Patrick Wilken

Volunteer in the Spotlight: Patrick Wilken (MSc International Management, 2016)

We caught up with alumnus Patrick Wilken (MSc International Management, 2016), who talked to us about why he volunteers for Exeter.

What do you do and where do you work?

I work in a start-up in Toronto, Canada. Wearing several hats; business development, account management, marketing and product promotion.

How did you get into working in your field?

This is my second job after graduating from Exeter, it was through my previous firm that I met the CEO of this company before I moved to Canada from London UK. I was contacted by a recruiter who linked me to LEVERTON.

What are your top tips for getting into in your field?

Develop technical skills which you can complement with interpersonal skills and professionalism. Don’t hesitate to start at the bottom and work your way up, never focus on the job title, focus on your tasks and your compensation.

How long have you been volunteering for the University of Exeter?

For over a year now.

What does your role involve?

As the country contact for Toronto, Canada I help inform applying students and host the alumni events in Toronto, previously I helped the Exeter committee in London running Events.

What inspires you to volunteer your time?

The more robust and interconnected the Exeter network becomes, the greater the benefit to all alumni.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

Getting to meet the people who went to Exeter and finding out what path their life took them on, sharing the common experiences and bonding over a common even in life with people from all over the world.

What advice would you give to other alumni interested in volunteering?

Don’t hesitate, it's worth the time that you give, it is not as demanding as you think and more beneficial then you might imagine.

What are your best memories of your time at Exeter?

Meeting and making friends from around the world, being challenged by the new topics, and expanding my intellectual horizons. Getting back into student life, partying and working on my own schedule.

Date: 23 October 2018