Muhammad Rohail Ali

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

I chose the University of Westminster because of its strong focus on employability, global exposure, and its location in the heart of London. As someone who grew up studying the British curriculum in Pakistan, I wanted to experience education at its source, and Westminster stood out for offering not just academic learning, but real-world opportunities. The placement year was a major factor, as it allowed me to gain hands-on experience at Siemens. What really convinced me, though, was the university’s diverse community and the emphasis on encouraging students to step beyond the classroom and make the most of every opportunity.

How has your experience been studying in London?

Studying in London has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. It’s a city that constantly challenges and inspires you, whether through its diversity, fast-paced environment, or endless opportunities. Being in London has allowed me to attend industry events, network with professionals, and explore different career paths alongside my studies. It has also helped me grow personally, becoming more independent, adaptable, and confident. The exposure you get here is unmatched, and it truly feels like you’re studying in a global hub where learning happens both inside and outside the classroom.

Tell us about your course and what have you particularly enjoyed?

What I’ve enjoyed most about my Computer Science course is the strong focus on practical, hands-on learning. I particularly enjoyed modules that gave me the freedom to design and develop my own software and applications from scratch, taking an idea all the way through to a fully functioning product. Being able to test, debug, and see something I built come to life, and even have others use it, was incredibly rewarding.

I also really value how the course connects with wider opportunities at the university. For example, I developed my own business idea as part of my coursework, which went on to become a finalist in the Westminster Enterprise Network incubator. That integration between academics and real-world application made the experience much more meaningful.

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

The support from lecturers has been very positive throughout my studies. They are approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely willing to help, whether it’s clarifying concepts, guiding projects, or providing career advice. What I appreciated most is that they encourage independent thinking while still being there when you need support. There’s a good balance between giving students responsibility for their own learning and providing guidance when required, which has helped me become more confident and self-driven over time.

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

One of the standout aspects of my course is the access to excellent facilities and resources. The gaming and Immersive Development labs provide an innovative space to explore emerging technologies, while the university also offers high-performance computing resources for areas like AI and data processing. At the same time, there are dedicated, controlled lab environments for cybersecurity practice, which allow you to experiment and learn in a safe, hands-on way. Having access to this range of facilities throughout the year makes a big difference, as it allows you to go beyond theory and truly develop practical skills.

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

I’ve actively participated in a wide range of extracurricular opportunities throughout my time at Westminster, believing that growth happens beyond the classroom. Through the Westminster Working Cultures programme, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Berlin, Tokyo, and Cardiff, where I've engaged with industry professionals and gained insight into working cultures across these cities. I was also fortunate to travel to Dubai and Canada for internships, supported by the Global Experience Bursary, which further strengthened my international exposure.

Alongside this, I’ve been involved in the Westminster Enterprise Network (WeNetwork), where I participated in the Big Idea competition twice and was selected as a Grand Finalist. I have also been part of the cricket club, ABSoc society, and the Model United Nations society, taking part in conferences such as LiMUN and OXMUN.

In addition, I’ve worked as a Student Ambassador and an IT Support Student Associate, and I've represented the university at The PIE Live Europe, one of the largest international student conferences in Europe. These experiences have played a key role in shaping both my personal and professional development."

Where did you undertake your work placement?

I was a Business IT Intern at Siemens PLC for their IT-EU SQ Chapter.

How has your course helped you with your work placement? 

My Computer Science course gave me a strong technical foundation that helped me adapt quickly during my placement at Siemens. Modules in areas such as databases, networking, cybersecurity, project management and systems development helped me understand how enterprise systems operate in real-world environments. The course also developed my analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which were important when troubleshooting issues, analysing data, and supporting technical processes during my placement. In addition, coursework involving teamwork and presentations helped strengthen my communication and collaboration skills within a professional setting.

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

My placement helped me develop both technical and professional skills. Technically, I strengthened my understanding of enterprise systems, cybersecurity processes, data analysis, Power BI reporting, and compliance-focused IT operations. I also improved my troubleshooting and analytical skills through working with real business systems and operational data.

Professionally, I gained valuable experience in communication, teamwork, stakeholder management, and working within a global corporate environment. I learnt how to manage responsibilities independently, prioritise tasks effectively, and adapt to fast-paced professional settings. The experience also improved my confidence and helped me better understand workplace expectations and collaboration across international teams as I was working with team across Europe.

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

My placement experience has given me a much clearer understanding of how technology is applied within large organisations and has reinforced my interest in areas such as cybersecurity, digital systems, and data-driven operations. The experience helped bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice, allowing me to develop both technical and professional confidence.

Going forward, I plan to use the skills and insights gained during my placement to pursue opportunities in technology-focused roles where I can continue developing my expertise while contributing to meaningful projects and organisational growth. The placement also showed me the importance of adaptability, communication, and continuous learning, which are qualities I intend to carry throughout my professional career.

How has Zone29 - our home of careers and enterprise - helped you with your career journey?

Zone29 has played a significant role in my career journey by providing a wide range of on-campus opportunities. Through it, I’ve been able to secure paid part-time roles that have supported me during my studies while also building valuable professional experience. It has also given me the chance to get involved in university campaigns, where I’ve been featured across platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and the university website. These experiences have helped me build confidence, develop communication skills, and strengthen my professional profile alongside my degree.

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

My biggest advice would be to take full advantage of everything the university offers beyond your course. Westminster provides so many opportunities, from international programmes and competitions to part-time roles and networking events, but it’s up to you to step forward and make the most of them. Don’t limit yourself to just attending lectures; get involved, meet new people, and try things outside your comfort zone. The more you engage, the more rewarding your experience will be.

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

For me, the best aspect is the combination of diversity, opportunity, and global exposure. You’re surrounded by people from all over the world, which makes the experience incredibly enriching, and at the same time, you have access to opportunities that go far beyond academics. Whether it’s travelling, networking, working part-time, or taking part in competitions and events, Westminster creates an environment where you can grow both personally and professionally.

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

What surprised me most was how many opportunities there actually are, and how accessible they can be if you’re proactive. I initially expected university to be mostly focused on academics, but at Westminster, a lot of my growth has come from experiences outside the classroom, whether that’s international travel, competitions, or representing the university at events. It made me realise that your university experience is really what you make of it.