Zimeng Li

Why did you choose the University of Westminster? 

I chose the University of Westminster because my course has a strong reputation in the UK, which gave me confidence in the quality of teaching. What attracted me most was the one-year placement opportunity, as I highly value practical experience. I believe it’s important to apply what I learn in real-world settings, and this course offered exactly that.

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

What really surprised me about the course is that from the very first year, the university supports students in developing the skills needed for their future placement. It encourages us to think about our career paths early on, as well as to better understand ourselves and our strengths.

I’ve particularly enjoyed this practical and career-focused approach, as it helps students feel more prepared and confident when entering the workplace after graduation, something I think many universities don’t emphasise enough.

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

I’ve found the academic support to be very helpful and approachable. Lecturers are always willing to answer questions and provide guidance, whether during classes or outside of them.

I really appreciate how supportive they are, especially when it comes to feedback on assignments, as it helps me understand how to improve. This kind of support has made me feel more confident in my studies and more engaged with the course.

Where did you undertake your work placement year?

Charles Trywhitt

How did you find out about your placement?

Although my placement opportunity was not directly secured through the University Careers and Employability Service, it was offered through a company that collaborates closely with my course and provides exclusive opportunities for students on the programme.

However, I did make use of the Careers and Employability Service during my first year. They supported me with CV writing, LinkedIn workshops, and career-related guidance, which helped me secure a part-time role in a relevant industry. I believe this experience played a significant role in preparing me for my placement and strengthening my overall employability.

What was the application process for your placement?

The company first introduced their organisation and placement opportunities during one of our classes, which really caught my interest. After that, I kept track of the application opening dates shared by my lecturers and applied through the official link by submitting my CV.

After passing the initial screening, I was invited to attend an assessment centre. This included group activities, an individual interview, and some basic aptitude tests. Following this stage, I then waited for the final offer.

How has your course helped you with your work placement?

During my placement search, I realised that my data analysis skills were relatively weak, which encouraged me to actively look for opportunities to improve in this area. The course has been very helpful in supporting this development.

We had modules specifically designed to prepare us for placements, where lecturers emphasised the importance of Excel and guided us towards resources such as LinkedIn Learning. This helped me build a basic understanding of key functions and improved my confidence in using data.

I also found the sessions on the buying and merchandising cycle particularly valuable. Before starting university, I had very little knowledge of merchandising, but the course introduced me to the fundamentals of the field. Although I am still developing my understanding, it gave me a strong foundation that has been useful when preparing for my placement.

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

During my placement, I have been involved in a range of tasks supporting the merchandising team’s day-to-day operations.

At the beginning of each week, I help prepare for the weekly trade meeting by assisting my junior merchandiser in compiling reports on our category’s performance from the previous week. This ensures the team is fully prepared to review product performance and make informed decisions.

From Tuesday to Thursday, I am responsible for generating daily sales reports, which are used by both junior and senior merchandisers to monitor product performance and respond to trends in a timely manner. On Fridays, I present a summary of weekly sales performance and intake to the team, which has helped me build confidence in communicating data and insights.

In addition, I regularly attend meetings with the buying team and suppliers to follow up on production progress. I also monitor shipment and intake updates on a daily basis to identify and respond to any potential issues. Alongside these responsibilities, I provide ongoing support to my junior merchandiser with ad hoc tasks as needed.

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

During my placement, I have developed a range of valuable skills. One of the most significant improvements has been in my presentation skills. I had many opportunities to present in a professional environment, which greatly improved my confidence in using English in the workplace, especially as a non-native speaker.

I have also become much more confident in using Excel, which has significantly strengthened my data analysis skills. This has been particularly important in supporting daily reporting and interpreting sales performance.

In addition, my understanding of the buying and merchandising cycle has deepened considerably. I believe there is no better way to learn than through practical experience, and this placement has given me real insight into how the process works in a professional setting, something I did not fully grasp before.

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

I am currently working on my dissertation, where I am exploring supply chain management (SCM) in greater depth. My placement experience has provided valuable practical insights that I can directly apply to my research, allowing me to better connect theory with real-world practice.

Looking ahead, I believe this experience will be a strong advantage in my future career. It has equipped me with relevant skills and industry knowledge, making me more competitive when applying for roles within the field.

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

My advice would be to make the most of all the opportunities the university offers, especially when it comes to placements and career support. Start preparing early, take advantage of the resources available, and be proactive in developing your skills.

I would also encourage students to explore different areas within their field and take time to understand their own interests and strengths. This will help them make better decisions about their future career path and get the most out of their university experience.

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

Overall, my experience at the University of Westminster has been both rewarding and transformative. The course has not only helped me develop practical skills, but also encouraged me to think more clearly about my future career path.

As an international student, I have also gained confidence in communicating and working in an English-speaking environment, which has been an important part of my personal growth. What I particularly value is the strong focus on employability throughout the course. It has helped me become more proactive, independent, and better prepared for the transition from university to the professional world.