HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

At WIUT, we believe that education goes beyond the classroom – it is about shaping people with ambitious minds ready to enter the job market. One of the outstanding examples is showcased by Nigina Yadgarova, a Level 5 Finance student already working for one of Uzbekistan’s top online marketplaces, Uzum. Her story is a testament to transformative education.

“I never liked studying English in high school. But motivated by studying at a prestigious university, I learned the language in just one year so I could apply to WIUT. WIUT offers the best opportunities for British education right in Uzbekistan – including the chance to study in London at the University of Westminster”.

Despite still being a student, Nigina successfully secured a job in a leading e-commerce startup – a company known for its rapid growth and innovation in Uzbekistan’s digital marketplace: ‘The interview process was tough. We had to pitch startup ideas, work in teams, and offer solutions to complex business problems in just minutes. But it was nothing new to me. University assignments, case studies, role playing activities in class gave me confidence to think fast and present my ideas effectively.’ Ultimately, only three out of 60 applicants made it through the selection process, and Nigina was one of them – landing a position as a Brand Manager alongside experienced professionals.

Beyond academics, the university provides an ecosystem for personal and professional growth, offering networking events, industry guest lectures, and leadership programmes that helped Nigina develop crucial skills for the real world. Nigina’s previous experience as a course representative, facilitator and mentor helped her to learn to work with diverse teams, communicate effectively, and handle real-world challenges.

"At WIUT, you are not just a student, you are treated as a professional from day one. The university pushes you to grow, think out of the box, and take responsibility. It’s not just about getting a diploma; it’s about becoming career-ready. My leadership roles helped me develop networking and communication skills that proved invaluable during job interviews. Many people think you need to finish university before starting a career, but that’s not true. If you are passionate and proactive, companies are ready to hire you—even before graduation.”

Nigina’s success also highlights the university’s commitment to career development. The university’s Career Development Centre played a crucial role in helping her secure her job. “I attended internship and job fairs, and when I asked for feedback on my CV, Mukhammad Korajonov, Head of the Career Centre, told me that it was impressive, that I had built a solid profile with no prior work experience. That moment gave me confidence.’

Career Centre serves as a bridge between students, alumni, and employers, guiding individuals toward professional success. With a strong commitment to career development, the centre offers career counselling, internships, job placement services, networking events, and skill-building workshops to help students transition from university to the workforce. Through CV-writing workshops, mock interviews, and career coaching sessions, students receive personalised guidance to refine their professional profiles. The centre also organises career fairs, bringing together leading employers from various industries to connect with potential candidates.

The internship programmes facilitated by the Career Centre are a crucial steppingstone for students, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings. Many students secure internships with multinational companies, financial institutions, IT firms, and government organisations, enhancing their practical knowledge and networking opportunities.

One of the most rewarding aspects of her job is the empowerment she feels. “At Uzum, they never treated me like ‘just a student.’ They asked, ‘If you are ready, we’d love to have you on board.’ That was a defining moment for me. I realised that hard work, initiative, and self-belief can open doors—even before graduation.”

Nigina has actively engaged in university life, from participating in career fairs and field trips to volunteering for global events like the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan. “Volunteering was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I worked long hours on weekends, balancing studies and responsibilities, but it was worth it. It shaped me as a professional.”

Another defining chapter in her university experience was her participation in the university’s volleyball team. “Volleyball was my escape, my second home. It wasn’t just about the game, it was about teamwork, family, and belonging. Sports taught me to never quit when things start to become difficult. When we won a friendly match against the University of Westminster’s team, we earned the chance to fly to London. The university covered everything—flights, hotels, and events. It was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to network, meet professionals, and represent my alma mater on an international stage.”

‘The most important lesson I learned after starting university is that you need to learn how to work with people, build your network and communicate. Competition in the job market is huge, and the way you present yourself defines whether you get the job or not. Most of your success comes from your personal development and your perseverance. I have attended multiple job and internship fairs before I could get my first job offer. Obviously, in the first years of studies, companies may be reluctant to hire you. Nevertheless, I encourage students to attend fairs as early as possible. Just simply being there, talking to HR officers, and networking helps you to build an idea of what they need from the job applicant. Events and workshops organised by the Career Centre help students effectively build CVs. Moreover, what I like the most is field trips, which create great opportunities to see how people work and feel like you are working.’

‘At the entry-level, obviously, you make mistakes, you think you cannot go any further, and most people advise you to quit. But never listen to them. If you challenge your boundaries, you will see that you are capable of a lot more than you think’.

Her story is an inspiration for future WIUT students, proving that with the right mindset and determination, anything is possible.