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In June, Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) UK partnered with Santander Universities UK to offer undergraduate students a unique opportunity to hear from a diverse range of inspiring alumni speakers and partner organisations to guide them in their journey to become work-ready, confident, and successful graduates.

 

Over the five-day programme, participants engaged in 23 speaker sessions, meeting Westminster alumni and other students, asking questions and joining interactive workshops designed to connect, upskill, and inspire. Through engaging with WWC UK guest speakers and activities, participants received important workplace guidance in areas such as how to be authentic, dealing with burnout, overcoming challenging situations related to racism, sexism, ageism, and ableism, and how to find their passions.

Liam Porter, a Television Production BA Honours student, spoke of the tremendous impact WWC UK has had on his graduate future. “Before the programme, I had my doubts and anxieties about moving on from university. However, being on this programme, and speaking to people who have also faced this [anxiety] and have become successful, has really boosted my confidence about my own employability. I believe that I am now confident enough to tackle my life after university. This whole programme has completely shifted my view on employment and now I actually feel excited at the opportunity to talk to people in an interview,” he said.

With visits from esteemed alumni, a trip to Havas People’s office in London, and an excursion to an art gallery by the Kent seaside, students were able to find strength outside of their comfort zones and meet role models that reflected their challenges and life experiences.

Alumni who spoke to the students included Aleem Khan, BAFTA winning writer/director, Dr Michelle Ulyatt, founder and Director of Roch PR, Rehan and Zain Latif, accomplished leaders in the financial world, and renowned artist Larry Achiampong. Speakers showcased the working cultures of, and routes into, organisations like Santander, Morgan Stanley, Turner Contemporary, PwC, Little Dot Studios, Deloitte and others. Participants also heard from speakers who have started their own business, learning about what it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur.

Farah, a Biomedical Sciences BSc Honours student, reflected: "I had an incredible experience at the Westminster Working Cultures UK programme. My mindset and thinking have transformed over just five days listening to the exceptional and inspirational speakers who hosted the talks. There was a highly collaborative and welcoming atmosphere which enabled me to ask questions tailored to myself and my understanding. I was also able to expand my network and meet other professionals through this programme. I believe this is one of the most outstanding qualities that this programme has to offer because it enables students to create more professional networks that they can then use to advance their careers. Additionally, it gave me more confidence to interact with co-workers and others, developing my interpersonal skills. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that I will never forget.”

This programme was made possible by the generous funding support from the Quintin Hogg Trust and was organised by the Westminster Working Cultures team within the Alumni Relations office.

WWC UK is part of a wider programme of activity, including WWC International and WWC Professional, and is designed to support the employability skills development and global outlook of Westminster students. The WWC UK programme has hosted ten programmes and numerous events since its launch in 2020, which have all featured a range of successful alumni and partner organisations with over 400 Westminster students and recent graduates participating. Upcoming WWC activities will take place in September 2022.

Learn more about Westminster Working Cultures UK or email workingcultures@westminster.ac.uk.