Almost 40 students from the University of Westminster took part in the award-winning Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) programme this June, gaining first-hand insight into professional life across the UK and Barcelona.
WWC is a University-wide initiative that helps students develop career confidence and build a global outlook by connecting them with Westminster’s diverse community of alumni and industry partners around the world. The programme is a key part of Westminster’s ambitions for Zone29, the University’s new home for careers and enterprise. Zone29 provides students and graduates with access to work-related programmes, opportunities and experiences and connects students from all backgrounds to industry professionals to build the confidence and networks they need to succeed.
This programme was made possible by the generous funding support from alumnus and Co-Founder of the Photobox Group and Entrepreneur, Graham Hobson and the Quintin Hogg Trust.
This year’s summer programmes gave students the opportunity to explore international career pathways, expand their professional networks and gain valuable insight into a range of industries and global markets.
Two student cohorts travelled across Barcelona and the UK, taking part in 20 sessions with 52 Westminster alumni and partner organisations. Sessions covered industries such as AI, creative, entrepreneurship, fashion, marketing, media, recruitment and technology.
Students engaged with professionals from organisations including Airalo, BNP Paribas, Havas People, ITV, Mango, Microsoft and Zara Man. They also heard from a range of entrepreneurs and creatives, gaining insight into what it takes to build and sustain successful careers and businesses in different international contexts.
Through workplace visits, panel discussions and informal networking opportunities, students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and reflect on their personal and professional development. Highlights included a day trip to Manchester; a recent graduate panel to hear about life after university; a visit to partner Instituto Europeo di Design (IED) to network with local students; and a walking tour of Smart City – 22@ Innovation District in Barcelona.
Reflecting on WWC Barcelona, Fashion Business Management with Professional Experience BA Honours student Deleesha Elza Chacko said: "Westminster Working Cultures has been a huge part of my university journey over the last four years. It has shaped the way I see the fashion industry and helped me understand what it really means to go from studying fashion to building a career in it. Recently, I had the opportunity to take that learning beyond London and experience a different working culture in Barcelona.
“One of the most memorable parts of the trip was meeting professionals who were around ten years ahead of where I am now. Hearing their stories made those goals feel much more realistic. The experience encouraged me to reflect on myself and it made me think about how I present myself professionally, how I communicate with others and what I can contribute to the people around me.
If I had to summarise the best part of the trip, it would be the people. I learned so much from industry professionals, but equally from the peers alongside me. The experience gave me a better understanding of who I am today and who I hope to become in the future.”
Computer Science BSc Honours graduate and Co-Founder of the Photobox Group and Entrepreneur, Graham Hobson, said: “As an alumnus of the University of Westminster, it was my absolute pleasure to come back and talk to the Westminster Working Cultures summer 2026 cohort about my entrepreneurial journey. They asked such great questions about my take on their challenges and opportunities in this changing world. I thoroughly enjoyed the session and hope they found it useful.”
Law LLB Honours graduate and Consultant of Regional, Risk and Compliance at Bruin, Ebony James, said: “An exceptional initiative run by the University and I truly believe these sessions are vital for the development of our next generation. They not only show students a life outside of London but connect them with ‘real world’ professionals and life skills that will carry them into the future. It was a genuine privilege to be able to give back in this way, to students who are stood in the same shoes that I once wore at Westminster. But also, to be able to share a few mishaps and successes from my journey that I wish someone had told me at this time. It felt amazing to be part of something so important and remind students that it’s okay to bring ‘themselves’ to work and change their mind and career paths after university as this is something that I feel really resonates with a lot of graduates. Would love to see more initiatives and sessions in Manchester in the future!”
Since launching in 2017, WWC International has hosted 40 global trips, while WWC UK, launched in 2020, has delivered 20 domestic programmes and a range of follow-on events. Together, they have reached over 1,000 Westminster students and recent graduates. The next WWC programmes will take place in Tokyo, Toronto and the UK in September 2026.
The programme directly contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17: Partnerships for Goals by helping students build the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an interconnected world. 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 by visiting the Westminster Working Cultures webpage or email the team.
Related articles
