Attendees at the Diversity Matters Festival at the University of West London
Attendees at the Diversity Matters Festival at the University of West London

Diversity Matters - students and graduates gain inspiration and insights at festival

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Students and graduates attended a Diversity Matters Festival at the University of West London on Monday 11 November. Sponsored by Enterprise Mobility, it was a celebration of diversity linked to employment and featured panel talks, presentations, networking opportunities, food and more. 

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The festival was organised by Employer Engagement Manager Judith Yemane, Careers Consultant Maggie Danquah and Employer Engagement Officer Eduardo Saavedra supported by the Placement and Employment (PES), Careers and Volunteering teams. 

The festival was part of UWL's Future You: Diversity Matters programme, which supports students and graduates to progress in careers where there is diversity underrepresentation. Co-led by Judith and Maggie, the programme is supported by employers and the Careers, PES, Volunteering and Wellbeing teams. 

A panel of speakers at the Diversity Matters Festival at the University of West London

Employers and guests at the festival included the Department for Work and Pensions, Enterprise, Diaxpora, Grow London, Impact Theatre, No Turning Back 2020, Shaw Trust, Jackson Civil Engineering, International SOS and Tata Consultancy Services. 

Each employer gave a presentation covering how they support equality, diversity, and inclusion to ensure career progression, stories from people within their organisation and gave tips to students/graduates to help them in their career journeys. 

Olutunji Giwah from International SOS, a global company that provides health and security services for business travellers and international assignees, explained,

We are a very diverse and inclusive organisation. You can move around the business. The most important thing is to always believe in yourself. If someone else can do it, you can do it too. Keep trying until you get it.” 

Sofia Cerchiai was at the festival on behalf of No Turning Back 2020, whose aim is for 20% of all marketing, communications, and sports sponsorship marketing professionals to come from black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities. After doing a degree in English and Comparative Literature she now works in PR in financial services: 

Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, try new things and do lots of cold emailing. When I was first applying to places instead of a CV, I would make a PowerPoint presentation about myself.” 

Performers from Impact Theatre at the Diversity Matters Festival at the University of West London

The festival included a powerful performance using Makaton from members of the Impact Theatre Company, which aims to promote a positive image of disability and to develop communication and self-confidence through participation in performing and creative arts.

Maria, who is studying international tourism management, found the festival helpful. 

I have a disability, and I am looking for a management position. I have met a few organisations such as the Shaw Trust who I am hoping can guide me and help me get there.” 

Alex, a chemist who is studying cybersecurity, said,

I’ve found the festival most insightful. Today has reminded me that everything is possible. It is not too late to start afresh. I found the talks from the Shaw Trust and Tata Consultancy Services particularly helpful.” 

  • Find out about the next Diversity Matters webinar ‘An Overview of Aptitude Tests and Assessment Practices in Job Applications’ on the Student Hub.

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