Giving back as a recent grad

3895

REGISTERED USERS ON WESTMINSTER CONNECT

75.4%

OF ALUMNI ‘WILLING TO HELP’ ON WESTMINSTER CONNECT

129

“I had an amazing experience at Westminster,” says Jon. “I was drawn to the University by its diversity and my desire to experience different cultures and meet people from all around the world.

“One of the highlights was being part of the Change the World summit trip and getting the chance to speak at the United Nations. It was unbelievable; like a trial of my future dream career. Westminster Working Cultures was also an amazing experience; potentially one of the best things I have done in my life. I learnt that I could be independent in an unfamiliar setting, and it showed me the importance of adapting to fit your surroundings, rather than making the surroundings adapt to you. These kinds of employability skills are really hard to grasp unless you’re thrown in at the deep end.”

Since graduating, Jon has taken part in the Employability Advisory Boards

There are many ways that you can support students and fellow alumni. One of our recent graduates, Jon Woodburn, completed his course last summer and has since sought out ways to volunteer, support and give back to the University.

(EABs), joined our Career Mentoring Scheme and become the first ambassador for our exclusive online networking platform, Westminster Connect. “Now my career is under way, I am keen to give back for all that I have learnt over the past few years,” he explains. “I also want my friends to be aware of the great work the University does to support us as alumni.

“Westminster Connect has so many great functions for helping us develop our careers, including events, groups and a directory of fellow alumni who are willing to offer guidance in their sector. As the first ambassador on the platform, I’ve been sharing advice and insights on what I wish I’d known as soon as I graduated. I’ve covered topics such as skills tests, writing CVs and the importance of body language during interviews. Having also signed up to the Career Mentoring Scheme, I’m able to share what I learn through my mentor, allowing other graduates to benefit from our partnership.

ALUMNI PROFILES ON OUR WEBSITE

“I am so grateful for my experiences at Westminster and if I can help students with their course, or alumni with their employability as a way of giving back, I’m happy to do so.”

Opposite: Jon (second from left) during a Westminster Working Cultures trip to Mumbai

HOW CAN YOU GIVE BACK? We are so grateful to all our volunteers, each of whom makes a tremendous impact on our students’ experience at Westminster. There are many ways to get involved, including: • Submitting an alumni profile to our website • Joining the Career Mentoring

Scheme • Giving a career talk to our students • Hosting students through

Westminster Working Cultures • Sharing advice and support with graduates on

WestminsterConnect.org For more information please contact alumni@westminster.ac.uk