Fifty seven Westminster students and Class of 2021 graduates joined Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) UK in September, where speakers shared their perspectives on the professional landscape and career opportunities of the UK, and the secrets of their success, including tips on confidence, networking, and interviews.
WWC UK hosts virtual five-day and three-day programmes which support the employability skills development of Westminster undergraduate students and Class of 2021 graduates. These programmes are a unique opportunity to enhance the skills, network, and confidence of participants by connecting them with a diverse range of Westminster graduates and partners who share their professional journey and advice.
Over the course of the two programmes held in September, 35 speakers shared vital insights across many topics, including planning your career, structuring a successful job application, networking with influential people, and building your confidence for any situation. Speakers addressed the concern for the future felt by students and graduates during the pandemic and offered support in building their skills and experience.
WWC UK included speakers from Virgin Group, Microsoft, Diligent, Mace, Citibank, the Howard de Walden Estate, and more. Participants also heard from speakers who have started their own business, hearing their entrepreneurial journey and their encouragement for others interested.
During the programmes, Westminster alumni spoke about their experience working within the UK, highlighting the career paths available after graduation and expanding the horizons of Westminster students seeking jobs. Sessions also included speakers working in Dubai, Washington DC, and Berlin, offering enlightening perspectives on the range of opportunities and working cultures available in the UK and abroad.
In each session, attendees showed dedication to the pursuit of their future, boosting each programme with constant interaction, enthusiasm, and respect for the speakers’ time and insights. Highlights from the programmes included speakers sharing their journey to overcome struggles with confidence and imposter syndrome, building an elevator pitch, being human, and making your way to the top.
Reflecting on the programme, Amjad, an Architectural Technology BSc Honours student, said, “this programme developed my understanding on numerous aspects of my career that I will definitely need for my success such as the confidence to make mistakes, being realistic and taking any opportunities that come my way, to always learn every day, and to have a positive attitude towards developing my character to help make it stand out to future employers/companies. I realise that there are endless opportunities for graduates and current students that, with the right connections to the right people, may be the next step to my successful future. I can’t express how second-to-none this experience has been for me.”
Accounting BSc Honours student, Entela, said: "I am a very active and confident person in general and I usually work on many different projects alongside my studies. This has made me feel overwhelmed and question if I'm actually doing the right thing. From this experience, we were very lucky to hear many different speakers from different backgrounds and career fields share their steps taken to succeed. This really inspired me to keep going, believe in my work and know that soon I will get where I want to be. If I get the chance I would definitely join again because one way or another, you have the chance to learn a lot from others and improve your skills."
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 UK is part of a wider programme of activity, including WWC International and WWC Professional, and is designed to support the employability skills development and global outlook of Westminster students. The WWC UK programme has so far hosted seven programmes since its launch in 2020, with over 300 Westminster students and recent graduates participating. Upcoming WWC UK activities will take place in April 2022.
Learn more about Westminster Working Cultures UK or email [email protected].
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