select a dissertation topic which aligns with our interests. Additionally, we needed to select an approved supervisor-an academic or industry practitioner- who specialises in our areas of interests. However, choosing a suitable supervisor goes beyond matching with someone who is an expert within a particular field. We needed to know how we prefer to learn. For example, I’m quite independent and self-motivated. So, I didn’t need a supervisor who is quite hands-on and who would set specific deadlines for certain pieces of work. I’m capable of that myself. So, I chose someone who preferred to be hands-off. I would be the one to initiate meetings and update him on my progress. After all, it was my piece of work!

The Problem

However, my issue is that I struggle to ask for help.

For the first 6 months of my project, I had relatively minor problems. I met with my supervisor occasionally to ask for his input and to help me shape my question and objectives. But when I got those sorted and I had an idea of what I was doing, I was off!

I emailed my supervisor on occasions updating him on my progress and asking for feedback on completed work. But when I got to the methodology chapter, I was stuck…

I felt like I had no idea what I was doing.

“Maybe I should have chosen another topic?” But it was too late to start over.

The Solution

After countless weeks of trying, failing and minor successes I finally asked my supervisor for a meeting. I told him of my frustration, failures and few successes. I told him that I was worried that my experiment was not robust or substantial enough. Would you like to guess his response?

He said to me that I’d done quite a lot of work already! So, I didn’t need to worry! It turns out I was biting off more than I could chew!

Over-ambitious eh?

What a relief!

Remember, your supervisors are there to help and support you! Check-in with them regularly if you want to minimise the times, you’re hunched over your desk feeling helpless like me in the picture below!

Carlyle

MSc. Cyber Security Engineering

My preferred place to study in the Uni was the PG hub. This was a place where only postgraduates students had access. To go in, you need your Warwick ID. It was open almost every day of the year and the environment was ideal for study either in a group or alone. It counts with study bookable rooms, a quiet zone, the main atrium with tables and sofas, usually, they had coffee (not always). I used to spend here hours and hours. My parents knew It as my second home in the UK, the first was my apartment. Following this link, you can check for more details. Sometimes, I took my two computers, mouse, and keyboard to work better. A hint: Microsoft has a tool to use a single mouse and keyboard with two computers, read about Mouse without Borders here.

Some activities and workshops were held there. On Wednesday, they made PG Tips, a safe place to ask everything you want to know about the PG life.

Other great places to study are:

· Pret a Manger

I used to go there once a week for a good coffee while I write the PMA of the moment. My favorite was the Caramel Cappuccino that they sell.

· Library floor 5, quiet areas

This is the quietest place that I know in all the Uni. If you really want to focus on anything, this is the right place. Not even the quiet zones of the PG hub are close to this place.

· Learning Grip Rootes Building

This place is more for group study, lots of undergrads go to study here, this is always full. However, there are nice sofas, tables, computers, etc. that you may need some time.

· MEC building

This is a group study place, however, a Mexican friend of mine used to arrive 2 hours early during the module weeks and use an entire syndicate table for her alone, smart girl!

· Coventry public library

A place that only the people that live in Coventry know. The PMA weeks that I did not want to go to the Uni, I used to go there. A nice place to study without going all the way to the Uni.

Braulio Solano - MSc in Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles aka SCAV

Unlike all my friends, I lived in Coventry city centre. In Corporation Street, close to a lot of important places in Coventry. The Pool Meadow Bus Station was 200 meters away from my apartment. From there you can take buses to and from a lot of different places inside and outside Coventry. The train station was also really close. From there you can go to London, Manchester, Oxford, etc in a matter of an hour. Also, a lot of supermarkets are in the city centre, Sainsbury, Iceland, Tesco Express, etc. Beyond those convenient amenities that Coventry has, this blog is to expose the hidden places that are in Coventry that not everybody knows.

Almost all my classmates and friends lived in-campus, and not all of them liked Coventry, but I loved it. It is a small city with its own charm. The fact that I lived there allowed me to know places that were really nice. Specifically, I want to talk about 3 of those places:

1.Canal Basin waterfront

Coventry is connected to the British canal network that is all over the country and in Coventry is a kind of small port where people still arrive with their boats. You can walk along the canal through the sidewalks that are all over its basin. I used to go at least once a month. I wanted to show this place to my friends, but they said they didn’t like Coventry, well they missed this (click here to see it on Google maps).

2. Swanswell park & pool.

I remember one time that I went to Prague with my girlfriend and we were amazed by the number of swans in one place, that time we counted hundreds in the Vltava river. In second place after that place is the Swanswell park & pool in Coventry. The goose, the swans, and different type of birds use to gather here, and more than once I saw entire families coming there on weekends (click here to see it on Google maps).  

