Debrah Igbinedion

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

I chose the University of Westminster because it offered an International Media Business MA programme, allowing me to study the business side of the media industry and improve my business skills. What further convinced me to study this course was the opportunity to undertake work experience and internships to help boost my CV.

How has your experience been studying in London?

I am from London and am very familiar with the city. The great thing about studying in London is the city's diversity, which is reflected among University of Westminster students. On campus, you can meet people from all over the world. I had classmates from South Africa, China, India, Russia, and Ethiopia all coming together and sharing experiences and life journeys. This provided valuable insights for group work and generating ideas.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

My primary aim was to seek challenges, push boundaries, and develop personal growth. As part of my course, I enjoyed writing my professional project which allowed me to focus on something I was passionate about. During the process, I had the opportunity to explore my idea and present it within 10,000 words, this took a lot of learning and planning. However, my course leader was genuinely supportive and encouraged me. Her support has led to incredible opportunities within the course.

How have you found academic support as part of your studies?

I have found my lecturers to be very supportive. They want all their students to thrive and provide them with opportunities whenever they can. They are very passionate about the subjects they teach, creating an exciting and engaging learning experience for us as students.

Students can usually book individual meetings with the lecturers to discuss their progress, and there are resources available at the University if they are facing challenges. If it's academic-related, then lecturers can work with the student to overcome any issues they are facing.

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

Regarding your employability, you must explore WeNetwork; every student should get involved. They are incredible! They provide opportunities for students, graduates, and alumni who are thinking of a business idea, have an existing business, or are freelancers. They provide workshops with experts who are knowledgeable about business plans, financial literacy, marketing, etc. On top of this, the WeNetwork team offer opportunities for grants and funding for your business throughout the year, and their most significant one is called The Big Idea Competition. 

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

I got involved in The Big Idea Competition with the WeNetwork team and gained the 'Rising Star Award', which gave me funding to start my YouTube channel.

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

I advise anyone considering studying at the University of Westminster to go for it! Once you are here, try new things, push yourself out of your comfort zone, and participate in extracurricular activities. Make the most of the opportunities presented to you.

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

My main classes were based at the Harrow Campus, which is where most of the creative courses are based. There is so much creativity, you will find people here who express themselves in unique ways, filming projects, creating music, putting on fashion shows, and setting up green screen rooms for broadcasting. People are always creating even during their spare time, and it is such a beautiful space to be part of!

What was the most surprising or unexpected aspect of your Westminster experience?

One surprising aspect of my time at the University of Westminster is when the WeNetwork team put on the Enterprise Festival at the Marylebone Campus. I had the opportunity to meet the founder of Reggae Reggae Sauce, Levi Roots. When I was in secondary school, I watched his pitch on BBC1’s Dragon's Den. Never in a million years would I have thought that I would meet him in person and this unique encounter happened thanks to the University of Westminster. I found it encouraging during the event when Levi Roots spoke about authenticity in the business world.

I also met London Mayor candidate and CEO of Belu Water, Natalie Campbell. It was incredibly insightful to hear about her career journey. She showed that anybody can make it in business and politics, regardless of background or circumstances.