Hardik Bansal

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

I chose the University of Westminster primarily because of its stellar reputation as a top Business School in London. Through extensive research and positive feedback from other alumni, I discovered that Westminster Business School had a proven track record of producing successful graduates. I was drawn to the MBA programme’s unique emphasis on practical, hands-on learning. The opportunity to participate in an internship as part of the curriculum was particularly appealing, as it provided a valuable blend of theoretical and real-world experience.

How has your experience been studying in London?

Studying in London has been an incredible experience for me. Not only did I have the opportunity to learn from some of the best professors in my field, but I also had the privilege of working alongside a diverse group of students from different backgrounds and experiences. Being in London made everything easily accessible, from transportation to socialising, shopping and finding part-time work. The city offers a perfect balance of academic and personal life, allowing me to enjoy a fulfilling and relaxed schedule.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

The MBA course has been an amazing journey for me. What I particularly enjoyed was the offline learning approach, which provided us with more engagement, exposure and an immersive learning experience. The well-designed assignments gave us practical and real-time exposure to apply the concepts learned in class, even in the form of virtual games, making it an exciting and enriching experience. I never had to drag myself to class, and always looked forward to each session. Another highlight was the opportunity and freedom to express our thoughts and engage in discussions during lectures. All the above helped me build my confidence and transform from an introvert to an extrovert. As a result, my public speaking skills have significantly improved, and I am now comfortable addressing crowds or delivering presentations to stakeholders at work.

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

The academic support during my studies at the University of Westminster was exceptional. We received constant support and were encouraged to ask questions without hesitation. The lecturers were always approachable and had a friendly nature, which made it easy to engage with them. They always took the time to understand our needs and aspirations and were willing to provide personalised guidance to help us succeed. In addition, the lecturers were always willing to share their insights and experiences, which made the learning process much more enriching. I remember several occasions when a lecture turned into a lively discussion, and we were all encouraged to express our opinions freely. The lecturers were patient and always listened to our perspectives, making us feel valued and appreciated. Moreover, they were always willing to provide additional support beyond the classroom. They were available for personal consultations to discuss any doubts, course material, assignments, internships, or job prospects. They took our feedback seriously and were proactive in addressing any issues that arose. Overall, the friendly and supportive nature made my academic journey all the more impressive, and I am grateful for the opportunities and guidance that they provided.

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

The MBA offers an impressive range of facilities and resources to support students in their academic and professional development. As a student, I had free access to a plethora of tools including the Financial Times, Microsoft Office 365, LinkedIn Learning, and the Bloomberg Financial Suite. The Bloomberg Financial Suite is particularly noteworthy, providing detailed insights into business and enabling students to become finance wizards. In addition, the career development support provided by the University is exceptional. Students can discuss and receive advice on their future career paths, resumes, cover letters, and anything related to jobs. This support is instrumental in preparing students to pursue their desired careers after graduation. 

The University also organizes guest lectures featuring industry experts who share their experiences and insights on various topics. These lectures provide valuable opportunities for students to learn from seasoned professionals and gain real-world perspectives.

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

I have utilized this service on multiple occasions, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The team is composed of highly experienced and talented individuals who truly care about helping students achieve their career goals. During my initial meeting, the counsellor took the time to understand my background, skills, and interests, which allowed them to provide insightful and personalized advice. I was amazed by the level of detail they paid attention to, and the counsellor even highlighted aspects of my skillset that I had overlooked. In addition to the consultation, we spent a considerable amount of time reviewing and fine-tuning my resume and cover letter. The Team paid close attention to every detail and worked diligently to ensure that my resume stood out. Overall, I found the University Careers and Employability Service to be incredibly supportive, hard-working, and passionate about their work.

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

For the International Consultancy Project, we travelled to Edinburgh to work with clients like Johnnie Walker, Morrison Whiskey and Trust Pilot. We were divided into teams and tasked with solving real-time business challenges faced by the companies. We visited client offices, had meetings and discussions with the officials there, understood their vision and mission and finally provided recommendations. It was a 5-day trip that not only gave us exposure to apply classroom learnings but also enhanced our problem-solving, leadership and teamwork skills. We also had the opportunity to explore the city and bond with our mates and lLecturers. It was a great learning experience that made studying fun.

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

If you're considering studying at Westminster, my advice would be to do your research and get as much information as possible about the courses, facilities, and support available. Attend open days, talk to current students and alumni, and reach out to the academic team to get a sense of the learning environment and teaching approach. Also, make the most of the resources available to you, like the Careers and Employability Service, guest lectures, and any extracurricular activities that interest you. Finally, be prepared to work hard and stay committed to your studies, but also remember to take breaks, have fun, and make the most of your time at university.

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

The most surprising and unexpected aspect of my Westminster experience was the level of personalised attention and support provided by the academic and professional staff. The lecturers are not only experts in their fields but also take a keen interest in their student's success and well-being. They were always approachable, encouraging, and willing to go above and beyond to ensure that we had access to the resources and guidance we needed. They were available to help the students with any issue in their careers and personal development as well. This made my experience all the more enjoyable and rewarding.