Westminster welcomed senior leaders from the finance industry to Zone29, its new home for careers and enterprise, to learn more about the University’s talented and diverse student community. Leaders from businesses across the sector had the opportunity to establish connections with Westminster students and colleagues before pledging to support future student success.
The event was led by Charlotte Morgan and Shehma Shabbir, members of the University’s Court of Governors and leaders in the finance industry, who introduced their contacts to Westminster’s vibrant student community and showed how they can access this talent through Zone29 to meet their recruitment needs. Guests included leaders from BDO, Crowe, Barclays, HM Treasury and Lloyds.
The event began with an arrival breakfast and networking session before a welcome to Westminster by the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Bonfield. Professor Bonfield discussed Westminster’s long history of collaborating with industry partners and outlined how through working together the University provides opportunities to individuals from marginalised communities.
Professor Peter Bonfield
Charlotte Morgan then introduced attendees to the event, highlighting its aim to showcase the ambitions and diversity of Westminster’s student community, particularly those interested in finance, and explore collaborative opportunities with alumni and industry partners. This was followed by a student panel discussion and Q&A session hosted by Tom Lowe, Employability Director at Westminster’s School of Finance and Accounting. The panellists were Ryan Dinu, a FinTech with Data Analytics BSc Honours student; Sneha Malik, Finance and Business Management BA student; and Faryal Manzoor, Accounting BSc Honours student.
The panellists reflected on their journeys at Westminster, exploring their professional experience gained through industry-based learning opportunities and their highlights from their courses, which gave finance leaders firsthand insights into the student experience and their career needs.
Student panel
After the panellists showcased what Westminster graduates have to offer employers, Shehma Shabbir highlighted the reciprocal role finance sector partnerships have in creating career opportunities for students. She concluded the event with a call to action for employers to pledge their support before leaving, with pledges including offers of internships and work experience, sponsoring students or prizes, providing industry mentorship, hosting student groups in their office and giving guest lectures at the University.
Following a final networking session to discuss future collaboration and opportunities at Westminster, attendees received a badge to serve as a visible symbol of their commitment to student success.
Events like this form a key ambition of Zone29, which will create new practical opportunities for learning and engagement with employers within and outside of the curriculum in an inclusive, sustainable environment. The University is seeking to build new partnerships with employers in key sectors to support students in launching their careers and help employers access the diverse talent they need to succeed.
About the event Charlotte Morgan, Westminster Independent Governor and Chartered Accountant, said: “In today's impersonal business environment it becomes increasingly important to develop personal contacts and networks. Zone29 gives our Westminster students the opportunity to start this journey. I'm delighted to help our talented finance students showcase how much they have to offer. Many thanks to my friends and all the guests who joined us, and I hope you enjoy your association with Westminster."
Shehma Shabbir, Deputy Chair of the Court of Governors and Assistant Director at UK Government Investments, added: “'The event showcased the power of networks and the doors it can open for our students. Our talented finance students really brought to life their experience of transitioning into the world of work and the challenges they can often face. This made a real impact in the room, and it was great to see so many guests from the finance industry showing a genuine interest in partnering with the University to support students in their career journey. This is just one of many important initiatives at our new careers and enterprise hub, Zone29, and I hope we can build on its success to continue improving career opportunities for our students.”
Dr Emma Elkington, Head of Westminster’s School of Finance and Accounting, said: “Zone29 represents a transformative step in connecting our students with industry. Events like this not only showcase the talent and diversity of our student community at the University of Westminster, but also foster meaningful partnerships with the finance industry that create real opportunities for our students. We are very grateful to Charlotte and Shehma for hosting this event. By fostering these relationships, we are creating new pathways for our students to succeed.”
Westminster’s work towards creating opportunities for students contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University has used the SDGs to help guide its strategic priorities, supporting students and colleagues to contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive society.
Find out more about Accounting and Finance courses at the University of Westminster.
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