Filippo Iguera

What are you doing now?

I am working as a Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company, based in Milan, Italy. In this role, I advise leading organizations across the private, public, and social sectors, helping them solve their most complex challenges.

What did you find most valuable about your course at Westminster?

My favourite part of my course at Westminster was the wealth of opportunities available to students.

Professionally, I recall participating in several sessions with the University's Careers and Employability Service during my first and second years. These sessions not only guided me in mapping out the path to reach my career goals but also provided opportunities to interact with employers, which, along with the focus on polishing my CV and cover letters, ultimately helped me secure the summer internships during my studies.

Academically, I had the opportunity to spend an exchange semester in Denmark at Copenhagen Business School. This experience significantly broadened my perspective, further enhancing my academic knowledge while also contributing to my personal growth.

I believe that my bachelor's degree journey not only helped me develop a strong foundation in financial and quantitative research methods, which are essential to my current job, but also gave me the confidence to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Why would you recommend Westminster as a place to study?

Being a University of Westminster student gives you the unique opportunity to network with a diverse group of graduates who now work and live across different continents and cities. I found this to be a crucial aspect of my experience at Westminster, as it significantly influenced my career-related decisions.

Additionally, you have access to all the university campuses around London, where you can study in the library or meet students from various courses, broadening your social and academic horizons.

The facilities at each campus are impressive, greatly enhancing student life. For example, during my finance degree, I had the chance to take practical classes in the Bloomberg Financial Market Suite at the Marylebone Campus. This experience was invaluable in helping me understand and visualize sophisticated analyses of financial market trends.

Moreover, the lecturers and seminar tutors I've had over these three years have been incredibly supportive, not only in addressing academic doubts or uncertainties but also in helping me navigate professional and personal challenges. They were always available for a quick chat, even outside their scheduled support hours.

Extracurricular activities are also strongly supported at the University, and I took full advantage of these opportunities. I was the founder and president of the Italian Society at the University, a role that not only helped me consolidate my leadership and organizational skills but also allowed me to bond with other incredibly passionate Italian students from around the world. Additionally, I had the opportunity to work as the Head of Sales in the Business Development department at Westminster Business Consultants (WBC), the leading Junior Enterprise in the UK. These experiences significantly enriched my university life, providing me with practical skills and a strong network that have been benefiting my career so far.

What was the best thing about being a student in London?

Living in London is an incredible experience, but studying there is even better. The Marylebone campus, situated in the heart of the city, allowed me to be surrounded by some of the most iconic and frequently visited monuments, buildings, and restaurants every day. The fast-paced environment of London constantly pushed me to pursue new professional and personal ventures, making my student experience both unforgettable and enriching. Being so close to numerous employers within the business world is also an invaluable aspect of studying in central London.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing a similar career to you?

Three pieces of advice that can be easily followed while at university:

Speak to as many people in the consulting industry as possible. Start by reaching out to university alumni or attending career events. This will help you gain a clear understanding of what the job entails and whether it aligns with your personality and career ambitions. 

Maintain a strong curiosity about business and how organizations function. Don’t shy away from reading that "optional" paper for next week's seminar class. For instance, I used to read the McKinsey Quarterly at the Marylebone campus library, which solidified my interest in strategy consulting. Make the most of the resources available through your university, such as newspapers and magazines—these can provide valuable insights into the field and help you stay up-to-date with industry trends. 

Seek opportunities to apply what you learn at university in real-world settings. Whether it’s joining the university’s Junior Enterprise or undertaking a summer internship, gaining practical experience is crucial. These hands-on experiences will help you build the necessary skills and give you a taste of what consulting is really like.