The University of Westminster brought together over 150 students, colleagues and employers to celebrate achievements across its career-readiness initiatives at this year’s Westminster Awards Celebration, a key part of Zone29, the University’s career and enterprise support.
The Westminster Award supports students’ career and personal development by formally recognising the extracurricular activities completed at Westminster. The initiatives help students gain experience, build key skills and self-awareness, explore different career paths and prepare for life after university.
The annual celebration recognised students who completed initiatives across the University, with awards presented. It also featured speakers representing the schemes, who shared insights and experiences.
Taking place on 10 June, this year’s event showcased initiatives from across the University, including the Westminster Award, Talent Bank, Placements, Future Ready Mentoring, Global Mobility, Sustainability, Volunteering and more.
This academic year, student engagement across Westminster’s career initiatives continued to grow. Over 3,600 students completed a Westminster Award pathway, showing strong commitment to development. Placement support remained strong, with over 1,000 placement appointments delivered and students securing 239 long‑term and 641 short‑term placements.
Students also gained paid on‑campus experience through Talent Bank, where 160 students took up roles this year. Future Ready Mentoring expanded its reach, creating over 1,500 mentoring relationships and facilitating more than 3,000 hours of mentoring across its three strands.
International mobility remained central to the Westminster experience, with 430 students gaining global experience in 45 countries. Careers support saw sustained demand, with over 1,100 Careers Consultant appointments attended, alongside 29 Job Ready Skills sessions and 17 Graduate Success Series workshops, supporting over 700 students. International students had nine dedicated employability events, attracting 278 attendees.
Employer engagement thrived with 54 employer events drawing 2,750 participants, while the What Comes Next series supported students preparing for life after university through ten events attended by 541 students.
This year’s awards celebration launched the Elishba Zachariah Memorial Award in honour of Elishba Zachariah, a former Careers Consultant at the University and who sadly passed away last year. The award was presented by her daughter, Bella Singh, and was given to final-year Human Nutrition BSc Honours student Precious Ayogu for her dedication, ambition and commitment to making the most of the opportunities available to her throughout her university journey.
About the Elishba Zachariah Memorial Award, Bella Singh said: “It was a real honour to present this award in memory of my mother, who believed deeply in the power of education, opportunity and supporting others to reach their full potential. It means a lot to see her name connected to an award celebrating employability and achievement.
Megha Manoj, an International Finance and Banking MSc student and winner of the Westminster Personal Development Award, said: “Being involved in different activities and events through the award has helped me improve my networking skills and socialise more effectively. I have also become more focused on my career goals, particularly in improving and tailoring my CV for future opportunities.
“Overall, the Westminster Award has had a very positive impact on my personal and professional development, and it has encouraged me to take on opportunities I would not have considered before.”
Sajida Khanom, Employability Projects Assistant at Westminster, added: “Being a part of the team that delivered the Westminster Awards Celebration 2026 was a real privilege. There was a fantastic sense of collaboration behind the event, and it was incredibly rewarding to see students recognised for all their hard work and achievements. Celebrating their success alongside colleagues made the evening truly special and highlighted the positive impact these opportunities can have on students' futures.”
“This award recognises qualities that my mum really admired and qualities that will definitely continue to inspire success long after Precious’ graduation. Precious’ hard work, determination and contributions have truly stood out, and she should be incredibly proud of everything she has achieved.
“On behalf of my family, thank you to the University for continuing my mum’s legacy in such a meaningful way.”
Precious Ayogu added: “I am incredibly honoured to be recognised as the first recipient of the Elishba Zachariah Memorial Award. More than anything, this recognition reminds me how important it is to keep learning, growing and embracing opportunities even when they take you outside your comfort zone.
“A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. Your support has genuinely helped me grow in ways I didn't expect and I'm so grateful for the opportunities Westminster has provided throughout my time at university.”
The opportunities available at the University of Westminster directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about career support at the University of Westminster.
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