From Vietnam 2019 to UK trade negotiations: a 2021 alumna on the Thursday evening at DEN that shaped her leadership style
Saman Haque, BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations, University of Westminster, Class of 2021; now leading a team on international trade negotiations and strategy, UK Civil Service
Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network.
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How did you first come into contact with DEN?
I first came across DEN during my first year at university. At the time, as now, it was led by Farhang, who was always a friendly and welcoming presence on campus. What immediately stood out to me was the community he had built around him: a group of intelligent, motivated and genuinely kind people who came together each week to work on meaningful projects and support one another.
There was a real sense of purpose and belonging within the group. It felt like a small world where people were encouraged to think big, learn from each other, and make a positive impact. I wanted to be part of that community, so I joined, and it quickly became one of the most rewarding parts of my university experience.
Which DEN activities have you taken part in?
Some of the key DEN activities I took part in were the annual charity gala, the Students for Refugees initiative, and the Vietnam trip in 2019.
Was there a moment at DEN that has stayed with you?
One moment that has always stayed with me happened during a regular Thursday evening DEN session. It was not a big event or a formal conversation, just one of the many weekly gatherings where students came together to work on projects and ideas. Despite the room being full and there being so much going on, Farhang noticed that I was going through a difficult period in my life and took the time to quietly check in on me. He did not pry, but he made sure I knew that someone was looking out for me, and that I had support if I needed it.
What struck me was that, in a community with so many students and initiatives, he still made each person feel seen and valued. It reinforced that DEN was not just about projects or achievements, but about people. It taught me that great leadership starts with genuine care for others, and that “people may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
What aspects of DEN have had the biggest impact on you?
The Vietnam trip had the biggest impact on me. It was my first experience studying and working in an international environment, and it taught me the value of collaborating across cultures, of overcoming language barriers, and of learning from different perspectives. It broadened my outlook and gave me a much greater appreciation for global communities.
How has DEN helped you develop personally?
DEN gave me confidence in my ideas and showed me that even small ideas can create meaningful change. It helped me grow personally, develop new skills, and gain experiences that prepared me for the world of work. The opportunities it provided gave me the confidence to take on challenges and to think creatively.
Has DEN helped you with employability or professional development?
Absolutely. DEN gave me practical experience in leadership, teamwork and project delivery at a much earlier stage than I would otherwise have had. It provided opportunities to lead initiatives, work with people from different backgrounds, and contribute to projects with real impact. These experiences helped build my confidence, communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively, all of which I use daily in my current role in the UK Civil Service, where I work on international trade negotiations and strategy. The skills and experiences I gained through DEN gave me a strong foundation as I started my career, especially the trip to Vietnam.
What is one thing DEN has given you that you would have struggled to find elsewhere?
DEN gave me international exposure and practical experience of working across cultures at an early stage in my career. During the Vietnam trip, I met people from diverse backgrounds, learned about different systems and societies, and visited organisations such as the UN. Those experiences have proved invaluable in my current role, which is heavily international-facing, and they also inspired my ambition to one day work for an international organisation.
Beyond that, my involvement in the Students for Refugees initiative gave me a greater appreciation of global challenges, and of the responsibility we have, both as individuals and as more fortunate societies, to support those facing hardship. Organising events such as the annual gala also taught me a great deal about project management, stakeholder engagement and event delivery. Seeing the amount of planning, coordination, and teamwork required behind the scenes gave me valuable skills that I have carried into my professional career.
What advice would you give to students thinking of joining?
Join, join, join. Make the most of every opportunity, because your time at university goes by much faster than you think, and you will miss it dearly when it is over. You often do not realise how much you are growing, developing and upskilling until years later. Get involved in as much as you can, and keep track of your experiences and achievements along the way. The community you build, the impact you have, and the lessons you learn through DEN will stay with you long after graduation. As the saying goes, you get out what you put in. So make the most of it, and shape your own journey.
What would you say to a colleague at another university?
DEN is much more than a student society or an extra-curricular programme. It is a community that empowers students to turn ideas into action, develop skills that employers value, and build meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds. What makes DEN special is that it gives students genuine opportunities to lead, create, and make a positive impact, while being supported by people who truly care about their development. It is the kind of experience that stays with you long after university, as it has for me.
Should DEN do anything differently in the next decade?
One area where DEN could grow is by doing more to showcase and celebrate the incredible work it already does. Many of its success stories, its projects, and its student achievements deserve a much wider audience. I would also encourage DEN to explore additional partnerships with external organisations, charities, businesses and international institutions to create new opportunities for students.
As the DEN alumni network continues to grow, there is also an opportunity to strengthen connections between current students and graduates. Creating more opportunities for mentoring, networking, and knowledge sharing would help students benefit from the experiences of those who have pursued different careers and industries.
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Photo caption: Saman Haque, from organising DEN projects and events to leading international trade negotiations.
