Insights
Sharing Insight and Opportunity: Westminster Working Cultures UK
University Students Visit Stonehage Fleming for collaborative event
When it comes to nurturing the next generation of talent, active listening and asking the right questions leaves mentors more equipped to guide their mentees, according to Eva Sheppard, Senior Client Relationship Manager at Stonehage Fleming and recipient of the 2025 ‘Mentor of the Year’ Award in the University of Westminster’s Future Ready Mentoring programme.
“As a mentor, it is so important to listen and understand the views of the next generation. Ask them: What are your dreams and your goals? What keeps you up at night?” she encouraged guests from the Westminster Working Cultures UK Programme, who were visiting our London offices this week, for an afternoon of knowledge-exchange and collaboration.
The ‘UK Working Cultures Programme’ aims to offer students from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds the chance to explore the UK professional landscape and develop their career skills over a week-long period.
“When we were recruiting for the programme, I was thoroughly impressed at how the candidates interviewed so professionally whilst still being authentically themselves. It is this sort of practice that helps young people build resilience before entering the workforce full-time,” said Eva.
After a Q&A session led by a panel of Stonehage Fleming colleagues who detailed their roles and working life at the firm, students were split into ‘breakout’ rooms where they gleaned personal career insights and tips for securing a job post-academia.
“’Soft skills like good communication and problem-solving are vital to build a life as an adult, but they are not always passed on to young people. The Westminster Working Culture helps our mentees to do just that,” noted Eva, who encouraged the students to put themselves forward when the chance presents it. “My motto is ‘go for it’ – you only regret the opportunities and chances that you do not take.”
Find our more about Westminster Working Cultures here.