3. Hertford Street Food Court

Around 10 food stalls are grouped in Hertford street, in the heart of Coventry, with an amazing selection of international cuisine. There are food options from all over the world: Japanese, German, Italian, Korean, Indian, British, etc. My favourite was Millie’s Kitchen, an Italian restaurant that serves the most delicious pizza that I have ever tasted (click here to see it on Google maps).

It does not matter whether you lived on-campus or off-campus, you should take a look to these places.

Braulio Solano - MSc in Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles aka SCAV

Hi everyone!

How are you doing? I hope you’ve been safe, happy and healthy.

My year at WMG has been one of my most favourite and memorable years so far. Not only have I found it incredibly educational, I have also met some amazing people, pushed myself to try new things, grown and become much more confident. I did not expect to feel this motivated and inspired by the people around me. Moreover, I am so glad to have the experience of studying at a world-class university that cares about more than just the grades its students obtain. From my experience, WMG has shown genuine concern for its students since that first acceptance offer email.

WMG pushes its students to think about their wellbeing, which includes us thinking about our creative and innovative sides. We, as students, are taught to continue to try new things. What better way to exemplify this than the recent WMG’s Got Talent day! Who knew talent shows could still go on online?! I, for one, didn’t.

There were so many varied events planned throughout the day. This started off with videos of the top three finalists in the talent show. I watched all of them and I definitely have to say that I did not know how much artistic talent students in WMG had hidden up their sleeves.

The day carried on with activities, such as 10 phrases in 10 minutes in all kinds of languages – from Spanish and French all the way to Telugu and Mandarin. Then, there was mindfulness and yoga with Magda, which we all know we could’ve used. And, there was even a virtual tiramisu making class!! Safe to say, my jaw dropped a bit when I saw that on the agenda.

It was so cool to see that WMG had pushed through with such a creative event despite the situation we are in. I am really proud to be a student at WMG, amongst such optimistic, innovative and balanced individuals.

Without a doubt, I am so grateful that I chose to attend WMG.

Katrina.

MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations

Hey guys!

A lot of you may be wondering what it’s like to stay connected with friends during this time. Particularly for those of us who have just made new friends less than a year ago when we began our degrees in a whole new country. It’s tough and not always easy during a time like this when everyone is so busy trying to keep up with academic work, manage the stresses of new routines and deal with the effects of a global pandemic, amongst many other things.

This is why, more than ever, it is important to stay connected. In Warwick, I met some amazing people who are some of my closest friends today. The people from my course I used to hang out with felt like my Warwick family. Most of us had moved from various parts of the world to the UK, navigating our way through our master’s journey together. It was so much fun having our weekly hangouts, working collectively in class, studying and going to the gym together. Suddenly, all of that was taken away from us in the blink of an eye. Everything happened so fast I did not even realise the effect it had on me until I was weeks into this lockdown.

When I had my first online module, I got to see and talk to a number of my friends who I had not spoken to for a while. That made me realise how much I missed them and how much fun we really had together. I felt somewhat homesick for them. I had gotten so used to being around the company I have right now in lockdown that I, initially, did not keep in contact much with my friends. I began to feel isolated from them, which obviously is not a very nice feeling.

I decided to change that and put more effort into keeping in contact with my friends. One of my closest friends from the course, Abhi, and I chat more now, sending each other voice notes about how we are, sharing entertaining videos and calling each other randomly. My best friend, Dimitra, and I are going to start sending each other letters to change things up a bit for ourselves. Small differences like this have given me something to look forward to. It is so important to remind your friends that you value them because isn’t it nice to hear that every once in a while? And not only tell them, but show them too in whatever way works for you. The smallest actions can be the biggest blessings. Never forget that.

Take care, everyone x

Katrina.

MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations

Choosing to be part of the WMG department going for a master programme such as the e-Business Management programme, you will soon find yourself like home, once settled down. Many students previously graduated will come and say hi to you during the academic year, no doubt you will soon find yourself among family members. On the e-Business Management course, everyone is friendly to each other and the atmosphere for students coming from abroad being away from their family and friends will feel as if you had always known the people around you. The warm welcome and the atmosphere experienced has never been similar to any of the schools I have been. When joining the WMG department, studying the e-Business Management programme, be prepared to have lots of fun, lots of learning, mastering new tools, discovering new skills of yours and exploring new things all being part of a toolkit you will create, strengthening the person you are. The e-Business Management programme is good preparation, becoming a valued individual on the job market knowing what you are capable of.

