Economic Research Analyst | FIDERES
BSc Hons Business Economics and WWC Hong Kong- 2018
I have included this in my CV, and it was brought up in interviews too. This experience has without a doubt helped me stand out amongst other candidates by acting as evidence of my willingness to learn about other cultures. "
Which part of the Westminster Working Cultures programme had the biggest impact on you and why?
The alumni we met were very open about their professional experiences and the challenges they faced along the way. With the risk of sounding cliché, it made me realise that everyone has their own path in becoming who they are, both at a professional and personal level. The different experiences that were shared showed that there is no “one size fits all” approach to be successful and happy with your professional life.
What were your expectations before the programme and did they change afterwards? Were they met?
To be honest, I was not entirely sure what to expect. I was excited overall, but also unsure whether the programme would be structured in a way as to really aid my development. In the end, I would say the programme was structured remarkably well. It managed to pack a high number of workplace meetings, workshops, and networking opportunities onto the schedule, as well as enough time to explore the city.
How did the programme support your professional and/or personal development?
The programme supported my professional and personal development through numerous ways. I was positively exposed to a diverse set of opinions and mindsets through the experiences that were shared to us by the alumni. Additionally, the variety of offices and workplaces we visited provided me with great insight into the type of working culture I would like to find myself in. Moreover, the workshops during the programme allowed for a great deal of collaboration between the students and encouraged self-reflection.
What skills did you develop during your trip that have helped you in your current role?
The trip helped me become more confident in interacting with new people, as well as more adaptable to different environments. This is incredibly useful in my current role, where I constantly meet and collaborate with different people, and have to meet ever-changing requirements and expectations depending on the project.
Did you include your experience on your CV/discuss during your job interview?
I have included this in my CV, and it was brought up in interviews too. This experience has without a doubt helped me stand out amongst other candidates by acting as evidence of my willingness to learn about other cultures.
Do you have any advice for graduating students starting out in their job search?
Before you graduate, try to volunteer, find work experience, and apply to programmes such as WWC. You will learn about the type of issues that matter to you, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and open yourself to new learning experiences (on top of the CV boost!).
Research the employer before you apply. This will help you find out more regarding whether the job would be a good fit for your goals and whether you can see yourself enjoying your time there. This will make tailoring and completing your application easier and will let you be sincere throughout the whole process.
Also, do not get discouraged during the job search. You will likely fail many times before you get your first offer, so take every outcome as an opportunity to learn. Remember that even though it is a big part of life, you don’t have to define yourself through your job either!