Aribah Sheikh

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

I had the opportunity to visit an open day at the University of Westminster, which acted as a catalyst in my decision to choose this University. Westminster Business School (WBS) is one of the best institutes in the city and provides a wide range of course selections and other extracurricular opportunities. As I've always been determined to study Accounting, I found the programme structure at the University of Westminster to be one of the best in London; this firmed my decision to choose this University and start my journey as an accounting undergraduate.

How has your experience been studying in London?

Most campuses are based in Central London, which gives you great exposure to many different opportunities that might not be otherwise available. As an Accounting student, I feel privileged to be studying in the heart of the city, which is known to be the hub of Finance. The experience of studying in London has enhanced my confidence and helped me develop my personality both personally and professionally.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

I've absolutely loved my Accounting BSc course at the University of Westminster. After much research, I found that this is one of the most diverse courses in London as it provides you with a lot of practical experience in using different accounting software. Along with this, the course gives you a maximum of nine ACCA exemptions, which is incredible for students who look to pursue a career as a Chartered Accountant.

Upon completion of this course, you are also eligible for CIMA exemptions and the teaching team is working very hard to become accredited by ICAEW too. After completing three years as an undergraduate, you have the opportunity to become a certified accountant in approximately one year.

I highly recommend this course to anyone who is looking to establish a career as an Accountant.

Are there any stand-out facilities associated with your course?

As part of this course, you are able to gain practical experience in using accounting software called Sage50. This is a highly useful aspect of this course as it increases your exposure in the industry and also gives you valuable experience, which can enhance your CV and make you stand out to employers.

As part of the Westminster Business School, you are eligible for a free subscription to the Financial Times, which is an incredible tool to build and extend your knowledge in the field of Finance and Accounting.

Tell us about your experience of using the University Careers and Employability Service 

I've been able to participate in the Career Mentoring Scheme, where I was matched with an industry professional who mentored me over a period of three months. This program gave me great insights into the field of accounting and allowed me to understand my strengths and weaknesses.

I was able to review my CV with the help of my mentor as well as practice my interview skills by conducting a mock interview; I found all the feedback to be very useful.

Tell us about any activities that you have undertaken outside of your course 

During my time at Westminster, I've been involved in many programs. During my second year, I became a Course Representative for the Accounting BSc Level 5, which allowed me to raise the concerns of my fellow students to the senior teaching team. 

Due to this program, I have now been elected as a School Representative for the School of Finance and Accounting. As a School Representative, I'll be overlooking all the relevant courses and working to improve and enhance the overall student experience in collaboration with the Head of School.

I am grateful to have received such wonderful opportunities to develop my professional skills, which I hope will equip me to establish a successful career as an Accountant. 

What would your advice be to someone considering studying at Westminster?

It's a great opportunity for you to receive a quality education as well as get exposure to the professional world. Make appropriate use of the resources available to you and always look to maximise the benefit you can gain out of it.

There will be plenty of support provided to you in every aspect of your student journey and with the correct mindset, you can achieve great things during your time at the University of Westminster. 

What's the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student?

The University is partnered with the Students' Union, which aims to provide you with excellent support and opportunities that will enhance your student experience in general. The University experience can be very overwhelming, however, at the University of Westminster, it is incredibly easy to reach out for help as there will always be someone ready to guide you in the right direction.