The initial few months in a new country may seem daunting and uncertain. But it doesn’t have to be!

Here are some of my top tips to students starting their masters at WMG or just Warwick University in general:

1. Ensure that you attend the offer holders meeting: The university organizes offer holder meetings in various countries and will inform you of the dates via email once you have a conditional offer. It is an excellent opportunity to hear firsthand from some Warwick alums about their campus experience and journey after completing their course. Furthermore, it provides a perfect opportunity to meet members of your cohort who will travel to campus with you. It’s usually around this time that WhatsApp groups are created, and other forms of networking take place. It can help to have someone to turn to for any clarifications.

2. Student Accommodations: Visit the university website to get a clear picture of accommodation and all the essentials you need. Some accommodations may have additional facilities which you might be interested in or may be closer to your department, the gym, or the shopping centre. Keep an eye out on the website and your email, as students will be informed of the dates when applications open for on-campus accommodation. Don’t forget that you will need an unconditional firm offer to book your spot on campus. Alternatively, if you’ve opted to live off campus, getting a head start on your accommodation applications would be a good idea, as these tend to get booked quickly.

3. Learn to cook: Cooking will arguably take up a good chunk of your time, especially if you are used to elaborate preparations like the South Indian cuisine I’m used to. Learning the basics and the quick dishes you can make in reasonable quantities to store over a few days can prove helpful, especially during module weeks. If you haven’t cooked before, there is a high chance that you’ll be video calling your parents anyway, so don’t forget about the time difference.

4. Ensure you set up a routine: Managing your time will be your biggest challenge in WMG. There will be a few periods with limited coursework, but you still must apply for jobs and engage in extracurricular activities. Conversely, the coursework can creep up on you if left unchecked. Research for PMAs (post-module assessment) takes time and can’t always be rushed, especially if you’re aiming for that distinction-level PMA. Finally, ensure you leave enough time for physical activity during the week.

5. Seek help if you have an issue: If you’re stuck in a rut and can’t seem to progress in your assignments, job applications, or in-module exercises or have difficulty making friends, it’s vital that you talk to people that can help. This can be the careers team, personal tutor, health and wellbeing services, or close friends. The sooner you address what’s bothering you, the sooner you can understand the remedies and progress to the next level.

- Mario Miranda, MSc Engineering Business Management

The courses at WMG have an extensive spectrum of modules covering important technical and management concepts of Engineering that deliver skills in high demand in the industry globally. The core modules and electives helped me to assess my strengths and weaknesses. This master's course isn't just an educational journey but a transformational experience as I have evaluated myself through personal reflection, understand where I lack and built the necessary skills to progress.

The Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) focuses on two skills; 'Technical Competence', which we gain from the modules, and 'Organizational Clarity', which we acquire from interacting in teams. The coursework involves a lot of group tasks and case studies that emphasize interacting in teams, which is beneficial and essential for a work environment. This has helped me build my technical competence in my field of interest.

Besides traditional engineering jobs in operations, supply chain or process engineering, today's market has new and upcoming job roles. Sustainability has taken centre stage, wherein merging sustainability with the organization's mission and vision while embedding it in project management is a crucial enabler for developing a strategic competitive advantage. At WMG, preparation for these jobs occurs through an application-based learning style consisting of case studies and real-world simulations.

Until the 2022 intake of students, the modules take place over 1-3 weeks and will be delivered over half days or full days or a combination of both. The schedule of the modules can be intense but ultimately rewarding. You will have a month to submit your assignments for completed modules but will have other modules running during this time. Time management is a skill that every WMG student will build over the course's duration. The wide-ranging industry expertise of the module tutors and the ease of contact, be it face-to-face, via email or through MS teams, enriches the overall learning experience. The tutors do a fantastic job of balancing academic concepts with the realities of the industry. The module leader demonstrated this excellently in one of my modules, Strategy and Finance for Engineering Organizations.

The best part of the course is the student cohort. The different countries represented in the classrooms provide diverse opinions and views on the topics discussed during the module. The varying levels and types of work experience have provided learning curves for me during team exercises and have led to strong bonds of friendship that flourish beyond the coursework. Ultimately, the biggest takeaway from my time at WMG is the global perspective I have gained from the department and its faculty members.

- Mario Miranda, MSc Engineering Business Management