Accounting students visit Brussels to explore intersection of sustainability reporting and European governance

The trip, titled Distant Horizons SFA Trip to Brussels, was attended by 38 students and accompanied by 4 colleagues. It aimed to help students increase their employability skills and the programme contained various activities throughout the week.

Students were first guided on a city tour arranged by Odisee University, allowing them to explore Brussel’s architecture, culture and history. They then visited the European Parliament where they gained a firsthand look at how EU policies are shaped, giving them a deeper appreciation for European decision-making. A trip to the House of European History allowed students to trace Europe's rich and complex history to better understand its present and future, and an exploration around the National Bank of the Belgium Museum gave students insights into Belgium’s financial system and the role of the European Central Bank in economic stability.

As the Accounting and Finance BSc Honours course is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), some activities were designed around it. ACCA Europe designed a programme for Westminster students, including presentations from the European Association of Craft, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEUnited), Accountancy Europe, the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) and experts from Odisee University. The presentations focused on sustainability reporting, highlighting the evolving landscape of corporate sustainability and financial transparency.

Before each trip, there were individual career appointments with each student where they discussed their responses to three career questions asked in a pre-trip questionnaire, focusing on raising aspirations and taking action. These data and themes helped to inform the careers and employability content of the trip and some of the ACCA-designed activities and employers.

The students also heard from Maarja Reinomagi, Investment and Risk Finance MSc alumna, who currently works in Brussels. Maarja delivered a talk about overseas work opportunities, providing students with insights and tips about future opportunities, such as what student can expect while applying for jobs abroad.  

Sue Edwards, Careers Consultant at the University’s Careers and Employability Service, led a workshop for students in Brussels on the fourth day of the trip, helping them with CV and cover letter writing. She uncovered how to communicate competencies by making evidence-based statements in a professional development section of a CV, in a cover letter, and during an interview, and to be able to communicate sector-specific experience and learning from the Brussels experience and their course content. She also guided students on creating convincing applications and interviewing with confidence.

Sue Edwards said: “The trip was a testament to the impact of relationship and a meaningful working alliance in Careers work. The student-initiated career conversations as we walked and talked side by side were authentic and purposeful. During these walking meetings, we focused on how, why and when to take action and I challenged a few to stretch and broaden their aspirations. I was keen to promote agency and for the students to see themselves and each other as emerging talent capable of highly skilled work in a variety of contexts. The students came to their pre-trip 1-1 appointments with insightful self-awareness, high levels of resilience, sound communication skills and they articulated what they value and why. They care about a future that aligns with these things. Since we have returned, many have taken action to approach the market, make new professional connections and start to prepare well for recruitment processes. It was a such a pleasure to be a small part of their journey.”

During the week, students had numerous impactful career conversations while walking around the city. This side by side, informal relationship approach to career guidance helped to motivate and support students in their next steps and inspire a few more to take immediate action.

Natalia Krasnikova, Course Leader of Accounting BSc Honours, said: “Our Accounting students had a fantastic opportunity to take part in the Broadening Horizons trip, which focused on enhancing their skills and learning about different culture. We are incredibly thankful to ACCA Europe, Odisee University, SMEUnited, Accountancy Europe and EFRAG for organising and hosting such engaging events for our students. A special thank you also goes to Maarja for sharing her invaluable experience with them.”

Fred Agyemang, Lecturer in Accounting and Finance, added: “For many students, visiting Brussels was a first-time experience that broadened their horizons, leaving them with unforgettable memories and a newfound awareness of exciting career opportunities abroad. Their enthusiasm extends beyond the trip itself - it’s about the bonding with fellow students and staff, the dreams it has ignited and the realisation that the world is full of possibilities within their reach.”

Tom Lowe, Assistant Head of the School of Finance and Accounting, added: “This excursion, facilitated through the Distant Horizons Programme, and funded by the Quintin Hogg Trust (QHT) as part of the wider QHT Fieldtrips fund, has enabled Westminster to support 38 students to visit the centre of European politics and trade, where we exposed our students to working internationally, the wider European context of accounting policy and an opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture.”

This trip directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.

Learn more about Accounting and Finance courses at the University.