Alumni volunteers make a difference

The alumni participated in a wide range of activities aimed at helping students take their first step on the career ladder once they graduate. The events covered a range of careers including politics, marketing, journalism, advertising, sales, the charity sector, copywriting and setting up a business.

At one of the events, five alumni who are now working in journalism participated in a question and answer panel discussion focusing on a career in journalism.

The panel members included Guardian feature writer John Crace (Politics 1979), News of the World Fabulous magazine Assistant Editor Sarah Mason (History 1997), Sunday Times feature writer Deirdre Fernand (English 1980), BBC News 24 journalist James Ingham (English & Drama, 1995) and postgraduate journalism student John Stevens (Economics and Politics 2008).

News of the World Fabulous magazine Assistant Editor Sarah Mason (History 1997) says: ‘It was great to return to Exeter - the first time since I graduated - it brought back some brilliant memories.

‘I was really happy to speak to current students about my experiences in journalism and hope that it helped to open their eyes to the wide variety of career paths which are available to them.’

Holly Peterson, Head of Alumni Relations, says: ‘We are delighted that so many alumni returned to Exeter to volunteer for Widen Your Options. Alumni bring a wealth of experience and expertise and our students benefit enormously from the advice that alumni can give them.

‘Our alumni are able to give the students unique insights into how to make a successful transition to the workplace. It is invaluable advice and is one of the key ways in which our strong alumni community contributes to the life of the University.’

A total of 19 alumni returned to Exeter to volunteer during the Widen Your Options fortnight, which took place between February 22 and March 5 2010.

The University of Exeter is one of the few in the UK to have its own Alumni Volunteer Officer responsible for coordinating volunteering opportunities for alumni. Alumni who would like to take part in volunteer activities at the University can fill in our Volunteer Registration Form and email it to Alumni Volunteer Officer, Stephanie Anagnostopoulos or alternatively phone 01392 725003.