This term, 59 Westminster undergraduate students had the chance to explore the professional environments of Dubai, Hong Kong and Washington DC as part of Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) International .
WWC International provides short-term mobility opportunities to Westminster undergraduate students, giving them a chance to experience work insights and employment culture in some of the world’s major cities.
Three separate groups of 20 students each visited Dubai, Hong Kong and Washington DC, where they met over 50 Westminster alumni and partners. Across 30 sessions they heard about a range of professional journeys unique to the local working environment and explored different sectors such as communications, journalism, law entrepreneurship, media, consulting and tech.
About the experience with WWC Washington DC, LLB Law Honours student MD Khalid Abdulla, said: “One of the most significant aspects of this international programme has been exposure to diverse cultures, perspectives and working styles. Interacting with individuals from various backgrounds has honed my interpersonal skills, promoting greater awareness of cultural details, an essential skill in today's globalised job market.”
With visits from esteemed alumni and partners, trips to corporate offices and cultural excursions, including visits to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC, students were able to find strength outside of their comfort zones and meet both local and expat role models who reflected on their challenges and life experiences.
Alumni speakers showcased the working cultures of, and routes into, organisations such as the British Consulate-General, Environmental Protection Agency, McKinsey & Company, Dyson, Marriott International, Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation) and Ipsos. Participants also heard from speakers who have started their own business, learning about what it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur.
The WWC programme was made possible by the generous funding support from the Quintin Hogg Trust and was organised by the WWC team within the Alumni Relations Office.
WWC International is part of a wider programme of activity, including WWC UK and WWC Professional, and is designed to support the employability skills development and global outlook of Westminster students. WWC International has hosted 23 trips all over the world since its launch in 2017, which have all featured a range of successful alumni and partner organisations with over 400 Westminster students participating. Upcoming WWC International trips will take place in Cairo and Mumbai in January 2024.
Learn more about Westminster Working Cultures International or email the Westminster Working Cultures team.
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