After 15 years working at the University of Warwick guiding and advising overseas students on their eligibility for a degree at the University, I decided to branch out on my own as an independent student-centred guidance counsellor for overseas students and their sponsors. 

A helping hand from the Women’s Business Development Agency

I heard of the Women’s Business Development Agency via an informal chat with someone about my intentions.  I immediately went onto the WBDA website and was astonished at the range of advice and training that was available.  From the beginning all the staff, from the business advisors to the administrators were extremely helpful and supportive in giving advice and by directing me onto the appropriate courses. Whilst attending my first course called ‘Business Awareness’. I naively stated my intention to start in a month’s time but I had no idea of the structure I would have to put in place and the preparation I would have to undergo before the launch date! I was put in touch with Carolyn Reily, my dedicated business advisor, who met me for one-to-one business advice sessions. Carolyn gave me a structure to work to, deadlines to achieve, and the support and encouragement I needed to get going.

Key to all the preparation is the Business Plan template that I downloaded from the West Midlands Women’s Business Centre website.  At first I felt that the Business Plan was too detailed and partly unnecessary for a small concern such as mine however, I learned to appreciate the discipline of working on it. As I successfully tacked each section it gave me the confidence to know that at I’d had to address all those issues such as finance and cash flows which I would prefer to avoid like the plague! Looking back, completing the Business Plan almost seemed like fun.....well, perhaps that is going a step too far!

About Graduate Study Options Ltd

Graduate Study Options Ltd finds placements for International Students within a UK University. I also offer counselling and advice to these students.

One of the huge benefits of being involved with WBDA is the access we have to professional, informal training and a network of experts on hand to advise on a myriad of issues. 

I now look forward to meeting more like minded women who have set up businesses via WBDAs Networking Event on the 22nd October 2009. Hopefully I’ll b meeting some of you there!  Thank you WBDA!!!

For more information on Geraldine’s services please email her on Geraldine@graduatestudyoptions.com or check out her website www.graduatestudyoptions.com

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