All went smooth, friends were made and memories forever remembered, until the Covid-19 outbreak. Soon students and staff had to partway and adapt to the ever-changing circumstances. Having had a module the week before the lockdown announcement, I was on the forefront to see teachers preparing the next steps. My thank you will probably stay between us, however, this is the time to thank Dr Michael Mortenson and his team for the big change they have adapted to, this in a very short time. Microsoft Teams was the platform chosen for online teaching, using different "Teams" for each module. Every Friday afternoon a session is being offered to us where we can speak with staff members, on any kind of topic. The teaching staff on the WMG programme of e-Business Management will always be there if you have any kind of problems. We all were given a personal tutor do deal with personal and academic problems as well as a supervisor to deal with anything related to the dissertation project. The teaching staff is there if anything happens, eager to help and put you at ease for any questions you may have.

To motivate me and remain with high spirits I make good use of the sessions on Friday afternoon as well as the opportunities given by WMG to relax and do other things than academic duties (all through Microsoft Teams). WMG has a wide range of activities scheduled for us to take part in, even during this lockdown. This difficult period will stay with me forever, coming out of this strange situation a stronger human being. I have stated on the wall my desire, for this period to remain a good memory although the hardship. If the statement of gaining strength is valid for me, demonstrating resilience having to cope with a huge setback, so does WMG and its staff already thinking of new ways for next year to enhance the overall student experience.

Being able to finish this master programme will probably be the best reward ever achieved in my life so far. If you feel the need for motivation, always remember the good days, however, remember the hard ones as well for:

“Hardship sometimes smiles us all, but all a human can do is to smile back” Marcus Aurelius

Xavier de Wasseige

MSc e-Business Management

The UK has been in lockdown for 7 weeks now, which for me personally, has flown by. Although I like everyone else, am entirely fed up of not seeing loved ones and having what feels like truly little freedom, I am extremely grateful to be healthy and experiencing lockdown with my best friend. I spoke previously about my new routine, but I thought it might be helpful to explain what I am currently up to work wise and how I am continuing my dissertation work despite the current circumstances.

7 weeks ago, I had a title and my Chapter One pretty much finished, but nothing else. I spent the first two weeks of lockdown adjusting to the shock of how quick everything changed and finishing my Storage and Warehouse Techniques PMA. My supervisor had scheduled meetings with me every two weeks from the beginning of April, these meetings have taken place via Team’s and have been as helpful and informative as if they were face-to-face. I have had two meetings with her and a third approaching this week. I have used these meetings as milestones to complete various different stages of my dissertation work, this has been a helpful motivator to encourage myself to keep going on the good and the bad days.

Your supervisor is there to guide and help with various topic related questions, the ReMe team are the team that assist all master’s students at WMG with the how and the what questions. How do I write a literature review? How do I form my methodology? What is an Ethics form? As a result, they have set various deadlines throughout the year to ensure each student is at the same level when it comes to keeping on track of their dissertations. Chapter One’s deadline came in February, Research Methods and Ethics Forms deadline came last week, the 4^th of May.

For me, my research methods chapter is my second chapter, where for most people it is their third. As a result of this, I set myself the challenge of completing my research methods chapter in full by the 4^th of May, as well as completing my ethics form and certifications that are required to go with that. I reached my target and have now moved on to Structured Literature Review. The library e-book resources and databases such as Science Direct and Proquest AIB/Global have been invaluable during this time.

I am going to continue to push myself and stay on track for my finished dissertation target of July, to allow me to complete my remaining modules after this. I know despite everything that is going on it will all be fine with the continued support of WMG, my supervisor, the ReMe team and library support! 😊

Leah

MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management

The New Normal: A Microsoft Teams Classroom

I was very nervous about the transition. What would the new normal be like? How would the learning experience feel? I must say however, I have been greatly impressed by WMG and the greater University of Warwick’s consistency in striving to produce a high quality learning experience, even as the global public health crisis compelled the university to make classes virtual.

Alas, Microsoft Teams had become my new classroom! The irony of my first module experience online was that my maiden virtual experience was an appropriately titled module. The module was called Change Management and was about leading and facilitating organizational change and transformation through turbulent times.

As all modules at WMG, lectures and learning were consolidated in week-long blocks. I will admit that it felt exceptionally strange waking up early in the morning, brushing my teeth and taking a shower, just to sit at my desk in the room and wait for the Microsoft Teams App on my computer to load. For those who might be unfamiliar with it, Microsoft Teams is a collaborative platform meant to facilitate remote working and education through video meetings, high quality chat functions and more. No longer would I roam the halls of the International Manufacturing Centre (IMC), or sit in the syndicate rooms at the Materials Engineering Centre (MEC). From now on, my classroom code was MS-T, as in Microsoft Teams.

