Harkiran Kaur Bharij

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

When I first applied for universities, the University of Westminster stuck out for many reasons. Firstly, it was important that I pursued further education in London, and Westminster’s central location meant that I was constantly involved in the city’s hustle and bustle. Next, as I was going to university to study a subject that I was both passionate about and wanted to base my career on, it was significant that the modules I was studying were practical and involved real-world contexts.

A degree in Sociology meant that I was constantly exposed to the different dynamics involved in families, education, religion and many more. Lastly, the University of Westminster has one of the most diverse student bodies in the UK, with students coming from 169 nations. By interacting with the international community in my courses, I opened my mind to the differences that exist in the world.

How was your experience studying in London?

I always knew that I wanted to study in London. Not only is the city home to some of the best universities internationally, the University of Westminster being one of them, but it is also one of the most multicultural and diverse places in the world. Due to the city’s diverse culture and dynamic atmosphere, every day created a new learning environment for me, providing me with invaluable insights that enhanced my academic understanding.

What did you particularly enjoy about your course?

The most enjoyable parts of my course were the range of options to study and the freedom when choosing a dissertation topic. My dissertation addressed the impact that race and ethnicity had on ethnic minority workers in news organisations, a topic which would have been much harder to get inspiration for had it not been because of the flexibility the department allowed in studying different modules.

Over the three years of my degree, I was constantly exposed to different sociological theories and societal issues such as postmodernism, intersectionality, feminist and Marxist theory, and functionalism. Each year enabled me to build on existing theory and apply it to different real-world contexts, knowledge which I still use today especially when I am reading the news or in my day-to-day job.

How did you find academic support as part of your studies?

The academic support as part of my studies enhanced my learning experience and helped me place myself within a community of learners. Not only were the staff knowledgeable about their areas of study, but they were also approachable and constantly encouraging us to engage with ‘out of the box’ thinking. Furthermore, resources such as the library and tutor office hours allowed me to engage with theory beyond the classroom and create a foundation for meaningful interactions.

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

Like any student, I was also torn about what to do after university. I started my first year with a brief idea about what I wanted to do after I finished university, but then this all changed mid-degree when I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do. We were introduced to the service in the second year – which is when most students are urged to begin thinking about what they want to do after they finish university – when they came into one of our classes and gave a presentation about what they offered and how they could help us.

From then onwards, I booked meetings with them a few times per year (in both the second and third year) and they helped me simplify and understand the career process. Had it not been for the lovely team, I would have remained lost and unsure of what to do. The experience was great and did not stop after the third year – even when I was applying for my Master's the year after, the generous team helped me prepare my statements and applications, something which then enabled me to get into the university that I wanted to go to.

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

Perhaps the most important advice that I would give to someone considering studying at Westminster is to keep an open mind and constantly ask questions. Completing a degree not only enables you to study a subject that you are interested in, but it also has the responsibility of challenging mindsets and preconceived notions.

Sometimes this may be a difficult process but asking questions (whether you think they are right or wrong) goes a long way in heightening your understanding of your subject of study and by extension, on you. University is arguably the first stage of life where you can look at the world individually and make your judgements and so broadening your mind and being open to the prospect of being challenged is the best way to make this process valuable.

What was the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student? 

The best aspect of being a University of Westminster student was the practical approach given towards education. Beyond the academic curriculum, the University highlighted the importance of critical thinking, creativity and real-world application and knowledge, all of which helped prepare me for employment and the working world.

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

The most surprising or unexpected aspect of my Westminster experience was getting a First in my degree (including the dissertation). Studying for a degree is difficult, whether it be attending lectures, completing readings for seminars or late nights finishing essays and reports, so getting the result I wanted was rewarding since I worked so hard. I loved the three years studying for my degree (including the dissertation processes), so my final result cemented the passion I had for it further.

What have you done since graduation, and what are you doing now? 

I finished my Sociology degree in 2020, mere months before the country was plunged into lockdown. Due to that, and not knowing exactly what I wanted to do, I took a gap year which enabled me to ponder over my choices, a decision I based on my likes, dislikes and what I was good at. I loved my degree and wanted to study further, and the modules which I undertook during my undergraduate degree exposed me to world issues that have become engrained within our society. The following year, I began my Masters in Development Studies at the London School of Economics which enabled me to delve into these issues further.

Following my Masters, I started working for a social enterprise supporting impact startups scale further with the help of remote volunteers. I still work here, and my job is extremely rewarding, allowing me to work practically on issues that I was interested in during my degree. Alongside this, I am also working to start my freelance writing career, having launched my website just last year and after having written articles for organisations of personal and professional interest.