7 October 2026
More than 200 students strengthened their career and professional development skills by taking part in Enterprise and Employability Week. A seven-day programme in early October that connected students with employers, entrepreneurs, alumni and university staff.
Organised by our London academic employability team, the event brought together students from across our BSc Top-Up programmes(opens in new tab), including business, hospitality, nursing and social care.
Valuable insights with a side of Jollof rice
A key highlight was a session with entrepreneur Shirley Boateng, founder of Shirley's Foods(opens in new tab). In her engaging talk, Shirley told students how her award-winning Jollof paste was born out of necessity when she needed a way to prepare authentic, delicious dinners as a single mother of five children.
The session concluded with students participating in a Jollof rice cooking demonstration. Silvia Cigoreanu, a BA (Hons) Business and Management(opens in new tab) student, said, "Hearing Shirley's story really inspired me to stay driven and commit to my own business. The session helped build my confidence."
Darsh Bhatt, creator of fintech start-up FINIO, hosted a session exploring the opportunities and challenges of building successful ventures, providing valuable entrepreneurial insight.
Alumni making a positive impact
Alumni contributions formed an important part of the programme. BSc Health and Social Care(opens in new tab) graduate, Joyce Malima, shared her journey in establishing Jomema; a community interest company providing educational support services for young adults with autism and learning disabilities.
Her experience highlighted the positive impact graduates can have within their communities.
Aishat Bisola, MSc International Business Management(opens in new tab) graduate and NHS Senior Employee Relations Advisor, gave an engaging careers advice presentation, including NHS job pathways.
The programme also included sessions delivered by university colleagues on topics such as careers in mental health, developing a research mindset, and using digital tools to support academic and professional success.
On behalf the academic employability team, Victoria Wright, Lecturer (Tourism & Hospitality) and Banhishikha Ghosh, Lecturer (Health & Social Care(opens in new tab)) said:
"Our Enterprise and Employability weeks have been a great success. We have had a range of engaging speakers and activities featuring entrepreneurs, industry professionals and alumni from across sectors. All have been inspiring and informative for our students.
These opportunities are extremely valuable in equipping our students with enhanced Industry exposure and knowledge for their academic journey at UoSiL. Thank you to our external partners and colleagues who contributed across the programme."