Maria Fernanda Gregorio Morais

Why did you choose the University of Westminster? 

I chose the University of Westminster because of its strong reputation for international business education and its prime location in London, a global hub for innovation, culture, and professional opportunities. As someone with a background in Business Administration, Foreign Trade, and an MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain, I wanted to pursue a Master’s that would not only expand my global perspective but also allow me to apply my previous knowledge in a dynamic, real-world context. 

Westminster stood out to me for its diverse student body, practical learning approach, and focus on current global challenges in business. The modules—such as Innovation and Sustainability and Digital Information Management—perfectly align with my interests in digital marketing, ethical leadership, and global strategy. I also appreciated the strong career support network, which has helped me grow professionally, including connecting with mentors and preparing for roles in companies. 

Living and studying in London has further enriched my experience, giving me access to countless networking opportunities and real-time insights into the global business landscape. 

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course? 

I graduated in January 2025 from the MSc International Business and Management programme at the University of Westminster. One of the highlights of the course for me was the strong focus on marketing within a global business context. Coming from a background in Business and Supply Chain, I was excited to explore the creative and strategic aspects of marketing, especially how it intersects with innovation and digital transformation. 

Modules like Innovation and Sustainability and Digital Information Management allowed me to understand how businesses can build strong brand identities, engage customers across different markets, and leverage digital tools to drive growth. These experiences sparked my interest in areas such as digital marketing, brand strategy, and global consumer behaviour. 

I also really enjoyed the practical elements of the course—working on real-life case studies, collaborating with classmates from all over the world, and applying marketing concepts in strategic planning. This hands-on approach helped me build confidence and sharpen the skills I now aim to bring into a career in global marketing. 

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

The academic and lecturer support during my studies at the University of Westminster was excellent. I always felt that the lecturers were approachable, genuinely invested in our learning, and available whenever we needed extra guidance—whether it was for assignments, career advice, or just to clarify complex topics. 

What stood out to me the most was how supportive and understanding they were, especially considering that many of us were international students adjusting to a new academic environment. They created a space where we could openly ask questions, share perspectives, and engage in discussions that connected theory to real-world situations. 

I also appreciated how they encouraged critical thinking and independent research, while still being there to provide structure and feedback. Their support played a big role in helping me build confidence and perform well throughout the programme. 

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

One of the standout aspects of the University of Westminster is its modern and well-equipped learning environment. As part of the International Business and Management course, I had access to excellent facilities that really supported my academic development. 

The library was a key resource for me and offered a great mix of quiet study areas and group workspaces, which were perfect for balancing independent research and collaborative projects. The digital library was also incredibly useful, with access to a wide range of academic journals, market research databases, and business case studies that were crucial for assignments and dissertation work. 

Additionally, the university’s learning platform was very user-friendly and made it easy to access lecture recordings, course materials, and communicate with lecturers. I also found the careers and enterprise hub on campus really valuable—they offered workshops, mock interviews, and one-on-one support, which helped me feel more prepared for the job market in the UK. 

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

I made good use of the University of Westminster’s Careers and Employability Service, and it was a really valuable part of my experience. I attended several workshops and one-on-one sessions that helped me tailor my CV and cover letter to the UK job market, which was especially helpful as an international student navigating a new professional environment. 

One of the most impactful things for me was connecting with a career mentor through the university. They helped me identify my strengths, explore career paths aligned with my interests in marketing and business strategy, and prepare for interviews. The guidance I received gave me a lot more confidence when applying for roles and communicating my experience effectively. 

The service also regularly shared job opportunities, events, and networking sessions, which helped me stay proactive about my career development throughout the programme. 

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

Outside of my course, one of the most enriching experiences was participating in a university-organised trip to Sri Lanka. This trip was centred around a marketing project where my team and I worked on creating a marketing strategy for an app designed to support local communities. We focused on aspects like branding, target audience engagement, and the use of digital marketing tools to create a meaningful impact. 

It was an intense, hands-on learning experience, and I was able to apply the marketing concepts I had learned in my MSc International Business and Management programme to a real-world project. We conducted market research, developed a marketing plan, and pitched our ideas to a panel. The experience not only enhanced my marketing skills but also helped me understand the importance of cultural context when developing marketing strategies for global audiences. 

The trip was also an opportunity to immerse myself in Sri Lankan culture, collaborate with students from various backgrounds, and refine my teamwork and communication skills. It was definitely a highlight of my time at Westminster. 

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

My advice to someone considering studying at the University of Westminster would be to fully embrace the opportunities for both personal and professional growth. The university is located in the heart of London, so take advantage of being in a global city—immerse yourself in the culture, network with professionals, and explore industries that interest you. 

Academically, the MSc International Business and Management programme offers a solid foundation in global business practices while allowing room for specialization, particularly in areas like marketing, digital strategies, and sustainability. Make sure to engage with your lecturers and peers as much as possible—they’re a valuable source of insight and support. 

Additionally, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Whether it's joining a society, participating in internships, or taking part in global projects like the Sri Lanka marketing trip, those experiences will be key in shaping your career. The university offers a lot of resources for career development, so use them—attend workshops, meet mentors, and build your network early. 

Most importantly, enjoy your time here! London is an amazing city to study in, and the diverse student community at Westminster will provide you with an environment where you can grow, learn, and connect with people from all around the world. 

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

The best aspect of being a University of Westminster student is the unique blend of academic excellence and real-world opportunities that the university offers. The diverse, international student body creates a dynamic learning environment, where you not only learn from professors but also from peers with different perspectives and experiences. This global network is invaluable, especially for someone interested in international business and marketing, like me. 

Additionally, the university’s location in central London is a major advantage. It’s a city full of professional opportunities, cultural experiences, and endless possibilities to expand your network. The access to internships, industry events, and career development resources makes it an ideal place for anyone looking to launch or advance their career in a global business hub. 

The practical approach to learning, combined with supportive faculty and career services, also ensures that you’re not just gaining theoretical knowledge but developing the skills you need to succeed in the workforce. Whether it’s through group projects, case studies, or internships, there’s a strong emphasis on applying what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios. 

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

The most surprising aspect of my experience at the University of Westminster was how much I was able to grow outside the classroom—particularly through opportunities that I hadn’t initially anticipated. While I expected to gain academic knowledge and technical skills, I didn’t expect to develop such a deep level of cultural understanding and global awareness, especially given the diversity of the student body. 

One of the most unexpected highlights was the opportunity to work on a marketing project during the Sri Lanka trip. I never imagined that I’d be able to apply the concepts learned in class to a real-world project in another country, while also navigating cultural nuances in marketing. The collaboration with international students and the experience of developing a marketing strategy for an app was eye-opening and has definitely shaped the way I view global business. 

Another surprise was how much the university’s strong support systems—like the Careers and Employability Service—helped me gain confidence and clarity around my career path, something I hadn’t fully anticipated before coming here.