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Warwick Business School Q&A

Q&A wit Barbara Janker from Warwick Business School

By  Winifred Dike

Wed Jan 27 2010

BusinessBecause
Where did you grow up?

In Vienna, Austria – the capital of classical music.

Before entering WBS, you had a successful career in media and public relations in Austria. What was the reason that you wanted to do a MBA?

My whole study and professional background was about media and communication. I earned a Masters in Media Studies & Communication Sciences at University of Vienna before taking various managerial roles in public relation sector. Most recently I worked for Verein neunerHAUS, an Austrian Viennese institution for homeless people, as a PR manager. But I never had any business knowledge, so I thought after doing things in media I would want to gain new knowledge and experience just to be able to move on and to get ready for greater pictures in life.

Five years ago now, you were traveling around the world in more than 10 countries. For someone who’s seen the world, why did you choose Warwick for your MBA?

It’s one thing travelling but studying is another thing! When I was considering an MBA, I knew I wouldn’t want to be far away from home. WBS is good value for money, and one of the most advanced business schools in Europe. Also, I wanted to go somewhere where English is the first language so that I could polish mine! How has the first half of the MBA experience been? Any highlights? The biggest highlight has got to be meeting people from all over the world! WBS has an excellent mixture of culture, and you get to know so many new people. Also, settling down in another country’s been a lot of fun.

What is the best thing about WBS?

Oh, I couldn’t possibly name just one! First of all, WBS has a great campus, including an art centre, a cinema and a concert hall! Then you have lots of possibilities to shape your own program of study. For example, you could take modules from other courses, and WBS has a huge range of classes to choose from. Finally, WBS promotes teamwork more than individual competitiveness. The classes are designed to teach you how to work in a team and as a team. Teamwork and supporting each other are very popular here. What classes are you enjoying the most? Economics. Our teacher, Ben Knight, really knows how to establish initial passion amongst his students. He is also a good motivation trainer. Besides that I enjoyed Marketing a lot as most of the things I already knew from my PR jobs!

Do you find your PR background an advantage in pursuing your MBA?

In my old jobs, I was used to working in teams so this whole MBA experience is not so new to me. I suppose another advantage is that I know how to write as I wrote so much in PR! As a whole I find it do-able for someone coming from PR. As long as you really put effort in and are willing to study hard, then you should be fine.

The average of the Warwick MBAs is 34-year-old with 10 years work experience. So, how would you describe your classmates?

I think we are a little bit younger than that! My classmates have lots of experiences from HR managers to operations experts. We even have an ex-footballer (Jake Edwards who used to play in Australian Football League) and a former military officer! It’s been great to have people with such different experiences around because in your group there’s always a different perspective. You learn more from your peers than from you teachers - that’s for sure. If I can describe them in two words then that would be: ambitious and helpful.

What do WBS students do outside the classroom?

Sinking in the library or shopping in Birmingham? It has to be going to Variety (an on-campus student pub)! Sometimes we go to Birmingham (the second largest city in the U.K) as it’s less than an hour away by train.

What’s next for you after WBS?

A change of career. My future will not be in PR. Full stop. I am interested in developing business ideas for emerging markets. In five to ten years, I can see myself living in Europe and working for an international corporate where I get to travel to emerging countries for business.

Student Reviews

Warwick Business School

Student

Verified

12/08/2023

On Campus

BSc Management with Marketing

I loved Warwick business school. The staff is supportive, my academic tutor was key in my development throughout the 3 years and you have to meet with her/him every term. Most professors are helpful and would happily offer support if needed. You also have office hours and can contact professors by email and through the forum. In general, WBS instills in you the willingness to learn and the resilience needed for you for whatever career you choose. Very international community which broadens your horizon and makes you more open minded and self aware. You will most certainly make friends and memories for life. I recommend that you get outside of your comfort zone and try new activities with your friends! WBS also has a great reputation and offers careers opportunities, and careers support throughout the degree. There is the opportunity to do a year abroad to further develop on a personal level. I wasn’t able to do this due to Covid but I would have loved to do it during normal circumstances! Would definitely recommend this. Although Warwick is not a city university, the campus vibe has a lot of advantages, especially at an undergraduate level. You are always around familiar faces, and in a student environment. Moreover, Birmingham is only 20 mins away from Leamington spa and London is only one hour away! Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway!

