In September, 93 Westminster students had the chance to explore the professional environments of the UK, Dubai, Hong Kong and Toronto as part of the Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) programme.
Westminster Working Cultures is a University-wide initiative designed to enhance students’ knowledge and awareness of the dynamic and evolving world of work in the UK and major cities around the world. Participants have the unique opportunity to hear from a diverse range of inspiring alumni speakers and partner organisations and be guided by them in their journey to become work-ready, confident and successful graduates.
Four separate groups of students visited Dubai, Hong Kong and Toronto and explored the UK, where they met 66 Westminster alumni and partners. Across 41 sessions they heard about various professional journeys unique to the local working environment and explored different sectors such as Architecture, the Creative Industries, Entrepreneurship, Film, Fintech, Journalism and Media.
About the experience with WWC UK, International Business Management MSc student Tamila Niyazova said: “Overall, the Westminster Working Cultures programme has equipped me with the confidence that I was looking for at the beginning of the programme and the tools I need to pursue my career goals. I am excited to apply what I've learned in my future endeavours. WWC has been an invaluable step in my professional journey, and I am grateful for every moment.”
Speakers also showcased the working cultures of, and routes into, organisations such as the British Consulate General, the real estate company CBRE, the visual effects and animation studio DNEG, Emirates, Google, Halo, Ipsos, Microsoft, Spotify, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Toronto Metropolitan University. Participants also heard from speakers who have started their own businesses, learning about what it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur.
Students on WWC trip in Toronto
With visits from esteemed alumni and partners, trips to corporate offices and cultural excursions, students have been 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. Students had the chance to go on a day trip to Bristol, as well as visit the Mosque of the First Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan in Abu Dhabi, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Toronto Metropolitan University, and The Foreign Correspondents’ Club and M+ Museum in Hong Kong.
About the experience with WWC Dubai, Fashion Design BA Honours student Sukaina Ashter said: “I am extremely honoured to have been chosen for this once-in-a-lifetime chance. Throughout this trip I've formed numerous connections with successful people for both my career and personal friendships. Although all the students on the trip came from different courses, we all had one thing in common: a desire to succeed. This enabled us to collaborate and make the most of our time in Dubai when communicating with the speakers.
“The most motivating speaker for me was Kubi Springer. When she entered the room, her energy was unmatched and unavoidable. Instantly she started offering opportunities and life-changing advice. From this meeting, I have been motivated to put all my effort into my business, and this is all thanks to the WWC Dubai programme.”
WWC is designed to support Westminster students' professional skills development and global outlook. WWC is comprised of WWC International and WWC UK , which features a range of successful alumni and partner organisations with over 1000 Westminster students and recent graduates participating. WWC International has hosted 31 trips worldwide since its launch in 2017, and WWC UK has hosted 16 programmes and numerous events since its launch in 2020. Upcoming WWC programmes will take place in Cairo and Mumbai in December 2024.
WWC directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. 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.
Learn more about Westminster Working Cultures or email the Westminster Working Culture team.
