Shivani Patil

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

I was looking for a course focused on wellbeing, and most of the programmes that interested me were based in the US, Canada, or Australia. When I discovered the Integrative Health and Wellbeing MSc at the University of Westminster, it felt like fate! At the time, it was one of the few courses of its kind in Europe. 

Tell us about your course (what have you particularly enjoyed about the programme)?

I’ve especially enjoyed learning about resilience and social prescribing, as I believe these areas hold great potential for future careers. Another aspect I appreciated was the emphasis on critically analysing literature to make informed recommendations about complementary medicines.

How would you describe the academic support and career guidance you've received during your studies?

I did use the University Careers and Employability Service whenever needed. In fact, I was able to find a placement at the National Academy for Social Prescribing through my lecturer, who worked hard to connect us with organisations offering internships, and that effort made a big difference. All our lecturers are incredibly knowledgeable and approachable, which really encouraged us to engage with the material and ask questions. Their expertise was invaluable, and their friendly demeanour made it easy to seek out help whenever needed. 

What was the application process for your placement?

The application processes generally involved submitting a CV and cover letter. If the organisation was interested, they would invite you for an interview. I applied to several positions, and eventually found an organisation that valued my specific academic background. After an interview, I was accepted for the role. 

How has your course helped you with your work placement?

My course provided essential background knowledge that proved invaluable during my placement. For instance, we had a module dedicated to social prescribing, which was directly applicable when I interviewed for my internship at the National Academy for Social Prescribing.

Please provide examples of the type of work you’ve been undertaking/undertook on your placement.

During my placement, I was responsible for producing a weekly newsletter summarising newly published academic papers. I also worked on a project exploring the possibility of mapping social prescribers, which involved collecting data from various websites. Additionally, I supported my team with website searches and data management tasks.

What have you learned, and what skills did you gain during your placement

Working in social prescribing, a relatively new system in UK healthcare, exposed me to several industry-specific challenges and gaps. Throughout my placement, I developed skills in interviewing, project writing, survey design and analysis, resilience, situational analysis, collaboration, communication, and time management.

How do you plan to use your placement experience in your professional future?

My placement experience solidified my desire to continue working in the field of social prescribing, as I’m passionate about reconnecting communities through this approach. I’m also considering opportunities in Canada, which has a well-developed social prescribing system.

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

My advice for prospective students is to ensure you have a genuine interest in this field before diving in. Think about how you can integrate the knowledge from this course into your current or future work. Some of the coursework can be challenging to manage, so being organised is key to success.

Your Thoughts

The University of Westminster is incredibly student-friendly, especially when it comes to employability. There are countless opportunities to gain experience through the Careers and Employability service, Westminster Employability Award Programme, and the Talent Bank. It’s just a matter of exploring and taking advantage of what’s available!