Can you please tell me a little bit about yourself? (briefly about what you are studying etc)
I’m Italian, and studying Business Management – International Business BA Honours. I’m currently on my placement year working in the marketing department of the Westminster Business School and will shortly start my third year at university.
How did you decide to study at Westminster Business School?
I had already decided that I wanted to study my business degree in London, after that it was a matter of choosing the course and university I liked most. Westminster wasn’t my first choice university but the flexibility of the course and the location of the campus interested me very much.
Can you please tell us a bit about your placement year?
Choosing to do a placement year wasn’t hard. I knew before starting university that I wanted to undertake a year in industry and I’m very glad I did. Although I’m not studying marketing as a specialism I fit in well with the team and the new role was exciting and fast paced. I wanted to get a feel for working every day, as I would have to once I graduate, and it was strange in beginning because I felt like I was back at school; my day was suddenly structured with breaks, meetings and a lunch hour the only thing missing was someone to take me home at the end of the day. I realised how much time you have as a student.
What were the main challenges you have faced?
The first few weeks were hectic as I felt like I was running around trying to learn everything and stick to a schedule. Once I managed to organise my days better with regards to work load and time management I felt more comfortable in my role.
Can you please tell us about the process of securing a placement during your studies?
It was an easy process that required lots and lots of patience. I signed up to the placement scheme at the beginning of my second year and I started getting in touch with the business experience team in the Westminster Business School registry. They would send me tips for writing CVs, adverts for workshops for employability etc and also placement opportunities. I also made quite a few online placement applications. Telephone interviews were the most challenging but in a way it was a great experience to go through them. I learned to be a lot more organised with my notes and also tried to be more clear on the phone to leave a better impression.
Towards the end I had almost given up because it was already July and I hadn’t found anything, I just wanted to get on with my third year. Iram from the registry convinced me to apply for this role and I owe her for not letting me give up. Thanks Iram!! XD
Everyone is talking about employability skills what do you think is the best way to increase your employability skills during your academic studies?
Quite simply: Get involved. As students at university we have many opportunities to gain experiences that can be applied in a future career. Things like volunteering and joining a society are excellent ways to get involved. But merely attending events is not enough, for example when joining a society one should try getting involved with planning activities and events which allows you to create relationships with people already in their career. Another good example is the Westminster Business Consultants (WBC) is a consultancy group entirely made up of student consultants that work with real clients.
As a fellow student what would you recommend other students in the Westminster Business School?
Get involved in extracurricular activities because they are loads of fun, enjoy yourself in year one because second year is no joke and you must do a placement year.
We all know that student life is hard work! How do you manage to balance your studies with all the extra-curricular activities?
I have always treated my studies like my job, so I would make sure to do work during the day in order to chill with friends in the evenings and afternoons.
What did you enjoy most about your last job?
The people I work with. In the end, although I did enjoy my work as there were some exciting projects, the lasting memories I will have are those with my colleagues, eating all those birthday cakes, nights out celebrating our accomplishments, sports day [which really reminded me of school] and so I love them to bits.
What does the future hold for you after graduation? What are your plans?
I would like to travel, I’m planning on visiting every continent except Antarctica over the span of a couple years
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