Unique-Anais Henry

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

Being very passionate about business management since before beginning university, it was of huge importance to me that my university was recognised in a positive light with their statistics for graduate business students. When I was provided with the course structure and content of the business management degree, I realised that the University of Westminster had the best to offer for the progression of my career.

How has your experience been studying in London?

In London, every street, road and avenue has a booming business that began from an idea. Having the ability to study in such a location has massively developed my skills needed to become an entrepreneur. The ease of being able to wander through the streets of London whilst completing a piece of observational work has been a great privilege.

The University has also been at the forefront of decision-making, giving students like myself a voice and say in some of the leading topics of education in London.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

Despite only recently narrowing my pathway of business management from general to entrepreneurship, it has been the best decision I could have made for my future career. My course offers one major attribute to studying and that is the ability to be creative. With having an entrepreneurial mind-set, it is the greatest disappointment when you have no option to be a fish out of water, to develop your thinking beyond the curriculum, but that is exactly what entrepreneurship has given the capability of doing. Course leaders can relate to your mind-set as they themselves are role models who have been where we are. They encourage innovation and allow you to network with business owners who you aspire to be like.

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

My lecturers have been the biggest guides for my studies and even more for my future after University. The lecturers you may typically have heard of are nothing like those of Westminster. There is an acknowledgement that each individual student is independent of themselves with their own opinion. This gives the freedom for you to feel comfortable enough to consult your lecturer if you need help, knowing you will be heard and responded to efficiently. Besides the lecturers, there are also academic support facilities throughout the campuses and online who will be fast and effective in offering you the support you may need.

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

Although I have been reluctant to mention that huge C word of 'Covid-19', as a result of the pandemic Westminster put in place a collaborative system where all our lectures and seminars could be held online, with no lagging voices and no need for Zoom calls. This facility was accessible to all students and offered everything we needed to know in order to stay up to date with our studies.

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

I have been able to access a few features of this service, including a CV review and a mock interview to improve and practice my employability skills. These services were conducted by careers and employability staff at Westminster who gave me constructive feedback and advice on my CV, and how to calm nerves during an interview so I feel comfortable and relaxed in a real case scenario.

The Talent Bank Hub is also a great feature I have signed up to as part of the careers services provided. This Hub gives frequent updated job roles throughout the University. This includes working in admin or helping with media and advertising.

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

I have taken part in a few programmes during my time studying, and with my first year being during a pandemic, I think the services offered were very adaptable considering the circumstances.

I recently took part in a fashion competition as suggested to me by my course leader. This competition was hosted by Duchess H Couture brand which partnered the University of Westminster with universities in Ghana and Nigeria. This competition was such an enlightening and enjoyable experience (not just because my team came 1st!). We had the ability to put our innovative ideas together as a team and create an interesting pitch to our course leader and a board of business owners. I am very grateful to be offered the opportunity to participate in such events and look forward to seeing what the rest of my studies offer.

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

There are so many experiences to live through at Westminster, and for me, the more you research into the services provided the more you discover how to spend your time well and be productive. There really are not enough days in the week to complete all the activities the University offers so sign up to as many as you can early because there are such vast opportunities that are different and suitable for everyone.

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

Each campus at the university is very big, however you get to know everyone and feel like a real member of a huge family. You become such a part of the whole experience that weeks and months go by so fast without realising how you have got to know so many different individuals. One importance with this is the diversity of cultures and languages, gaining interests in societies that vary from those interested in politics to chess.

Any final thoughts on your time at University?

Being a student at the University of Westminster has been an experience I do not wish to end. The atmosphere when you walk into Westminster is so positive that everyday you really feel like you can achieve anything. I think this is from the motivation given after work is submitted as when lecturers give feedback you can really feel a sense of pride knowing that something you really worked hard for has paid off.