I was amazed by the immense resources available at the university... the state-of-the-art facilities at the Build Space, current and past industrial projects, and the opportunity to interact with industry professionals. Discover Devansh's journey at Warwick and what led them to apply for BEng Engineering Business Management.

How did you find out about Warwick?

I first learned about the University of Warwick through my college counselor’s recommendation. Apart from this, amidst the UK applicants in my high school in India, Warwick’s reputation as one of the finest in the world further reinforced my decision to apply.

Did you consider studying anywhere else? What made you choose Warwick?

Being one of the only universities in the world that emphasize the interdisciplinary intersection of Engineering and Business Management, at Warwick, I am given the unique opportunity to explore both my academic interests. With modules like Foundations of Finance and International Business Strategy, I am certain that I would be able to graduate with a holistic knowledge of engineering and business dynamics. Furthermore, with the Engineering School’s option for an intercalated year, I’d gain industrial exposure even before graduating.

Apart from the high quality of education UK nurtures, graduating in 3 years (a shorter period than Indian colleges) would give me a year’s advantage to utilize my learnings in the real world. This period also provides me with opportunities like launching a start-up or gaining more job experience through Placements and Internships at Warwick.

But the main reason for my choice would be that, unlike most universities, Warwick offers a general engineering program for the first few terms. Thus, I can explore my interests in all engineering fields, and then decide which field I would like to pursue a career in. The wide variety of courses and research opportunities would help me build an in-depth understanding crucial for attaining success in academia and industry.

How did you feel to be awarded a scholarship?

“Ding”
Incoming email notifications had now turned into daunting noises. After applying for the scholarship, every email notification made my heart start pumping exponentially.

One evening, as I walked up the stairs, oblivious to the fact that my life was about to change, this daunting sound made its way one more time into my ear.

I had received a scholarship, but more importantly, a full-fee scholarship.

I was overwhelmed with a rush of thoughts. A full scholarship? Is this real? Who do I tell? What next?

For me, higher education in the United Kingdom was entirely contingent on this scholarship, and now that I had received it, I felt exceptionally lucky. But more than that, I felt immensely grateful to the scholarship team for choosing me as a recipient. For me, there was no accomplishment more valuable nor any reward more meaningful.
Waking up every day and finding myself studying at one of the world’s finest institutions, I’ve realized that everything that I am now, and everything that I ever will be, I owe to Warwick University. To say that I am forever indebted to Warwick University for honoring me with the scholarship would be an utter understatement. Undoubtedly and unconditionally, they have transformed my life.

Who was the first person you told when you received the news about your scholarship and how did they react?

Receiving the scholarship was one of those moments that I’ll remember vividly forever.

Jolts of feelings were shooting up and down my body, as I ran towards my mother to share this enthralling news. I didn’t tell her, I made her read the email, watching her eyes well-up as she finished. As she realized I was going 7,500 kilometers away for university, she embraced me tightly. Before I knew it, she was calling everyone in the family, crying with joy as she shared the news. I called and thanked my college counselor and my teachers who had immensely helped me along the way. This is the first time anyone in the family has gone abroad for higher education, and I could not be more grateful.

How did you apply and did anyone help you with your application form and visa application?

For my college application, I had the support of my college counselor, who helped in making my college choices and identifying the potential scholarships that I could apply for. His help was utterly instrumental in building my college application. In terms of my visa application, since it was the first time any member of the family was going abroad for higher education, we needed help to fill the visa application. Moreover, considering the additional rules, laws, and regulations regarding international travel since the pandemic started, the counselor helped me in ensuring I abide by the rules. However, in hindsight, I’d say that the entire visa application process was very straightforward.

What was your first impression of Warwick when you first walked around campus?

Coming to Warwick was the first time I’ve been out of India. So, coming to the UK was not only a big change in terms of education, but it was a sheer cultural transformation.

Walking around campus for the first time, I instantly realized that I had made the right decision. I’ve always wanted to go to a big campus university, nevertheless, I stood astonished when I first experienced the sheer size of Warwick.

On my first walk around campus, one thing that particularly stood out was the perfect balance of nature and the man-made; On one side of my accommodation lay the central campus buildings, while on the other, a lake adjoining a jogging track. Such a balanced campus structure has allowed me to have a balanced college life.

Apart from this, I was also amazed by the immense resources available at the university, especially for those in the Engineering department. During my first visit to the Engineering Buildings, I saw the state-of-the-art facilities at the Build Space, learned about current and past industrial projects, and even recognized the opportunity to interact with industry professionals at the Lord Bhattacharyya Building. Since my arrival, I’d say that my incredible first impression of the university has only been further affirmed.

What is the best thing about Warwick?

