The Early Careers Support project has guided hundreds of students and graduates towards meaningful career opportunities. Through participation in the Graduate Success Series (GSS) workshops and the Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) programme, alongside personalised support from Careers Consultants, participants developed their employability skills and strengthened their career journeys.

Ying Zhang completed her master’s in marketing communications and is currently working as an Inter-Faith Week Intern with the Faith & Belief Forum. In her testimonial, she shares how one-to-one careers guidance, Future Ready Mentoring, and the Graduate Success Series played a pivotal role in developing her communication skills, confidence, and overall employability—supporting her to successfully secure her current role.

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Can you tell us a bit about the role you’ve secured — and roughly how many applications or interviews you went through before getting the offer?

I’ve recently started as an Inter Faith Week Intern with the Faith & Belief Forum, supporting as a generalist intern across the different working groups that help plan and deliver this year’s programme. This internship feels like a natural next step and a meaningful way to build on what I’ve already begun. It offers the chance to strengthen my skills in interfaith communication, deepen my understanding of inclusive practice, and learn from the contributions of diverse faith communities. I went through the second interviews before receiving the offer, and I’m excited to gain hands-on experience in community engagement, interfaith relations, and project coordination.

Looking back on your career journey since graduating, what experiences or types of support do you feel had the biggest impact in helping you secure your current role?

Looking back, the experiences that had the biggest impact were opportunities offered through the University, such as the Big Idea Competition, Westminster Working Cultures, and the Future Ready Mentoring Programme. I also took part in the ParliaMentors programme with the Faith & Belief Forum. Together, these helped me develop stronger communication skills and, just as importantly, gave me the confidence that has been key in securing my current role.

Can you share any specific insights or advice you received during your appointments that made a real difference in helping you secure your role?

One of the most valuable pieces of support I received from Natalia, my career advisor, was learning how to structure my interview answers using the STAR method. This gave me a clear framework to present my experiences in a confident and concise way.

In addition, she always went beyond just teaching techniques—before each session she carefully reviewed my questions, and during our mock interviews she listened attentively and then gave me very specific, constructive feedback. For example, she highlighted not only where I needed to improve but also which strengths I should emphasize more clearly. Her patience, professionalism, and detailed guidance really boosted my confidence, and I feel these insights made a big difference in helping me prepare effectively and perform better in interviews.

How did the Graduate Success Series workshops complement the 1:1 support you received? Were there any sessions that particularly stood out to you?

I attended several of the Graduate Success Series workshops, including sessions on LinkedIn, networking, transferable skills, and workplace rights. Each one was genuinely useful, giving me practical knowledge about the UK workplace and helping to build my confidence. What stood out most was the sense of support I felt each time I joined — even after graduating, it was reassuring to know the Careers & Employability Service team was still there to guide and encourage me. This really complemented the more tailored support I received in my 1:1 appointment.

Which skills do you think helped you stand out during the application or interview process — and how did you develop these during your time at university or through careers support?

The skills that helped me stand out most were communication, teamwork, and adaptability. During the interview, I was able to show that I could listen closely, work well with people from different backgrounds, and contribute to collaborative projects — all of which are central to an interfaith role. I developed these skills through a mix of experiences at university and the careers support available to me. Taking part in various programmes gave me practical opportunities to grow, while the guidance I received from my Careers Consultant — especially through mock interviews and personalised feedback — gave me the confidence to present these strengths clearly throughout the application and interview process.

Based on your experience, what one piece of advice would you give to other recent University of Westminster graduates who are still navigating their career journey and might be hesitant to reach out for support?

My advice would be to reach out and make use of the support available, even if you feel unsure or hesitant. The Careers & Employability Service offers guidance, practical tools, and personalised feedback that can make a real difference in building confidence and improving your applications and interview skills. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, book appointments, or try mock interviews — the insights and encouragement you gain can open doors and help you take the next step in your career journey.

We hosted several LinkedIn profile sessions throughout the year, how did you find them and did they help influence your job search and skill expression?

I found the LinkedIn sessions really practical and insightful. They not only helped me present my skills and experiences clearly but also reminded me of features like requesting recommendations, which can really strengthen your profile and credibility with employers. The live reviews and expert tips gave me confidence to improve my profile and use LinkedIn more effectively in my job search.

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Big thanks to Salma, one of our Graduate Interns, and Ying Zhang for this article!

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