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What it Takes

The What it Takes event series features an array of exciting and innovative alumni speakers sharing their experience and advice on a diverse range of topics, focusing on careers, personal and professional development.

The series is designed for current students and recent graduates but is also open to all Westminster alumni and staff.

Students attending What it Takes events can earn points for the Westminster Employability Award.

Level 4 and level 5 students who attend What it Takes events can count this towards work-based learning hours.

2024–25 events

In 2024-25, we delivered a blended series of in-person and online events. You can find information about the events below. 

Key stats

  • Four events
  • Eight alumni speakers
  • 494 Westminster students and alumni attendees
  • 99% of students and alumni found it useful to hear from graduates

What it Takes to Build a Successful Business took place on 13 February 2025.

2024–25 event listings 

In 2024-25, we delivered a blended series of in-person and online events. You can find information about the upcoming 2024–25 events below. Events will be added here throughout the academic year.

2024–25 event listings

Semester 1

Semester 2

Event recordings

You can view highlight videos and full event recordings of previous events in the series on the Alumni YouTube channel, where there is a YouTube playlist dedicated to the series.

Previous events

In 2023-24, we delivered a blended series of in-person and online events. You can find information about all the 2023–24 events below.

Series highlights

  • the series featured 20 exciting Westminster alumni speakers
  • it was collectively attended by more than 530 Westminster students and recent graduates
  • over 188 guest surveys were completed – 97% thought the speakers’ approach was either ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, and 94% thought the events had clear takeaway messages

There were nine events spread across two semesters, including ‘What it Takes to Build a Successful Startup’, which took place in Portland Hall in November 2023.

2023–24 event listings

Semester 1

Semester 2

In 2022-23, we delivered a blended series of in-person and online events. You can see information about all the 2022–23 events in the links below.

Series highlights

  • the series featured 16 exciting Westminster alumni speakers
  • it was collectively attended by more than 720 Westminster students and recent graduates
  • over 250 guest surveys were completed – 95% thought the speakers’ approach was either ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, and 93% thought the events had clear takeaway messages

There were nine events spread across two semesters, including ‘What it Takes to Succeed in Business with Tara and Tej Lalvani’, which took place in Portland Hall in February 2023.

2022–23 event listings

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 1:

Semester 2:

Semester 1:

  • 23 October 2018: What It Takes to Build Confidence and Self-esteem
  • 6 November 2018: What It Takes to Ace an Interview
  • 15 November 2018: What It Takes to be an Entrepreneur
  • 6 December 2018: What It Takes to Launch your own Product

Semester 2:

  • 29 January 2019: What It Takes to be a Freelancer
  • 19 February 2019: What It Takes to Develop your own Online Brand and App
  • 21 March 2019: What it Takes to cope with stress and mental health
  • 2 April 2019: What It Takes to Pitch your way to Success
  • 11 April 2019: What It Takes to be a Female Leader

Contact

What it Takes is managed and delivered by the Alumni and External Engagement Office.

[email protected]

Related pages

Alumni events

The University's busy calendar offers regular events for our alumni community.

Read moreGo to Alumni events page

Alumni benefits

As a former student, you're entitled to exclusive discounts and a range of education and professional development opportunities.

Read moreGo to Alumni benefits page

International alumni

Get updates from our alumni communities around the globe and find out how to contact your local Alumni Ambassador.

Read moreGo to International alumni page