One particular thing that I love about Warwick is the diversity among students, faculty, and staff. Almost on a daily basis, I interact with people from different parts of the world, which not only provides me exposure to different cultures but also builds my communication skills along the way. Every society I’m a part of, every sport I play, or even in my classroom, I find myself amidst like-minded people that belong to different places and represent different cultures.

What is the worst thing?

Since I’ve lived in a boarding house for the entirety of my high school, I was used to going to a dining hall for every meal. Shifting to a self-catered system at Warwick has been difficult, however, it has taught me cooking skills and has even helped me manage my finances better. If I could change anything about Warwick, the only thing I’d change is adding a dining hall to the campus. Not only would this save time for almost every student, but the dining hall would also act as an additional study space for students.

How is your accommodation?

I’m currently living in Bluebell, which is an on-campus accommodation. The facilities provided here are unparalleled to any other accommodation in the university, and to say that I’m satisfied with my accommodation would be a sheer understatement; The kitchen facilities satisfy and go beyond all of my cooking needs, the quality of the en suite bathroom is hotel-equivalent, and the cleaning staff is very friendly and utterly professional. In terms of my flatmates, who are all from different backgrounds, I’d say that I feel lucky to be living amidst such like-minded people.

Personally, the only disadvantage for me while living in this accommodation would be the distance of the engineering building. Other than that, I’d say that I’m very grateful to be living in Bluebell.

Are you a member of any societies? If so, what have you done with them?

Currently, I’m a team member of TEDxWarwick, for the Corporate Relations Team. I’m working under the Team Heads to contact existing and potential sponsors. With this position, I’m learning financial management, communication skills, and the subtleties of maintaining professional relationships.

Furthermore, I’ve recently been appointed as the Head of Finance and Partnerships for ConnectUs, which is an entrepreneurial project of the Warwick Enactus Society. I haven’t started with this position yet, but I’m certain that I’d be learning a variety of entrepreneurial skills as part of this society.

I’ve also applied and have been interviewed for the Entrepreneurship Society and the position of Student Consultant for the Consulting Society and I’m still waiting to hear back from them with a decision.

Apart from these, I’ve also joined the Finance Societies and the Engineering Society. As part of the Finance Society, I’ve attended weekly markets discussions and even enrolled in a CV clinic to learn the process of shaping up a CV. With the Engineering Society, I’ve had the opportunity to attend sessions with industry representatives from Rolls Royce and Curtins, and I’ve also been able to network with ambitious peers and seniors as well.

Overall, these societies not only allow me to strengthen my CV but I’m also able to work and connect with talented individuals, teaching me collaborative skills and critical thinking, which would be of utmost benefit to me even after graduation.

What are your plans when you graduate?

Whether it’s a scientist improving viable alternative fuels, a manager spearheading an MNC, or a social entrepreneur solving India’s energy crises; Engineering Business Management (EBM) will equip me with the strong foundational knowledge to tackle contemporary problems in a multitude of disciplines.

I intend to pursue a master’s degree and further my research experiences in EBM to include work on niche and sophisticated technologies such as those in renewable fuel sources. Therefore, an undergraduate degree at Warwick would be the first step in my dream to become a social entrepreneur.

My eventual transition from academia to industry would be seamless after an EBM degree since I’d have the necessary skills to consolidate workplace resources like finance, HR, technology, and manufacturing. Thus, I’d act as an interface between diverse industries and departments, opening up several avenues for employment.

Alternatively, I can see myself at the helm of a start-up that would assist businesses to make a cost-effective move from traditional energy sources to renewable energy. Renewable energy sources are ubiquitous, however, many firms, especially in India, lack the proper resources and expertise to employ them. I’d guide organizations towards switching to renewable fuels, thereby working towards a more sustainable future.

Through a global network of passionate individuals at Warwick, I can envision myself working with fellow students, and eventually researchers, whether that be through working on a prototype in a lab or pitching our product at global summits.

Whatever profession I undertake after graduation, in Engineering and Business Management I see a vocation that allows me to pursue both my interests simultaneously. Henceforth, I believe that Warwick’s EBM would be the ideal course in shaping my future whether it’s in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship.

What would you say to someone considering applying for an Undergraduate Global Excellence scholarship at Warwick, what would it be?

The main focus of any applicant for the Undergraduate Global Excellence scholarship should be to highlight how they would utilize the scholarship, as well as the resources and opportunities made available via this scholarship. Apart from this, I’d say that they should put the extra effort into emphasizing how the scholarship would impact their career and life, and what makes them deserving of the scholarship.

What one thing makes you happy about Warwick?

My fellow students.
Since day one of my university life, I have found myself amidst peers with similar determination and aspirations, helping me make meaningful connections for life. Being amidst such ambitious individuals every day, I’m forced to put my best hand forward for every endeavour I pursue. Whether it is academics, societies, or networking, my peers push me every step of the way, and I’m forever grateful to be a part of this distinguished institution.