Student

Verified

1/12/2022

On Campus

Life at Warwick Business School

Pursuing my master's degree at WBS has been a game-changer in my life. With high-quality education, interaction with students from across the world, amazing campus life and much more. I was able to learn about business, finance, project management and strategy all in one course: MSc in Management at WBS. Besides the top-notch education from the best professors, I also enjoyed being a part of fun societies and participating in fun activities such as scavenger hunts and so much more. The school also organises many company visits and interactions which help students get a head start at finding a job. As my course came to an end, I also have a good full-time job placement in my hands. Overall, my experience at WBS was a great one.

Asad

Verified

27/06/2022

Blended

Outstanding

The Warwick Business School was like a dream come to life for me. The University ranking speaks for itself, from top-tier facilities to some of the best professors I had to honour to study with I fell in love with my course. Interactions with people from all over the world gave me a newfound confidence in myself. Career prospects after graduating are endless due to the contacts of the universities and the success rate for previous students, it does open a lot of doors for students in various career fields. The campus life is quite good as well with a lot of student groups and clubs, and extra circular activities to engage students at all times. Loved my experience.

Wenrui

Verified

19/05/2022

On Campus

A good business school

It is a very cutting-edge, career-oriented business school, all courses are very practical, and the college does a very good job of career service. From the hardware and facilities to the staff, the student experience is at the core of the school and student satisfaction is taken very seriously. I understand that many universities in the UK are relatively traditional and can occasionally be rigid in terms of rules and regulations, and although WBS has a relatively short history, this makes it more innovative and dynamic, which is essential for a business school. The downside is that because it is on the outskirts of Coventry, it is a long bus ride to the city centre, not to mention the difference in experience from a big city like London.

Hrithik

Verified

2/09/2020

On Campus

Campus

The people, campus, staff. It’s a very enjoyable environment and it’s particularly good for learning and playing sports. The people there are extremely friendly and welcoming and it’s very easy to make friends

Student

Verified

3/08/2020

What I Like About Warwick

I’ve personally liked my experience at Warwick so far because of the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet and how many opportunities we students are provided with to learn and grow. Within Warwick, I’m part of the Business School, a learning haven comprised of well-structured modules and extremely helpful people All in all, a great place to be :)

Student

Verified

27/07/2020

Campus Life

One thing that stood out for me was the campus life, you felt like part of a community. The social aspects of the student union and on-campus accommodation meant you can easily get together and enjoy with friends. Additionally, I felt the course provided a variety of subjects allowing me to enhance my knowledge, from Marketing to Law and Finance. Overall I would most definitely recommend this university to friends and family.

Student

Verified

6/07/2020

Excellence self catered

The campus is very welcoming and Modern. There are many opportunities at Warwick but it is up to the student how do they want to make the most out of it and the staff at the school will definitely helo as much as possible. The location and the ranking have been amazing.

Bakytzhan

Verified

4/07/2020

Warwick business school

Warwick business school is one of the best universities around the globe with a solid base of economic and business studies. Moreover, students get a chance to study in a diverse and warm environment with professional stuff which tries to provide the best opportunities for career development. One of the memorable features of the university are great events which sometimes take a place in one of the landmarks of the London city, the Shard building.

