Event helps Exeter alumni network professionally

The University’s Careers and Employment Service also ran a series of workshops earlier in the day tailored specifically for recent graduates.

The first event of it its kind for Exeter, the event was organised by recent alumni and by the University’s Development and Alumni Relations Office.

This is just the latest in a series of employability initiatives to assist alumni in their careers, and another event is already planned for the spring.

Exeter alumna Sarah Baker (Ancient History 2009) says: "Having graduated in July this year, the 'real world' suddenly becomes a terrifying reality. Thousands of graduates across the country are struggling to find work and finding it hard to make contact with those who may be able to help.

“The University of Exeter alumni group is doing its best to dispel the myth that once you leave university, you're on your own. Our reunion of graduates from the last 10 years brought together people from all kinds of backgrounds, each able to offer different advice and a willing ear. Not only is it a great way to make new contacts and bonds, but it's a brilliant way to meet like-minded people.

“I would certainly encourage any university to really make the most of its alumni as a resource and aid for both recent graduates and current students. At the same time, graduates should make sure they join the alumni groups and make the most of careers workshops, advice and events that they provide. I hope that in 10 years time I will be able to offer the help and support to graduates and students that Exeter alumni have given me. My current job is a result of this networking opportunity and I am incredibly grateful.”

Susie Hills, Director of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Exeter, says: “The University recognises the value of supporting our alumni, especially during the recession. These events brought together alumni from the last decade, and gave them access to the University’s careers advisors, as well as providing opportunities for networking between alumni. A few attendees have already offered to help find placements in their companies for students and recent graduates.”

Exeter alumnus Jon O’Sullivan (Psychology 1999), who helped to organise the event, says:  “Everyone in the room had something in common and it showed. The topics of conversation ranged enormously from reminiscing about the past, current occupations, past-times to future social and potential business opportunities.”

The careers workshop, open to individuals who graduated from Exeter during the last two years, was held at IBM's Southbank offices, and was hosted by alumnus Jeremy Budd, Director of Global Services at IBM. Alumni Alain Desmier, Head of UK Corporate Development at Leadpoint, Inc, and Robert Ware, Chief Executive & joint founder of Conygar Investment Company Plc, were also on hand to give practical advice to graduates. 

The workshops were designed to help alumni kick-start their job hunting, develop new tactics for influencing employers and to meet other graduates in a similar position.

Exeter alumnus Luke Pollard (Politics 2001) adds: “Social and professional networking means that you keep in touch with more of your friends at university more easily.”

Throughout the year, the University organises a series of social and professional networking events in London in areas such as the media and arts, business and law. International alumni events are set to take place in Taiwan, Thailand and Malaysia later this year.