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Why did you choose the University of Westminster? 

I chose the University of Westminster because of its strong reputation for practical, career-focused learning and its location in London, which offers excellent opportunities for networking, placements, and professional growth. As a Software Engineering student, I was particularly drawn to the university’s emphasis on real-world experience and industry engagement, which aligned well with my goal of building both technical and professional skills.

Another key factor was the diverse and supportive student community. Westminster provides an inclusive environment where students from different backgrounds can collaborate, learn from each other, and grow together. Being in London has also been a major advantage, as it has allowed me to access industry events, internships, and placement opportunities that have directly contributed to my development, including my IT placement experience in a professional organisation.

Overall, I felt that Westminster offered the right balance of academic quality, hands-on learning, and exposure to industry, making it the ideal place to support my career ambitions in technology.

Tell us about your course (what have you particularly enjoyed about the programme)? 

I am currently studying Software Engineering, and what I have particularly enjoyed about the programme is its strong balance between theory and practical, real-world application. The course has allowed me to work on hands-on projects involving programming, system design, and emerging technologies, which has significantly strengthened my technical and problem-solving skills. I especially enjoyed modules where we could apply what we learned to actual projects, as it helped me think more like a developer rather than just a student.

Another aspect I really value is the flexibility to explore my own interests within the course. As someone passionate about 3D technology and AI, I have been able to connect my academic learning with personal projects, such as developing interactive digital experiences. This has made my studies more engaging and meaningful, while also helping me build a strong portfolio alongside my degree.

Overall, the course has prepared me not only academically but also professionally, giving me the confidence to apply my knowledge in real workplace environments, including during my placement year.

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

I have found the academic and lecturer support at the University of Westminster to be very supportive and approachable throughout my studies. Lecturers are always willing to help, whether it is during lectures, tutorials, or through email and one-to-one sessions. They provide clear guidance on assignments and are genuinely encouraging when it comes to student development.

What stood out to me the most is how supportive the lecturers are when it comes to both academic progress and career development. They regularly provide constructive feedback that helps improve our technical understanding and confidence. During challenging modules and projects, I felt comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification, which made a big difference in my learning experience.

Additionally, the university offers strong academic resources and support services, which have helped me stay organised and focused. Overall, I have felt well-supported throughout my course, both academically and professionally.

Where did you undertake your work placement year?

The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Did you use the University Careers and Employability Service in securing a placement? If yes, tell us about your experience.

Yes, I used the University Careers and Employability Service during my placement search, and it was very helpful throughout the process. They provided guidance on improving my CV, preparing for interviews, and understanding what employers look for in placement students. The resources, workshops, and one-to-one support helped me present my skills and experience more confidently. Their advice made the application process more structured and less overwhelming, especially when applying for competitive roles

What was the application process for your placement?

The application process involved researching suitable roles, tailoring my CV and cover letter, and applying through online portals and professional networks. After submitting my application, I went through an interview stage where I was asked about my technical skills, problem-solving ability, and previous experience. I prepared by reviewing my academic projects, placement goals, and technical knowledge. The process was competitive but also a valuable learning experience that helped me improve my communication and professional confidence.

How has your course helped you with your work placement?

My Software Engineering course provided a strong technical foundation that directly supported my placement role. The modules in programming, systems, and problem-solving helped me approach real IT tasks with confidence. Additionally, working on coursework projects improved my ability to troubleshoot issues, manage time effectively, and work independently. The course also encouraged analytical thinking, which was essential when dealing with technical support tasks and system administration responsibilities during my placement.

Please provide examples of the type of work you've been undertaking/ undertook on your placement?

During my placement as an IT Analyst, I worked within an enterprise IT environment, supporting the organisation’s Microsoft 365 infrastructure. A significant part of my role involved working with Microsoft Intune for device management, where I assisted in enrolling devices, applying compliance policies, configuring security baselines, and troubleshooting deployment issues. I also supported user identity and access management through Entra ID, including account administration, permission management, and resolving authentication-related queries.

In addition, I worked with Exchange Online to support mailbox configurations, distribution lists, and access permissions, ensuring staff could communicate effectively without disruption. I also gained exposure to Microsoft Defender, where I assisted in monitoring security alerts and understanding endpoint protection measures in a live organisational environment.

