University of Westminster students have had the chance to explore the professional environments in Singapore and the UK as part of the Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) programme. The trips provided an opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge and awareness of the dynamic and evolving world of work in some of the world’s major cities.
WWC International and WWC UK provide short-term mobility opportunities to Westminster students, giving them a chance to experience work insights and employment culture across the globe. Participants have the unique opportunity of hearing from a diverse range of alumni speakers and partner organisations and being guided by them in their journey to become work-ready, confident and successful graduates.
In early June, 39 students took part in the WWC UK trip which offered an action-packed week of career insights, networking and exploration. Supported by a bursary from Santander Universities UK, the programme featured 13 sessions and 28 volunteers, including inspiring panels and talks from industry professionals. Students also enjoyed office visits to leading organisations including AND Digital, Havas People and CBRE, and took part in a day trip to Cardiff.
A week later, between 14-22 June, 20 students headed to Singapore, where they took part in ten sessions with 18 volunteers from local and international employers. The trip included exciting visits, such as to the offices of Google and Accenture, and a meeting with representatives from the British High Commission. Alongside career-focused activities, students also attended an alumni event and immersed themselves in a cultural tour of Singapore.
These trips wrapped up the WWC programme for another academic year - a year that has been full of new experiences and insights. In September four separate groups of students visited Dubai, Hong Kong and Toronto and explored the UK, where they met 66 Westminster alumni and partners. Across 41 sessions they heard about various professional journeys unique to the local working environment and explored different sectors such as Architecture, the Creative Industries, Entrepreneurship, Film, Fintech, Journalism and Media.
This was followed by trips to Cairo and Mumbai in December, where alumni speakers showcased the working cultures of, and routes into, organisations such as the British Embassy, British Council, Deloitte and Google Cloud. Participants also heard from several speakers who have started their own businesses, learning about what it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur. The group in Mumbai also visited ATLAS SkillsTech University, a longstanding partner of the University of Westminster, for a series of sessions, a tour of the campus and an insight into what it is like to be a student in Mumbai.
Students in Mumbai
Muhammad Rohail, Computer Science BSc Honours with Industrial Placement student, took part in the June UK trip. He said: “It’s crazy how fast time flies. One week, 40 students, five days, countless speakers and a lifetime’s worth of insight. Every time I take part in a WWC programme, I’m reminded how quickly it all goes by and how much you grow without even realising it. This programme wasn’t just a line-up of speaker sessions or company visits - it was a masterclass in how to navigate the real world.”
Alyssa Martin, Senior Alumni Networks Manager, said: “It’s been truly inspiring to see our students connect with alumni and industry professionals across the globe through the Westminster Working Cultures programme. These trips don’t just offer career insights - they open doors to new perspectives, build confidence and show students what’s possible when they step outside their comfort zones. We’re incredibly proud of the supportive global community that continues to welcome and guide our students each year.”
WWC directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17 Partnerships for Goals. 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 Westminster Working Cultures or email the Westminster Working Culture team.
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