Westminster Working Cultures celebrates six years of employability programmes

WWC is a University-wide initiative designed to enhance the employability of University of Westminster undergraduate students by utilising the support of the University’s global network of alumni and partners.

The WWC Annual Reunion saw a big turnout, with 110 former and future WWC participants in attendance. During the event they had the opportunity to discuss their experiences on the programme, network with each other and celebrate the programme’s success. 

WWC was made possible by the funding support from the Quintin Hogg Trust and was organised by the Westminster Working Cultures team within the Alumni Relations office.

Since its launch in 2017, it has run 12 UK programmes, 25 international trips and supported over 1000 students. One that took place this semester was a five-day programme that provided current students and recent graduates with the opportunity to hear from a diverse range of inspiring Westminster alumni and partner organisations, who encouraged them to gain key skills and insight into how to best prepare for the landscape of professional opportunities in the UK.

The programme offered a mix of 16 online and in-person sessions, skills development workshops, networking activities and a day trip to Liverpool, where they met over 40 Westminster alumni and partners. Westminster students were able to develop their networking skills and confidence in communicating with future employers and colleagues. 

Highlights included delving into the world of marketing with several Westminster graduates at Havas People, exploring the creative world of animation at DNEG Animation and learning about transformation, technology and networking with a range of colleagues from Cognizant. 
Alumni who spoke to the students included Architecture Post Graduate Diploma alumnus Tim Burgess, Principal at TODD Architects; Social Media, Culture and Society MA alumna Monique Moreno, Communications Advisor at Chevron; and Curatorial Studies PhD alumna Nicola Triscott, Director/CEO at FACT Liverpool.

Speaking about the five-day programme, Business Management (Marketing) BA Honours student Samar Khan said: “This initiative, which leverages the support of the University of Westminster's global network of alumni and partners, has provided me with unique insights and skills that will undoubtedly impress potential employers. Engaging with the speakers has allowed me to expand my professional network significantly. These connections will be essential in the job search process and throughout my career, as they offer guidance, advice and potential job referrals.”

Alyssa Martin, Senior Alumni Networks Manager and Founder of Westminster Working Cultures, said: “It has been incredible to see how the programme has grown since its launch in 2017. Because of the impact of the experience, WWC has grown from supporting 36 students in the first year to hundreds now. I’m delighted WWC has evolved into a key employability opportunity for Westminster students, connecting them with our network of alumni and network partners. I look forward to future developments and achievements.”

WWC UK is part of a wider programme of activity, including WWC International and WWC Professional. The WWC UK programme has hosted 12 programmes since its launch in 2020 and upcoming WWC UK activities will take place in April 2024.

Learn more about WWC's work within the UK.