Cesare Castellini
I was studying English in London. After gaining my BEng in Management Engineering in Italy, I came over to the UK and planned to stay for a year before returning home. I really liked it here and decided to stay on to study for a Masters degree.
Why did you choose to study at WMG?
I looked at a number of universities to be honest, but Warwick’s top ranking was a big factor, so I came up for an open day. The staff seemed really nice and helpful, and the campus and facilities looked great. The big thing was the course itself though. My first degree was very general, but my particular interest was in logistics. The WMG programme’s balance of modules made it the most interesting that I had looked at.
How were those all-important first few weeks?
One word: tough! We were working intensively right through the day, so I found it hard going at first. Even though I had been studying English, I struggled a little, though the tutors were very understanding and supportive with all of us on the course. It is definitely a steep learning curve, but you do get used to the demands of the course quite quickly. It becomes easier, and at last you are able to enjoy some free time!
Did you enjoy the course overall?
Yes, definitely. The international environment makes things really interesting. You’re working with people from right across the world and everyone brings their own unique viewpoints, so it is very stimulating and makes you think in a completely new way. What helps is that you’re working in teams with fellow students on practical exercises and group projects. This replicates the real working experience and makes a real difference when you finish your course and take on a role within industry.
Tell us more about the group exercises.
What did you think of the teaching staff?
One thing that surprised me was that the teaching staff were available throughout the day to help you. In my first university it was often a struggle to get hold of teaching staff outside tutorials, but it was very different at WMG. The tutors were always helpful, as was my supervisor. In fact, I am still in touch with him even now.
Did any module particularly impress you?
It’s difficult to single out one module as they were all very good in their own right. I particularly enjoyed Problem Solving With Statistics though. It was taught in a way that made everything relevant to the real world of industry. I finished it knowing exactly what I would need to do when faced with an actual business issue.
What have you done since you left WMG?
I am currently on a six-month internship with BMW in Oxford that was organised through WMG’s Placement Manager. It’s actually the first masters student internship that the company has ever run, so this is new ground for BMW and for me.
Are you enjoying it?
It’s the first opportunity I have had to apply my studies in a real business environment, so yes. It is good to feel part of such a major organisation and have the chance to work on a number of different projects.
What have you been able to apply in your job that you learned on your course?
A number of things including stock control, logistics operational management, process mapping and warehouse modelling. What’s good is that you learn all of these things from a very practical perspective rather than just the theory. Then, when you’re working in business, you can use what you’ve learned right away.
Anything else you would like to add?
The MSc course is certainly challenging, testing and hard work. It’s no easy ride. But that’s exactly what you would expect from a programme of this quality and reputation. It is also hugely rewarding. Only when you get to the end do you realise just how much you have learned in just 12 months. .”
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What were you doing before you came to Warwick?
There was a business game in which we worked as a team to run a company. Unfortunately we didn’t plan very well and almost went bankrupt in the first week! That made us think hard about things and put a proper plan in place. During the second week we worked strongly as a team and saved the company. By now, there was pride at stake too. It’s strange, but we learned far more in that second week by striving to save the company than we would have done if it had all gone well from the start.