Having now experienced what MS-Teams-facilitated learning feels like as an MSc student at WMG, I can say that I have been pleasantly surprised and impressed by the outcome.

Firstly, I was surprised by how productive my designated team members and I were, at during breakaway syndicate sessions (group work). At WMG, a mainstay feature of module weeks is syndicate exercises that run throughout the week, and typically consist of simulations and assignments meant to replicate real world business environments. Under normal circumstances, this kind of approach makes face-to-face teaching more engaging and experiential. So, I was very unsure as to how effective my syndicate team and I would be in the virtual classroom, given that we were in different places and time zones. But apparently all you need to produce good syndicate work is willing teammates, a Google Docs ppt to collaborate on, and voila!

Secondly, I was impressed by the ability of a Department like WMG to almost seamlessly transition from a face-to-face teaching style taking place in brick and mortar environments, to the virtual classroom and still deliver a high-quality experience.

In conclusion, given the choice between the online classroom and face-to-face learning, I will choose face-to-face learning 11 times out of 10! But because of the global public health crisis that we all face, WMG receives full marks from me, for embracing change!

Throwback 3: A WMG Party full of Christmas Cheer!

Imagine this, having to contend with -5^oc temperatures in the evenings and mornings that felt even colder! Then picture this, having to remain sane amidst the British winter where the sun would come up as late as 8 a.m. and sets as early as 4 p.m.! Mind you, the word ‘sun’ is used as a figure of speech here, the days where mostly grey and bitterly cold! Hailing from Sub-Saharan Africa, this was quite the adjustment!

An even bigger adjustment was the fact that for the first time in my life, I was spending the Christmas holidays away from family. The university campus was absolutely deserted over this period and I would periodically jump on the 12X bus to Coventry City Centre just to get my ‘fix’ of that family feeling and holiday cheer.

Because of this, I was overjoyed when I found out that WMG was having a Christmas Party! This was extremely thoughtful and considerate of WMG to do so, especially for people like myself in need and in search of some Christmas cheer!

Hosted at the Slate, a stunning conferences venue on the University of Warwick campus. WMG students attended the Christmas party in holiday-themed dress! A few students had special hats shaped like reindeer antlers, another student donned Santa Claus’ signature beard and hat, while two ladies even came dressed as Christmas trees! Truly a wonderful sight to see!

The evening started off with an all you can eat buffet, where we all enjoyed an assortment of festive dining options over great conversation with good friends. Then, there was the WMG Christmas Party ‘Best Dressed’ award, which was to be given to the people’s choice for best Christmas-themed outfit of the evening. No surprise, the winners were the two ladies who came dressed as Christmas trees! 😊

The fun did not stop there, oh no! The Christmas Party ended with students dancing the night away to popular songs like Camilla Cabello’s ‘Havana’ and Daft Punk’s ‘One More Time’. And as the DJ played through student requests, and people danced happily to classics, I was grateful to WMG for hosting a Christmas evening that made Warwick feel just like home!

There is no reason for your full-time MSc experience to be boring. Sometimes we, as full-time students, think that we should be only focused on our studies, which is partly correct. Don’t misunderstand me, you have to be focused on your studies and trying to get the higher marks you can. However, your life keeps going and you need to take care of yourself having things to do in your dreamed free time.

During the time that your WMG MSc lasts, there are multiple activities to engage the students and to make us have something else to do but study. During the time I was in the UK, I assisted to movie nights, scholars’ dinners, Christmas activities, industrial insights, career fairs, LinkedIn talks, industrial visits, academic workshops, different sports tasters, etc.

Among others, there are 2 main programs called: Intercultural Training and Skills+. The first is a 3-part training that includes talks and activities about awareness and communication with people from different backgrounds, and the second is a point-based program that consists of attending to some of the previously listed extra-curricular activities and for each of those you obtain points. At the end of both, you'll receive a certificate that can be included in your resume to demonstrate your engagement, awareness, and knowledge that you gain from them.

As you can imagine, COVID-19 make everything change. However, there are webinars, talks, socials, career advisement sessions, etc. online that we as enrolled students can still join and be part of.  WMG is committed to making new content available on a regular basis.

In my personal case, I have attended to so many activities that I have more than the necessary points for the skills+ program and I successfully finished the Intercultural Training and I have the certificate of that already.

Thanks to WMG…

I've met the:

Triumph Motorcycle factory, Coventry Transport Museum, Jaguar Land Rover factories, etc.

