On Wednesday 25 November and Thursday 3 December, around 100 Westminster international students and recent graduates attended the virtual Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) Professional - Career Insights events in China and India, to learn about the professional landscape, career opportunities and working life in the labour market of their home countries.
During the WWC Professional virtual events, Westminster alumni from a range of sectors living in India and China shared informative and practical advice with attendees. In addition to learning from graduates, participants had a chance to network with the speakers in breakout rooms for more in-depth discussions.
On Wednesday 25 November, Communications graduate and Director of Public Policy at Twitter Mahima Kaul, Marketing Communications MA graduate and Co-Founder and Director at Nectwork Jigar Mehta, Media Studies, Film and TV Production graduate and CEO at Quidich Innovation Labs Rahat Kulshreshtha, and Computing graduate and Solutions Architect at Accenture Rajat Singh, shared their invaluable experience with our students and recent graduates from India.
Highlights from the speakers included tips on navigating the local economy and each individual industry, the importance of leveraging networks, and utilising both those made as a student as well as connecting with the Westminster alumni community in India. They also spoke about nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit whilst a student and to not be afraid of showcasing achievements when job searching.
Talking about the event, Designing Cities: Planning and Architecture BA Honours student and WWC Ambassador, Taruna Bangia, said: “The event was so inspiring and insightful, and I loved meeting Westminster alumni, living and working in my home country. I have learned so many pro tips and life lessons. Sometimes, little advice, from someone who has strived hard and made their own way to success, can have a huge impact and can be life changing. My biggest takeaways were to always trust your instincts, you don’t know what’s coming in the next five years from now! Take opportunities as they come and try to make the most out of them. Also, keep yourself informed about the behaviour of your own sector and always remember that even the longest journey starts with a single step! I am absolutely honoured to be a part of such an intellectual group.”
On Thursday 3 December, Communications graduate, Business lead and TV and Video professional Nancy Wang, Business Management BA Honours graduate and President and Country Head at Burberry Josie Zhang, Global Media MA graduate and Global Head at BIGO Chang Chen and Translation and Interpreting MA graduate and UN Contractual Translator Lynne Lin, shared with Chinese students and recent graduates the value of holding a degree from the University of Westminster when navigating the Chinese labour market and the importance of keeping up with relevant market trends.
The panel also shared some of the benefits of studying at Westminster such as the acquisition of a global mindset and the number of opportunities for professional development the institution has to offer. Speakers from both events stressed the importance of lifelong learning and encouraged students and recent graduates to stay curious but also optimistic when facing challenging times, such as during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Talking about the event, panellist Chen Chang, said: “I was excited to meet all of the students and graduates at the WWC Professional event. It offered me a great opportunity to understand all young minds and be inspired by meaningful questions and discussions. It was an unforgettable experience to me and [I hope for] all the participants who attended this event. I'd love to carry on this conversation in my life.”
Professor Alex Hughes, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability, said: “Westminster Working Cultures is a flagship employability programme at the University, and the addition to it of WWC Professional is extremely welcome. The reception from participants confirms just how valuable this new WWC development will be, to current students and Westminster graduates across the globe.”
This programme was made possible by the generous funding support from the Quintin Hogg Trust and was organised by the Westminster Working Cultures team within the Alumni Relations office.
WWC Professional will hold more events in early 2021, focusing on different countries and regions. With students from 150 countries, staff from across the world and a highly international alumni community, the University of Westminster embraces global engagement in all its forms.
Learn more about Westminster Working Cultures Professional or email [email protected].
