Since its 2017 inception, the Westminster Working Culture (WWC) programme has aimed to enhance employment prospects for Westminster students of all backgrounds. A flagship University of Westminster programme, WWC’s pioneering concept brings together current students and internationally based alumni in a melting pot of cultural and workplace-based experiences in cities worldwide, all the while fostering greater ties between alumni and the University. Comprising both international and local programmes, it focuses on skills development, employability in a variety of different sectors and understanding the differences between workplace cultures here and abroad. In 2021, though the pandemic forced WWC to run remotely, it still received outstanding feedback – demonstrating both the programme’s resilience and the quality of its speakers. 

“It was an incredible experience to be part of,” says Bibi Farheen Rohomun. “I got to meet inspiring individuals and I learnt so much from the speakers.” 

The programme is made up of the following:

• WWC UK – 3-5-day employability programmes, skills development workshops and events students can participate in throughout the year alongside their studies.  
• WWC International gives students to opportunity to travel and experience work insights and employment culture in other major global cities. 
• WWC Professional delivers one-off virtual events, led by Westminster alumni around the world, focused global professional landscapes and career opportunities. 

In the first WWC international trip to Hong Kong in 2017, Westminster students experienced job shadowing, seminars and workshops offered by Westminster alumni and partners at the likes of AEDAS, FTI Consulting, Lead 8, and Jones Lang La Salle (JLL). The programme also ran cultural trips, including to The Peak and HK Island, Night Markets and Stanley. 

“Being able to meet Westminster alumni that far away from England was very exciting,” said Lilli Tretter, an Interior Architecture student who went on the trip. “It makes you realise that Westminster can take you anywhere with success.” 

“I would say the programme was structured remarkably well,” says Rouslan Halil, now an Economic Research Analyst at FIDERES who took part in the 2018 Hong Kong trip. “It managed to pack a high number of workplace meetings, workshops, and networking opportunities onto the schedule, as well as enough time to explore the city.” 

Many other past WWC participants have noted how their experience helped them get onto the career ladder after graduating. 

“This trip has definitely helped me with my professional development in the sense that it really opened my eyes,” says Nathan Milsom, now working in Global Talent Acquisition, Trust and Safety at TikTok, adding: “It gives you a much more global perspective on what you do and why you want to do it.” 

“The Mumbai trip showed a side we do not see back home,” says Jon Woodburn, a senior caseworker in the House of Commons. “It gave me more motivation to go into a job market where you can change the world and make a genuine difference for people in this country and abroad.”

Voluntary involvement 

WWC is dependent on voluntary involvement from corporate partners or alumni in notable workplaces. As well as helping students from diverse backgrounds fulfil their potential, it also gives organizations the chance to help shape the next generation of leaders, and to influence positive change across global workplace cultures. Voluntary involvement in WWC, also offers corporate partners considering wider collaborations, a taste of working with Westminster. 

Funding opportunities  

WWC is one of the most ambitious programmes in the University’s repertoire, conducting international and domestic travel to expand the horizons in our current student’s thinking regarding the world of work. Individuals and corporates alike have the opportunities to part fund a trip wholly or by part, or alternatively provide a gift-in-kind such a lunch at a corporate office. There are no barriers to the location or the sector of work, the diversity of the programme is one of the core strengths that we wish to maintain and promote.