The University of Westminster recently hosted two What it Takes (WIT) sessions, helping students and recent graduates develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate today’s rapidly changing world of work. Alumni speakers explored how to thrive when overwhelmed and how to remain indispensable in a world shaped by artificial intelligence (AI).
The first event, titled What it Takes to Thrive when You’re Overwhelmed, saw 62 students and graduates hear from Psychology BSc Honours alumna Laura Burke, Founder and Director of Laura Burke Training and Consultancy. In the session hosted by the University of Westminster Students’ Union Vice President of Welfare Imsal Farrukh Adnan, Laura shared practical strategies for managing overwhelm and building resilience.
Drawing on her expertise in psychology and wellbeing, Laura taught attendees how to recognise the signs of overwhelm and respond appropriately in the moment rather than pushing through and burning out. The audience later had the chance to ask for personalised advice in a Q&A session.
What it Takes to Thrive when You’re Overwhelmed event
About the event, one attendee said: “I really appreciated Laura sharing her own personal story as her approach and advice was completely non-judgmental and really struck a chord with me. I'm so glad she’s doing this and that I was able to attend the talk.”
This was followed by an event titled What it Takes to be Irreplaceable in an AI World, which welcomed Computer Games Development BSc Honours alumnus Panagiotis-Zmpigknief ‘Pazbi’ Zavatzki, Founder of Kickass Online Ltd, to share his insights into AI in the world of work. The session was hosted by Westminster’s Director of Digital Capability Development and AI Leadership Professor Gunter Saunders and attended by 75 students and recent graduates of the University.
Pazbi explored the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in the world of work, including how humans and AI can work together. He reminded attendees of the importance of a human edge in an AI world, shared skills to develop to stay ahead and ran an interactive Q&A session.
Students attending earned points for The Westminster Award and first-and-second-year students will be able to count their participation towards their work-based learning hours.
These events directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 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.
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