“Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.”
-Bill Nye

My journey as a student at the University of Westminster studying BSc Computer Science has been truly incredible. Before getting started let’s understand that networking actually is – networking isn’t just about making contacts; it’s about cultivating connections and embracing the power of micro-networking. You never know how someone in your circle could lead to a life-changing career opportunity. For example, last year, I participated in the iTwin Bentley project with some university mates. One of them mentioned a professor at their university who had expertise in a field I was interested in. I reached out to the professor, and under their guidance, I worked on building a weather station during my summer break. This experience not only expanded my technical skills but also reinforced the importance of leveraging connections for personal and professional growth. Fortunately University of Westminster offers a number of opportunities for international students when it comes to networking. In this article I will be sharing my experience with networking inside and outside the university.

Creating your elevator pitch

Before kickstarting my networking journey it was imperative for me to give out the best possible first impression. To achieve that, I thoroughly worked on my elevator pitch. You can lead your way with this if you start by showcasing your skills, goals, or ideas in a concise, impactful manner. Begin with a strong, engaging introduction and conclude with a question for the other person to keep the conversation going. Here are twp resources which helped me to prepare my elevator pitch:

Gaining experience

Summer programs offer an incredible opportunity to learn, network, and explore new cultures. This summer, I had the prestigious chance to attend a program at Hong Kong Baptist University, where I learned object-oriented programming. For the entire month of July, I immersed myself in the vibrant culture of Hong Kong while gaining valuable skills and forming meaningful connections. This experience was made possible through the Global Bursary at Westminster, which provided funding and enabled me to participate in this international opportunity. My experience was truly an eye-opener—I rediscovered my lost passion for coding. During the program, I made lifelong connections, from best friends to a professor whose guidance helped me consider a future as a developer.

Networking at events

Events at the university have played a significant role in shaping my journey. Since my first year, I’ve actively participated in WeNetwork events, which are designed to kickstart entrepreneurial journeys. One standout opportunity has been the We Network Mixers, a platform where startup entrepreneurs and freelancers can raise funds and gain valuable insights. Through these events, I’ve received incredible guidance on starting a business and met like-minded students who have become game changers in my journey. I have also attended other impactful events recently, including a session on the Graduate Visa for International Students, organised by the careers team at the university. This event not only taught me how to apply for a visa after graduation but also provided an opportunity to connect with knowledgeable speakers. In a conversation with one of them, I received valuable advice on the importance of work experience and pursuing a placement year—something I am now seriously considering. At one of these events, a fellow student also mentioned a job opening in the Talent Bank for the role of an EDI Champion. I applied, got selected, and worked with the university’s EDI team for over four months. This experience was profoundly insightful, involving tasks like conducting interviews and building connections with highly knowledgeable individuals. I strongly encourage all students to explore Talent Bank opportunities and attend university events.

Opportunities outside of university

Now, as far as events are concerned, don’t just rely on the ones hosted within the university—there’s a number of opportunities outside as well. This year, I attended several events, including hackathons where I collaborated with students from other universities to build projects. Two memorable ones were the Web3 Hackathon at Shoreditch Exchange and the Microsoft Hackathon, both of which offered incredible learning and networking opportunities.

Additionally, I had the chance to attend London Tech Week, the biggest tech event in London. It was a game-changer for me, as I connected with some highly influential individuals on LinkedIn, including professionals from companies like IBM. These connections have proven invaluable, with several offering guidance on placement year applications. I often find such opportunities on Eventbrite, which has been a great resource for discovering events aligned with my interests.

A note on LinkedIn

As a university student, maintaining an updated LinkedIn profile is essential. Always highlight your projects, work experiences, and achievements to showcase your professional journey. When attending events, make it a habit to connect with the people you meet on LinkedIn. To build meaningful relationships, follow up with a personalised message after meeting them—mentioning something specific you discussed or learned together can help foster a lasting connection.

Westminster Working Cultures (WWC)

Lastly, I had the incredible opportunity to be selected for the WWC trip to Cairo, and it has been truly life-changing. Over the course of a week, we engaged with multiple speakers from diverse backgrounds, gaining insights and perspectives that were invaluable. We also got the opportunity to visit the American University in Cairo, where we attended a workshop organized by Caravan, their weekly student newspaper.

Among the speakers, one who stood out to me was Yassin Dinana, who is currently working at Deloitte while also building his own startup. Since I aspire to follow a similar path, I was able to connect with him and gain valuable advice from him.

This trip was, without a doubt, the best networking experience I’ve ever had. Connecting with the speakers and receiving their guidance was inspiring and enriching.

In conclusion, networking is not only limited to specific networking events—it is an integral part of everyday life. Building and maintaining professional relationships is essential, as these connections can open doors to opportunities you might never have imagined. Always remember, the opposite of networking is not working. So, take every opportunity to connect, cultivate relationships, and keep your professional circle growing.

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Big thanks to Samaksh, one of our BSc Computer Science students, for this insightful blog!

About Samaksh: “I am Samaksh Chhibber. A second year undergraduate student at the University of Westminster studying Computer science. My passion is innovation and hence my aim is to create technologies that can pave the way for future. I am keen on pursuing entrepreneurship and building something of my own. I take keen interest in studying astronomy in my free time. A fun fact about me is that I wrote a book at 17, combining my interest of astronomy with philosophy.“

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