Beyond day-to-day support tasks, I contributed to a project evaluating password management solutions for the organisation. This involved researching providers, contacting vendors, arranging product demonstrations, and participating in technical discussions to assess security, usability, and compliance requirements. I helped document findings and provided structured feedback to support decision-making at a senior level.

I was also involved in system administration and process improvement tasks, including software configuration, account lifecycle management, and supporting automation workflows using Power Automate. This included observing and assisting in the creation of automated approval flows and notifications to improve operational efficiency. Overall, my placement exposed me to both operational IT support and strategic technology decision-making within a professional setting.

What have you learnt and what skills did you gain during your placement?

During my placement, I developed both advanced technical knowledge and essential professional skills. From a technical perspective, I gained hands-on experience with enterprise cloud platforms, endpoint management, identity and access control, and cybersecurity monitoring tools. Working in a live IT environment strengthened my troubleshooting ability, as I had to diagnose issues methodically, consider security implications, and deliver practical solutions while minimising disruption to users.

I also developed a deeper understanding of IT governance, compliance, and data security, particularly within a professional organisation where reliability and confidentiality are critical. Seeing how policies are implemented in practice gave me insight into the importance of structured documentation, change management, and risk assessment.

Professionally, the placement significantly improved my communication skills. I regularly interacted with staff across different departments, translating technical information into clear, accessible explanations. I learned how to manage support tickets efficiently, prioritise urgent issues, and balance multiple responsibilities under time pressure.

Furthermore, I strengthened my teamwork and collaboration skills by working closely with senior IT professionals, observing best practices, and contributing to discussions. Perhaps most importantly, the placement increased my confidence and independence. It allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world context, develop a professional mindset, and gain clarity about the direction I want to pursue in my future career within IT infrastructure and cloud technologies.

How do you plan to use your placement experience in your professional future?

I plan to use my placement experience as a strong foundation for my future career in IT and technology. The exposure to enterprise systems, cloud administration, and professional workflows has given me a clearer understanding of industry standards and expectations. It has also helped me identify my interest in IT infrastructure, cloud services, and security-focused roles.

In the future, I aim to build on this experience by pursuing advanced certifications, further developing my technical skills, and applying for graduate roles in IT and technology. The placement has not only enhanced my technical capability but also prepared me to transition confidently into a professional environment after graduation.

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

My advice would be to fully embrace the opportunities that Westminster offers beyond the classroom. The university provides access to industry connections, placements, international programmes, networking events, and a diverse global community. If you actively engage with these opportunities, you can gain far more than just a degree.

For example, participating in the Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) programme allowed me to gain international exposure and develop a broader understanding of global professional environments. Experiences like this help you build confidence, cultural awareness, and adaptability, all of which are highly valued by employers.

I would also encourage students to step outside their comfort zone. Apply for placements, attend careers workshops, join student initiatives, and build personal projects. Being in London is a major advantage, so take full advantage of the city’s tech events, networking opportunities, and professional communities.

Most importantly, be proactive. The support is there, from lecturers to the Careers and Employability Service, but the more initiative you take, the more rewarding your university experience will be.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your Westminster experience?

My experience at Westminster has been transformative both academically and professionally. The combination of technical learning, practical projects, and real-world exposure through my placement has helped me grow into a confident and career-focused individual.

In addition to my academic studies and placement year, being selected for the Westminster Working Cultures programme was a particularly meaningful experience. It reinforced the importance of global networking, adaptability, and professional development in an international context. Opportunities like this demonstrate that Westminster invests in preparing students for the global workplace, not just the local job market.

Studying in London has also broadened my perspective. Being surrounded by a diverse and ambitious community has encouraged me to continuously challenge myself and aim higher. The university environment has supported not only my academic development but also my creative and technical interests, allowing me to build a strong portfolio alongside my degree.

Overall, Westminster has given me the platform to develop technical expertise, international exposure, professional confidence, and a clear vision for my future career in technology. I am genuinely proud to be part of the Westminster community and grateful for the opportunities it has provided me.