The University of Westminster hosted a career event that brought together five alumni from the Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience BSc Honours course to share insights on career pathways, navigating transitions and life beyond university.
Held at the University’s Cavendish Campus on 27 January, the event gave students the opportunity to hear firsthand reflections on diverse career journeys that have taken Westminster alumni to roles at the Stroke Association, the University of Cambridge, the BBC as well as into careers in law.
The panelists discussed their current careers, what they like and dislike about their jobs and gave tips to students on how to take next steps into postgraduate study and get into their desired career fields.
One alumna, now a BBC journalist, shared how she secured the Aziz Foundation scholarship, which is given to British Muslims aiming to join industries where they are underrepresented, for her Master’s degree by highlighting the unique background and perspective that she would bring to the journalism industry from her STEM background in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience. She also advised students wanting to transition to something new to not worry about the skills they do not yet have but think about what makes them unique.
An alumna now working at the University of Cambridge as a research assistant told students how she got her first job working for a company that designs software for cognitive experiments by emailing the company and expressing how much she liked their software. She also inspired students to not get disheartened by not getting jobs and to keep pushing forward.
Hajara Rariq, one of the students who attended the event, added: “The event was very informative and warm. It was great to see the clear connection the alumni had with the University and their previous lecturers. The diverse panel showed the variety of careers to get into as well as offering inspiring stories and practical advice like funding for postgraduate studies, personal statement help, reading widely and gathering experience. The main takeaway for me was that your personal experiences and perspective are unique. No one has to offer what you offer and take that and use it to your advantage. I really enjoyed the event, and I got an insight into things you don’t usually get from a lecture hall or classroom. It was comforting to see people do well in their field and made me feel like I could get there too.”
Dr Beth Parkin, Course Leader of the Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience BSc Honours course, said: “Hearing real stories about career journeys, postgraduate study and life beyond university helps students see what’s achievable and understand that career paths aren’t always linear. We’re incredibly proud of our alumni and grateful for the inspiration they bring back to campus! A huge thank you to Sara Chaudhury, Hafsa Khalil, Louis Biette-Sabaud, Klaudia Stanoch and Lee-Ann Frampton-Anderson, as well as Professor Catherine Loveday for hosting the panel.”
The event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education and 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. 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.
Find out more about Psychology courses at the University of Westminster.
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