Student

Verified

12/08/2023

On Campus

BSc Management with Marketing

I loved Warwick business school. The staff is supportive, my academic tutor was key in my development throughout the 3 years and you have to meet with her/him every term. Most professors are helpful and would happily offer support if needed. You also have office hours and can contact professors by email and through the forum. In general, WBS instills in you the willingness to learn and the resilience needed for you for whatever career you choose. Very international community which broadens your horizon and makes you more open minded and self aware. You will most certainly make friends and memories for life. I recommend that you get outside of your comfort zone and try new activities with your friends! WBS also has a great reputation and offers careers opportunities, and careers support throughout the degree. There is the opportunity to do a year abroad to further develop on a personal level. I wasn’t able to do this due to Covid but I would have loved to do it during normal circumstances! Would definitely recommend this. Although Warwick is not a city university, the campus vibe has a lot of advantages, especially at an undergraduate level. You are always around familiar faces, and in a student environment. Moreover, Birmingham is only 20 mins away from Leamington spa and London is only one hour away! Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway!

Student

Verified

1/12/2022

On Campus

Life at Warwick Business School

Pursuing my master's degree at WBS has been a game-changer in my life. With high-quality education, interaction with students from across the world, amazing campus life and much more. I was able to learn about business, finance, project management and strategy all in one course: MSc in Management at WBS. Besides the top-notch education from the best professors, I also enjoyed being a part of fun societies and participating in fun activities such as scavenger hunts and so much more. The school also organises many company visits and interactions which help students get a head start at finding a job. As my course came to an end, I also have a good full-time job placement in my hands. Overall, my experience at WBS was a great one.

Asad

Verified

27/06/2022

Blended

Outstanding

The Warwick Business School was like a dream come to life for me. The University ranking speaks for itself, from top-tier facilities to some of the best professors I had to honour to study with I fell in love with my course. Interactions with people from all over the world gave me a newfound confidence in myself. Career prospects after graduating are endless due to the contacts of the universities and the success rate for previous students, it does open a lot of doors for students in various career fields. The campus life is quite good as well with a lot of student groups and clubs, and extra circular activities to engage students at all times. Loved my experience.

Wenrui

Verified

19/05/2022

On Campus

A good business school

It is a very cutting-edge, career-oriented business school, all courses are very practical, and the college does a very good job of career service. From the hardware and facilities to the staff, the student experience is at the core of the school and student satisfaction is taken very seriously. I understand that many universities in the UK are relatively traditional and can occasionally be rigid in terms of rules and regulations, and although WBS has a relatively short history, this makes it more innovative and dynamic, which is essential for a business school. The downside is that because it is on the outskirts of Coventry, it is a long bus ride to the city centre, not to mention the difference in experience from a big city like London.

Hrithik

Verified

2/09/2020

On Campus

Campus

The people, campus, staff. It’s a very enjoyable environment and it’s particularly good for learning and playing sports. The people there are extremely friendly and welcoming and it’s very easy to make friends

Student

Verified

3/08/2020

What I Like About Warwick

I’ve personally liked my experience at Warwick so far because of the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet and how many opportunities we students are provided with to learn and grow. Within Warwick, I’m part of the Business School, a learning haven comprised of well-structured modules and extremely helpful people All in all, a great place to be :)

Student

Verified

27/07/2020

Campus Life

One thing that stood out for me was the campus life, you felt like part of a community. The social aspects of the student union and on-campus accommodation meant you can easily get together and enjoy with friends. Additionally, I felt the course provided a variety of subjects allowing me to enhance my knowledge, from Marketing to Law and Finance. Overall I would most definitely recommend this university to friends and family.

Student

Verified

6/07/2020

Excellence self catered

The campus is very welcoming and Modern. There are many opportunities at Warwick but it is up to the student how do they want to make the most out of it and the staff at the school will definitely helo as much as possible. The location and the ranking have been amazing.

Bakytzhan

Verified

4/07/2020

Warwick business school

Warwick business school is one of the best universities around the globe with a solid base of economic and business studies. Moreover, students get a chance to study in a diverse and warm environment with professional stuff which tries to provide the best opportunities for career development. One of the memorable features of the university are great events which sometimes take a place in one of the landmarks of the London city, the Shard building.

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