Filippo Iguera

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

I wanted to study at the University of Westminster not only because of its central position in London and its impressive venues and facilities, but also for its global reputation as one of the most diverse universities. Studying Finance and Business Management at Westminster Business School in Marylebone has been a fantastic experience as you are within walking distance from the financial district, and the quality of the teaching meets the highest standards.

How has your experience been studying in London?

Living in London is a stunning experience, but studying in London is even better. Marylebone campus is in the heart of the city and I’ve had the opportunity to be surrounded by the most famous and visited monuments, buildings and restaurants every day. The fast-paced environment of London made me constantly seek new adventures that made my student experience unforgettable and very enriching. Being so close to several employers within the business world is also a priceless aspect of studying in Central London.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

My favourite part about the Finance and Business Management BA was the ability to take advantage of the several opportunities that Westminster gives you. Professionally, I was able to take a 3-month summer internship at PwC in Italy. Academically, I had the chance to attend an exchange semester at Copenhagen Business School, a world-renowned business school. Throughout the course I have learnt several theoretical and practical skills that have proved to be very useful in the real world.

How have you found academic support as part of your studies?

All the lecturers and seminar tutors I've had during these three years have always helped me get over not only my academic initial doubts or uncertainties, but also my professional and personal challenges. I have always found them available for a quick chat, even outside their academic support hours.

Are there any stand-out facilities associated with your course?

The facilities at each of the University campuses are impressive and make your student life much more enjoyable. Because I studied Finance and Business Management, I’ve also had the opportunity to take practical classes in the Bloomberg Financial Market Suite, which helped me understand and visualise more clearly the sophisticated in-depth analysis of financial trends in the markets.

Tell us about your experience of using the University Careers and Employability Service 

I remember having three 30-minute sessions with the Career Centre during the first semester of my first year. The first two sessions were focused on the journey that I had to follow to reach my career goals, while the last one was more focused on improving my CV and cover letters.

Tell us about any activities that you have undertaken outside of your course 

I think that extracurricular activities are an essential part of your academic, professional and personal journey. During my time at Westminster, I undertook an exchange semester at Copenhagen Business School, one of the world's best business schools. 

I am also the founder and president of the Italian Society at the University of Westminster. Covering this role not only helped me consolidate my leadership and organisational skills, but also made me bond with other incredibly passionate students. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to work as the Head of Sales in the Business Development department at WBC (Westminster Business Consultants), the leading Junior Enterprise in the UK.

What would your advice be to someone considering studying at Westminster?

My advice to those who are considering studying at the University of Westminster would be to understand what their professional and personal goals are, where they want to be in their next future, and in which type of environment they want to spend their student life. If the answer is "London", then I would say "come to Westminster" and make the most of it, you will not regret that choice.

What's the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student?

Being a University of Westminster student enables you to contact and network with a wide variety of graduates who now work and live in different continents and cities. I found this to be a crucial aspect of being a Westminster student, since it helped me so much in making my career-related decisions. You also have access to each of the campuses around London, in which you can study at the library or meet new people enrolled in different courses from yours.

What was the most surprising or unexpected aspect of your Westminster experience?

When I came to London for my first year of university, I was not expecting so much guidance from my professors and personal tutors from day one.  The university staff's support was incredible, especially when the pandemic forced the university to close campuses and shift towards remote learning.