I've learned about:

Academic Writing, Time Management, Critical Thinking, etc.

And I've assisted to:

Dinners, Movie nights, Career fairs, etc.

I consider that we must take advantage of these opportunities that WMG offers to us because of two reasons: to have a balance between free time and the academic responsibilities, and second, to keep learning new things. I'll stay tuned to the online activities to make this lockdown more interesting by joining some more workshops and activities.

Braulio Solano

MSc Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles

I can’t believe it. I remember in December, while was taking my third module of Human-Technology Interaction, I saw the end of my MSc studies really far away. Last Friday (May the 1^s, 2020, I finished my very last module.

My program consists of 7 modules in total and the latest module was the Machine Intelligence and Data Science (MIDS) one. The content of the module was truly interesting. I was so interesting that I didn’t mind the fact that I had to take it in the early mornings. In one of my previous blog posts, I mentioned that, due to the COVID-19, I had to return to Costa Rica (click here to read it) and how from that moment on everything was going to be held remotely (click here to read it).

My routine during this 2-week module was really thug. As Costa Rica has 7 hours of difference from the UK, a 9am-starting class for me it was 2am. Some other days, classes started at 10:30am UK time which was 3:30am for me and so on. Among the things that I did are:

• Get to bed around 5pm or 6pm of the previous day.
• Get awake 1 hour before the starting time of the corresponding lecture.
• I took a shower right before the first lecture of the day.
• I trained my body for 3 days before the module, to make it less rough.
• Drink coffee several times during the lectures.
• Right after the last lecture of the day ended, take a 30 min nap.

However, all that made my last module experience unforgettable. I will always remember how one of the hardest modules of my course was also the most difficult to manage. I have never been a morning person. My girlfriend, my friends, my family know that. I can go to sleep late at night but waking up early has always been a challenge for me. The hardest I try it, the hardest it is.

I am satisfied with the modules that I received during this time. This is, in fact, a sweet-n-sour moment of my MSc time. In one hand, I am happy to finish all the modules because only I know how difficult it was to finish them. On the other hand, I would like to keep learning. Nevertheless, from now until the end of the academic year I am only focused on finish my last PMA of MIDS and give to my dissertation project the time it deserves.

Braulio Solano

MSc Smart, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles

Let me tell you the truth about my reaction when I was told that the rest of my modules were going to be delivered online… I almost fainted and I wanted to scream, yes, both at the same time. This was mainly because I could not believe that I waited so long to come to the UK and study an MSc in one of the best universities in the country, and now I would not be able to go to the classroom. Yes, bad timing.

What I wanted to write about today is about how, even though online modules delivery is not desirable, it is a pretty good experience. Not only the quality of the lectures is as great as always, but also group activities, which I was worried about, are surprisingly easy to execute. We use MS Teams, which has a lot of features that facilitate communication and collaboration. I have no complains regarding this platform.

Moreover, I am thankful because I am still able to interact with my classmates, through a screen, but it is something. I am also thankful with my tutors and all the administrative staff because they have put a lot of effort to make this transition easier for us, maintaining a world-class education in these difficult times.

This being said, it is a strange situation, and it is hard to adapt and overcome change, but we can and we will. Just a friendly reminder: stay home :)

Cecibel Suárez, MSc ITSO

The first thing that caught my attention when I first arrived to Coventry was the color green. From parks to fields, there are lots of green areas that give the city a fairytale look. In general, the West Midlands have this particularity and I really enjoyed it. Our campus was no exception to this. I am writing in past tense because I am not there anymore due to unforeseen circumstances … a global pandemic.

Just behind my accommodation, Claycroft, there was a nature reserve, Tocil woods. I used to go there for a walk or a jog to clear my mind or to look for inspiration for my PMAs. Unfortunately, I discovered this place when I was almost leaving campus. But now you know the secret, trust me, go if you can. There are lakes and ducks and trees and bridges; it is beautiful. And I am sure that in spring it should be even better.

Moreover, there are other nice green areas around the whole campus. For instance, there is lakeside. Yes, more lakes and ducks and peaceful paths. I really miss it, but by fortune I went several times because there are different running trails on campus and this was the one I learned first. In fact, if you enjoy running, have a look at warwick running trails in the link below, there are different options in terms of distance and levels of difficulty: https://www.mapmyrun.com/gb/warwick-eng/

If you enjoy nature, the peace and quiet of it, and outdoor exercises, then I suggest you go and explore this amazing campus!

This is me exploring Tocil woods :)

Cecibel Suarez, MSc ITSO