University of Westminster holds What it Takes to Succeed in the Media Industry

The ‘What It Takes’ series is targeted at current students and recent graduates, and features a range of exciting and innovative alumni speakers sharing their experience on an array of topics. The event also focuses on employability, personal and professional development. 

The What it Takes to succeed in the media industry event on 15 March featured a speaker who shared their insights on how they navigated the media industry, and what they have learnt during a successful career spanning 30 years. 

Alumnus Aaqil Ahmed, a 1992 Westminster Film, Video and Photographic Arts BA course graduate is a media consultant who has commissioned many award-winning and high-profile projects. After graduating, he started to work in TV, eventually becoming Head of Commissioning and Head of Religion and Ethics at the BBC. He is the first Muslim person to hold this position. 

The talk included Aaqil reflecting on how the sector and its workforce has changed over the years, as well as identifying challenges that students and graduates may find navigating the industry. He also passed on advice to current students and recent graduates hoping to take their first steps in the media industry.

Approximately 67 students and recent graduates attended the event. One of the attendees said: “This talk was very informative and gave me an insight into applying for future PR roles and the size of companies to look out for as a starting block.”

Another audience member added: “I like how Aaqil keeps it real especially on his experiences working in the industry whilst acknowledging the different challenges including diversity. He also tried to be empathetic in his answers during the Q&A which I appreciated.”

The next What it Takes event will be ‘What it Takes to Own your Disability’ on 24 March.

Find out more about the University of Westminster’s Alumni services.