Anam Raja

What are you doing now?

I am working as a Researcher for a children's research charity that brings science and evidence to bear on policy and practice in children's services to improve the health and development of children and young people.

What did you find most valuable about your course at Westminster? How did the skills you learnt during your degree help you to shape your career?

There are two pieces of learning in particular which I found most valuable about my course at Westminster. Firstly, the rigorous training in research methods gave me the necessary grounding in a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methods, which has proven to be the skills most employers and collaborators look for in applied research. Secondly, the stimulating discussions during seminar groups developed my reflective and critical thinking, which is crucial to conducting good research.

What was the best thing about being a student in London?

There are great opportunities to connect to the wider academic world by attending talks at Westminster and other London universities or institutions. The flexibility of a student timetable means you can make the most of all the interesting and exciting events happening in London.

What extra-curricular activities did you participate in that enhanced your time at the University?

I volunteered with a mental health awareness charity by attending and hosting stalls during student fairs on campus.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing a similar career?

I would say the knowledge and value of your tutors, seminar leaders and lecturers cannot be overstated. Take advantage of their presence in the university setting by sharing your interests openly, by thinking about the work you would like to do in the future while you are still learning and asking those with experience about the most productive things you can do to get there.

Why would you recommend Westminster as a place to study?

I would recommend Westminster as a place to study because the Psychology course prepared me very well for my chosen career in Research. Moreover, the academic staff were really engaging and encouraged students to reflect and share on their learning during seminar groups. This really helped me to develop my position as an independent researcher.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?

Following my undergraduate degree at Westminster, I completed an MSc in Applied Social Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London.