Ilham Belkacemi

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

I chose to study at Westminster because the University has lots of subjects that I am passionate about, including Business Management. It was my childhood dream to study in the UK, and reading about the history of the University encouraged me to study here.

Another reason for choosing to study at the University of Westminster was diversity. The University has brought the world in one place, and I was keen to know more about other cultures and different backgrounds.

How has your experience been studying in London?

My experience living in London has been exceptional - I have faced various challenges that taught me a lot. I am grateful that I have spent three years in one of the best cities in the world and I have made lots of friends from different backgrounds, which has given me social and cultural awareness. Besides this, I also learnt about British culture and discovered the common things between Algerian and British cultures, helping me adapt to living in London.

I have found the real me and discovered what I want to be. I’ve gained clarity on my future plans, and I have decided to continue my career in London after graduation.

London has taught me to be independent, it has taught me to fulfil my responsibilities and it has taught me to face life. Whenever I stepped back and watched the city from a distance, I felt closer to it.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

Business Management is a subject that I have been passionate about since I was in middle school in Algeria. After three years of studying this course, I have built a range of transferable skills, hard skills and gained industry insight which has been vital as a business student.

The primary skills I have developed are communication, commercial awareness, problem-solving, and leadership. Besides this, I had the opportunity to learn how to use Microsoft Office. I loved the variety of modules and each one is different, making me learn everyday insightful information.

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

Senior Lecturer Kamala Balu was my role model and my influence. From Kamala, I have learnt how a student can build a positive, strong relationship with a tutor. She taught me how to be an influential leader as a student and learn profound leadership, and I have learned from her what a workplace will be like and what are the skills I need to improve for my future career. As Kamala provided motivational methods for students to be engaged and enthused about online learning, I have learned how to be dynamic, motivated and seek positive results.

My course leader Dr Evgeniya Macleod is one of the kindest Course Leaders I have ever had; she was always open to communication with students, an active listener, caring, and always puts the students' concerns as her priority.

Moreover, my seminar leader Dr Setenay Dilek Fidler has provided a healthy and motivational learning environment for students.

It is crucial to have good relationships with tutors and receive support when it is needed as a student, as I am the type of student that will do well in my studies if I receive a healthy learning environment and good relationship with my tutors. I am thankful I had the privilege to meet the best lecturers at the University of Westminster.

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

In my first year, I had a module named Analysing and Managing Information. I had workshops learning about Microsoft Office, and I had the opportunity to improve my skills in Microsoft Excel. Besides this, in my second year, I had a module named Project Management where I had to learn how to use Microsoft Project. In these two modules, I had the opportunity to improve technical skills, which are in demand from recruiters.

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

The thing I love most about the University of Westminster is the focus they put on employability and students' futures after graduation. In my second year, it was the time to focus on my employability goals and the first step I had to take was to improve my CV. I sought guidance from Careers and Employability Services by booking a one-to-one guidance session with a Careers Consultant. This was a great decision because I saw improvements on my CV and I have passed the online application stage for most of the jobs I applied for.

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

In my second year, I earned the Westminster Employability Award at its highest level as I have been awarded the Undergraduate Top Scorer of WEA by completing various work-based and academic activities. In addition to this, I have been elected by my Course Leaders to be Course Representative for Business Management BA for two years in a row. It is one of my best experiences because I have consulted with my fellow students about their concerns and successfully solved their problems.

I have volunteered to be an e-mentor for Level 4 students to provide guidance and help during their time at the University. Furthermore, I got accepted to join the Employability programme, Westminster Working Culture UK, where I explored a range of work insights and employment culture in the UK and gained insights on the key transferable skills needed to be successful after graduation.

I was also chosen by my lecturer from the Finance and Accounting Department to work on a learning and teaching coordinator project. For this, I designed and administered a student survey to investigate the effects of an online/face-to-face learning environment. I had the privilege to secure a part-time job as a Human Resources Consultant at Westminster Business Consultants, which is one of my beneficial work experiences where I will develop HR skills for my future career in Human Resources, and it is a unique opportunity for University of Westminster’s students.

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

My main advice to future Westminster students is to take advantage of each facility, service, and extra-curricular activity during your academic journey because it will positively reflect on your personal and professional development. Besides this, reflections after the end of each module are crucial to coming up with which practical skills they built, which lead to standing out for their future career.

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

If I summarise my experience in two words at the University of Westminster and its best aspect, I would say “Support and Development”. Westminster is always open to supporting its students and focuses on their employability by receiving unlimited development opportunities. As a Westminster student, I received extensive support to achieve my academic goals and growth at personal and professional levels.

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

Before I started studying at the University of Westminster, I expected to receive an exceptional education, but I did not expect to have supportive lecturers, open to communicating with students, close relationships with students and tutors. As I came from a different education system, I found that extraordinary and inspired me to achieve my goals.