What Comes Next? Politics and International Relations

Join a diverse panel of recent graduates from the Politics and International Relations BA course as they share their insights into career options after graduation. This event is part of the What Comes Next? event series and is organised by the University of Westminster's Alumni Relations Office, Rob Macmaster, Principal Lecturer in Politics, and Sahar Taghdisi Rad, Senior Lecturer in International Political Economy.

The panel will discuss a range of useful topics before you have the chance to ask your own questions.

As part of the event the following opportunities are available to you:

• Learn about the career journeys of recent graduates
• Get the chance to win a £20 Amazon voucher for filling out a post-event survey
• Make connections with successful recent graduates
• Gain 20 Westminster Award points (under 'You Tell Us' at all levels except PGT Gold)
• Earn work-based learning hours if you are a Level 4 or 5 student (at module leaders’ discretion)

This session is part of timetabled teaching for Politics and International Relations BA students as part of Level 5 (second year) module 5PIRS025W, Political Research and Practice.

Level 6 (third year) students are also invited, and other Politics and International Relations students are also welcome to attend.

All attending are requested to book, whether you are required to attend or not.

About the panel

Kian Richardson, Legal Associate, Richmond Chambers Immigration Barristers (Politics BA, 2023)

Juliana Rozensztajn, Former Executive Assistant, Embassy of Brazil (International Relations, BA, 2021)

Samira Azir, Business Engagement Manager, Maa Global (Politics and International Relations BA, 2021)

Samira Azir is a Politics and International Relations graduate from the University of Westminster, where she built a strong foundation in policy, global affairs, and public service. During her time there, she served as Vice President of Welfare, leading mental health initiatives and championing student wellbeing.

Since graduating, Samira has gained experience across central government and the public sector, developing expertise in policy delivery and community engagement. Alongside this, she discovered her passion for working with NGOs.

She now serves as a Business Engagement Manager at an NGO, where she drives strategic partnerships, builds cross-sector collaborations, and supports programmes that promote education, wellbeing, and social inclusion.

Zeenat Khan, Early in Careers Talent Advisor, Zurich Insurance (International Relations and Development BA, 2020)

My career journey began during the uncertainty of Covid, after graduating in July 2020 with a degree in International Relations & Development. Unsure where to start, I worked as a teaching assistant and cover teacher supporting neurodiverse students. During this time I was also looking to Kickstart my career. After applying to multiple different roles, I was successful in joining Zurich Insurance’s Change & Technology Management Graduate Scheme in 2021. Over two years, I rotated through different business areas and developed my skills as a Project Manager, learning how change and technology shape all areas of our business and industry.

Today, I channel my experience into recruiting and supporting future talent for Zurich’s Graduate, Internship, and Apprenticeship Schemes—helping students take their first steps into insurance. I also serve on the Committee for the Zurich UK Cultural Awareness Network (ZCAN), creating events and policies that promote inclusion and belonging at work.

I’m passionate about making insurance more accessible, diverse, and forward-thinking. My journey shows that career paths aren’t always linear, and that embracing new opportunities can lead to meaningful change.