Mexico   e-BM Graduate 2009-2010

"An unforgettable experience.”

When Paulina Rovira-Sanchez joined WMG in September 2009, she didn’t imagine that within a few months she would be presenting at an international SAP conference. We caught up with her soon after her return from Frankfurt.

A student on WMG’s e-Business Management masters programme, Paulina decided to take a SAP Certification course as an add-on to her studies. “I wanted to gain a fuller understanding of how SAP works and benefits businesses,” she explained. “It was great to have the opportunity to take the certification course, and I really wanted to do well on it.”

Something of an understatement perhaps, because Paulina gained the highest marks of any student in the UK and Ireland. As a result, she was invited to SAPPHIRE, a conference organised by the SAP University Alliances program. The event was held simultaneously in Frankfurt and Orlando, attracting some 16,000 delegates.

“It was all about how SAP as an organisation and universities around the world can work more closely together to help students launch their careers,” described Paulina. “As well as presenting, I took part in a round table discussion on how to promote collaboration between SAP and educational institutions.”

Paulina found herself chatting through ideas with influential leaders from industry and universities alike. “At first, I wasn’t really sure whether I could contribute much. After all, these were senior level people and I’m just a student! But they were genuinely interested in my opinions and what I had to say. I felt that I was able to make a real impact on an event that could steer the future of enterprise systems and education.”

The best moment? “That was hearing my name announced as a presenter,” she said. “I realised that I was representing both WMG and Mexico, my home country.”

Paulina described the conference as a highlight of her student experience at Warwick. But going back a little, what made her choose to study at WMG in the first place? “I was working in software development for a digital security company back in Mexico,” she said. “With a degree in Electrical Systems Engineering, I felt that I’d built a sound base of technical skills. I wanted to know more about business though. Specifically, I wanted to gain an understanding of e-business based organisations and how emerging technologies can drive their development.”

After attending a careers fair in Mexico City, Paulina decided that WMG’s e-Business Management course fitted the bill. In particular, she was impressed by how much the programme focused on ‘real world’ situations. “That’s been a big thing,” she explained. “Looking at today’s manufacturing companies and the challenges they face, then working with others to develop effective solutions. Rather that just learning, you’re constantly learning by doing. That makes it all much more memorable and powerful.”

As for the course itself, Paulina described it as ‘challenging and stretching’, but was quick to point out the support she has received from tutors, staff and fellow students: “There’s a very collaborative atmosphere at Warwick. If you ever need help or guidance on any aspect of your studies or university life, it’s always there. I love how everyone is so friendly too!”