The University of Westminster has established a new partnership with Habib Bank AG Zurich UK, creating exciting opportunities for students through industry-sponsored training, work experience and professional development.
As part of the partnership, Habib Bank AG Zurich sponsored ten students from the School of Finance and Accounting to complete an industry-recognised Agile Project Management (AgilePM) short course. Off the back of this, the bank recruited two University of Westminster students for a summer internship and will host the winner of the Westminster Awards as part of a CEO Shadowing Programme.
To mark the launch of the partnership, two senior executives from Habib Bank AG Zurich UK, Waqar Haider, Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and Monika Poznar, Head of Human Resources, visited the University to meet with the students. The visit featured an interactive discussion that enabled students to explore career pathways in the banking sector, engage with experienced industry professionals and gain valuable insights on the evolving financial landscape.
Founded in Switzerland in 1967, with a legacy of over 100 years in the financial service sector, Habib Bank AG Zurich is a privately owned international bank. With a presence in eleven countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, the Bank has a long-standing commitment to supporting businesses and communities.
Providing opportunities to gain real life experiences is key to the University’s Zone29 offering, Westminster’s new home for careers and enterprise, a resource available to all students.
Waqar Haider said: “Meeting the students was a real highlight. I was impressed by their enthusiasm, ambition and active engagement throughout our discussion. Hearing about their journeys and future aspirations made for a genuinely rewarding experience. Habib Bank AG Zurich UK is proud to support initiatives that create opportunities for talented students and help them realise their potential.”
Monika Poznar, Head of HR, added: “At Habib Bank AG Zurich UK, we are passionate about investing in people and creating opportunities that enable individuals to thrive. Our partnership with the University of Westminster is a meaningful way of supporting talented students as they pursue their educational and career goals. Seeing the enthusiasm, ambition and potential of the scholars we met, reinforced the value of this partnership. We are delighted to continue supporting the next generation of professionals and leaders.”
Simay Sali Sevik, Development Manager at the University of Westminster, added, “Strong partnerships between universities and industries are essential to prepare students for today's competitive job market. They not only enhance students' learning through real-world experiences but also help build confidence, expand professional networks and create pathways for employment. We are incredibly grateful to Habib Bank AG Zurich for investing in our students and helping them take the next step in their careers."
This partnership directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnership for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to assist students and colleagues to fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about Accounting and Finance courses at the University of Westminster.
Find out about the Agile Project Management short course.
To find out how organisations can support the University, contact the Development Team.
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