The University of Westminster’s Work-Based Learning (WBL) Team has hosted a Future Job Discovery event, giving students the opportunity to hear from peers who were once in their shoes, network with six organisations offering potential career opportunities and earn hours toward their 35-hour work-based learning requirement.
The event was attended by 56 students from across the University and diverse backgrounds who left with unique and valuable insights, as well as advantageous connections that will benefit them in the future.
The event kicked off with a Student Fireside Chat, which was an opportunity for the audience to hear from a panel of six students - three Placement Champions and three WBL Champions. Each panelist shared their professional journeys, including anecdotes about their placements or part-time work, the opportunities WBL offered them and how it positively impacted their time at university. They also offered personal tips and tricks that gave them an edge when applying for and interviewing for placements and jobs.
After the Fireside Chat the event transitioned to a roundtable session. Six organisations - Aveea, Catch-22, East London Waterworks Park, Hestia, The Strong Tower Foundation and the Metropolitan Police - set up stations at different tables and attendees gathered in groups to learn about each one and network with representatives. Every eight minutes the groups rotated to a new table, ensuring everyone had the chance to connect with all six organisations.
Each organisation offered something for everyone regardless of their career interests or academic backgrounds, from youth work and community projects to STEM learning and human rights. Thanks to the networking skills and proactiveness of several attendees, some were even offered placement and work experience opportunities after the event, boosting their professional confidence and enhancing their CVs for future opportunities.
Mateo Batol, WBL Champion, said: “More than just a networking event, the Future Job Discovery Event provided a space for ambitious Westminster students to learn from their peers, practice networking skills in a professional setting and look beyond the horizon to a future filled with career opportunities and success. It served as a powerful reminder of the importance of seizing the opportunities offered by the University and fully engaging in the things you’re passionate about. Not only did the event meet our expectations but it also left everyone involved feeling inspired and confident about their futures.”
He added: “A huge thank you to the WBL and Placement teams, the six incredible organisations who took time out of their day to speak with attendees, the Westminster colleagues who organised the room and provided food and drinks, the academic colleagues who promoted this event, and, of course, the 56 attendees who made the event so special! Weeks of planning, brainstorming and hard work went into making this event a reality. As we reflect on this successful event we’re already looking forward to what’s next. Here’s to more opportunities that benefit the University of Westminster student body — we hope to see you at a future event soon!”
This event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. 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.
Find out more about Career and Employability Services available at the University of Westminster.
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