UK   EBM Graduate 2004-2005

"It’s all about the real world.”

Since gaining his MSc in Engineering Business Management in 2005, Kam Bachu’s career has seen him work with a number of world-leading businesses. Now Senior Project Manager at BNP Paribas Corporate Investment Bank, he talked to us about his time at WMG – and the impact it has had on his professional life.

“It was like nothing I had ever experienced before,” said Kam as we chatted about his year at Warwick. “The way it blends the academic and practical together is unique – and absolutely brilliant. Everything you learn is made relevant to real situations.”

Kam explained how, within one module, he worked with fellow students to set up and run a production line just as it would be in a real factory: ”That in itself was a big eye-opener. Suddenly we could all understand how what we had learned could be applied in actual conditions.

“The fact is that learning in this way makes things a hundred times more memorable than if you just absorb the information from books and lectures.”

As Kam also pointed out, the lecturing staff at WMG make a big difference too. “They’re not the kind of people who just exist in academia. They’ve been out there in business and industry. They’ve done this stuff and know what it’s all about.”

When Kam joined Corus Group PLC’s graduate scheme in 2005, he soon realised the benefits of WMG’s unique learning style. “Even at the Assessment Centre I noticed how I kind of stood out,” he said. “Some people had obviously learned the theory of things, but didn’t really understand their application. I was able to talk in much more practical and meaningful terms.”

Kam found that this continued once he was in his new role: “I could talk to colleagues about tangible commercial issues like stock, costing and risk. I felt as though I could make a positive impact right from the word go.”

During his two years at Corus, Kam’s achievements included implementing the company’s first corporate e-commerce website and delivering record levels of online steel trading.

“I really couldn’t have done what I did without the WMG experience,” he added. “Even down to group work and teambuilding, which were both very important elements of the graduate scheme. The WMG course puts a big emphasis on this. It made a huge difference to my ability to operate effective in a corporate environment.”

Kam’s career continued with a stint at Ingram Micro, the world's largest technology distributor, working in e-commerce business analysis. In January 2010, he took up his current position as Senior Project Manager with BNP Paribas.

“Even now I look back and think how my year at WMG helped me in so many different ways,” he said. “At the time, you don’t fully understand the benefits you’re getting. Like working with people from all around the world and learning about their cultures.

“When you’re at WMG, this makes things interesting, enjoyable and fun. But once you’re out there operating in a global business, you realise just how relevant it is – and it will only become more important in the future.”

Would Kam describe WMG as an all-round learning experience then? “Very much so,” he agreed. “You grow academically, practically and personally. All of this prepares you to succeed in the real world of business. That’s absolutely priceless.”