Open Skills Westminster is a site run by the School of Architecture and Cities at the University of Westminster to provide information and ideas to help its students develop skills for the world of work. The School of Architecture and Cities teaches a wide range of subject areas, giving students a range of technical skills. On this site we also focus on some of the broader skill sets.
Repeatedly surveys into skills needed by employers show the importance of what are often called soft skills. For example a survey by Hays earlier in 2021 showed that organisations need communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to adopt change, problem-solving skills, the ability to be flexible and adaptable, and people management skills. Other skills that make it into such lists include team working, creativity, and critical and analytical thinking. Therefore presenting both your soft skills as well as your technical skills are important.
Let’s Build – sign up for introductions to paid work placements
The Let’s Build Academy has launched a scheme to help architecture students from underrepresented backgrounds to get introductions to paid work placements. Students sign up for free and Let’s Build Academy offers coaching and mentoring. If you would like to sign up please click Let’s Build Academy, to register your interest.
How the University of Westminster can help you
The University’s Careers and Employability Service offers a range of services, guidance and advice on all things careers and employability related, with full details to be found among the Careers and employability pages.
One-to-one guidance and advice
Book a 20-minute consultations with a Careers Consultant to get feedback and advice on CVs, application forms, interviews and other career concerns. Book a 45-minute consultation for in-depth advice on careers. Book a consultation
Enterprise and entrepreneurship
The Westminster Enterprise Network (WeNetwork) is a community of Westminster staff, students and recent graduates with an interest in enterprise, freelancing and innovation. It runs an award-winning programme of events and masterclasses, dedicated to helping students plan their own journey; whether it’s working freelance, starting a business or innovating in a traditional company. Westminster Student Enterprise Journey.
The Westminster Student Enterprise Journey Portal enables all University of Westminster students and recent graduates to access the wide range of opportunities, services and resources for developing their enterprise and entrepreneurship skills, and achieving career goals.
Start your Student Enterprise Journey
Westminster Talent Hub
The Talent Hub App showcases and connects University of Westminster’s Student and Graduate Talent with industry, businesses and community organisations.
Career Mentoring
Our Career Mentoring initiatives offer current students and recent graduates (those who have graduated within the last three years) the chance to be matched with a mentor for long or short-term mentoring. Applicants will have the unique opportunity to receive tailored career support and guidance from experienced professionals. At present, all mentoring is taking place virtually.
Ask a Mentor (short-term mentoring)
For those who are looking for short-term mentoring opportunities, the Ask a Mentor Service offers students the chance to have one-off conversations with our mentors. This service is open all-year round, and students can apply via Engage
ISE/ProjectSet Bootcamps
This is a free 10-week virtual skills training programme for current students and recent graduates. Through weekly interactive sessions and micro-projects (see program details here), the Skills Bootcamp is designed to help develop employability skills, build a digital portfolio, and connect to a variety of internship and job opportunities. There is an introductory session on 23rd June.
Bright Network Internship Experience UK
As the UK’s biggest internship experience, it’s supported 75,000+ students and graduates with their career. It’s completely virtual and can be completed from anywhere. Here’s what it offers:
- A three-day immersive programme by sector run by leading employers and industry experts
- Internship-like industry experience
- A certificate on completion
The first deadline is 22nd June.
https://www.brightnetwork.co.uk/internship-experience-uk/
SRS Skills for Success webinars
This is a free webinar series starting on 15th June, covering topics such as Building Resilience, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Being an Authentic Leader. Open to students, recent graduates and staff members!https://www.smart-resourcing-solutions.com/srs-webinars
OPEN SKILLS Westminster 