Can you please tell me a little bit about yourself? (briefly about what you are studying etc)
I’m studying towards a degree in BA (Hons) Business Management, and am currently in my third and final year. I’m a Student Ambassador for the University- working with the Marketing, Communications and Development Department at the University of Westminster, supporting the Outreach Team with student recruitment and widening activity participation. Additionally I am also the Vice President and Corporate Public Relations Associates of the Accounting and Management Society.
How and when did you get involved with the Student Union and The Accounting & Management Society?
I got involved with the Accounting & Management Society last year when signing up as a member and attending a few events planned at the time. Over the summer the society announced vacancies for the coming academic year for the Vice President and Corporate Public Relations positions. At the time I was seeking to deepen my need for involvement within the University on a student-to-student level. I saw it as an opportunity to satisfy that need and an opportunity to give back enabling positive change at our University, as I am a proud undergraduate of WBS.
Can you please tell us about your role in the Accounting & Management Society?
My role as a Vice President and Corporate Public Relations Associate is to seek, research and manage opportunities (ie: external speakers and invite corporate firms on campus) that would add value and be of interest to our members and WBS students. This involves building relationships with the academic staff, Career Development Center, other society’s such as the Finance and Trading Society and corporate partners.
We’ve grown tremendously thanks to the great team I’m fortunate to work with – It‘s a big responsibility but one that is very exciting and one I’m very grateful to be a part of!
Everyone is talking about employability skills what do you think is the best way to increase your employability skills during your academic studies?
A starting point to increasing ones employability skills, and often fun and fulfilling would be to GET INVOLVED as a student within your University – I can’t emphasise this enough! It’s easily accessible and it’s there for the taking if you just stay alert for opportunities and/or ask around.
Employers want to see initiative from candidates. It also demonstrates what else you did apart from spending long hours in the library. Additionally, it provides occurrences for you to talk about and highlight during interviews.
Our University offers its students numerous opportunities to do so while studying – Student Union Society’s/Clubs/Sports, Student Ambassador scheme, University Talent Bank, volunteering opportunities with the Career Development Center, Student e-mentoring schemes and, searching internships placements and part- full-time jobs on the University Career Development Center website.
As a fellow student what would you recommend other students in the Westminster Business School?
To try things you never thought you’d be good at, or thought you’d enjoy. Attend talks that are hosted by Student Union Society’s such as the Accounting & Management Society and other University departments. Also do not assume certain career paths are not for you by avoiding certain corporate events – attend and listen, you’re bound to learn one thing from it and spot an opportunity. Now is a great time to discover and build your strengths while identifying and strengthening your weaknesses.
We all know that student life is hard work! How do you manage to balance your studies with an almost full-time job as you are so involved in the Accounting & Management Society?
I work with fantastic, energetic and supportive team members. Plan, organise, control and monitor your time and responsibilities – it not only applies to corporate strategic management but individual time management. Also it goes without saying – avoid procrastination!
What are the main lessons you have learnt by being so involved during your studies?
I learnt the most about myself. I learnt that presenting and speaking in front of an audience of 150+ is a feat I could tackle. If not for my involvement, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to test and develop this skill before entering the job market.
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I cannot think of a better person to take on the challenge of student ambassador. You shine!
Mom
Keep up the good work Na’Omi!
I went to University of Westminster from 2008 – 2011 and in my final year I worked as a student ambassador, too. It was a great job and I have the best memories.
Reading this interview makes me wanna go back and do it all over again.
Well done girl!!! That’s an amazing interview!!!
An excellent example of a very promising student, hard working, top achiever with great ethos at the same time. Congrats!