Ask An Alum aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Ask An Alum is closed during the Easter Break!
You can still submit an application but it will not be processed until the beginning of next term.
There are over 700 alumni ready to help you answer your careers questions by email.
How does it work?
- All University of Exeter students, recent graduates, and GBPs can apply.
- You can connect with up to 2 alumni from a wide range of job roles, organisations, sectors, and countries.
- You don't need a set career in mind, just a desire to gather more information and gain insight into the careers you are considering.
- You can ask almost any type of careers related question.
- You can apply as many times as you like.
- It's a short-term connection, so there are no long term objectives, training or preparation needed to participate.
- Ask An Alum sits alongside the University's central Career Mentor Scheme and is ideal if you have just a few questions you'd like answered.
Ask An Alum is open during term-time. You can still apply outside of term-time (except during the summer break), and the team will process your application at the start of the following term.
You can apply if you are:
- A current student (all levels of study, located both in the UK or on international placements)
- A recent University of Exeter graduate (up to three years after graduation, located anywhere in the world)
- A graduate recruited through the Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) scheme
Ask An Alum is open throughout term time. If you submit an application outside of term time (except during the summer break), it will be processed at the start of the following term.
We have a database of over 700 alumni across all industries, disciplines, and experience levels for you to choose from. Select 2 alumni by searching our online database by sector, location (including international) and degree subject.
If you are a current student:
View the Ask An Alum Information Page to access the database and the application form.
If you have graduated within the past three years or a GBP:
Please click here for the application form and detailed instructions on how to apply.
The Graduate/GBP form will ask you about your career plans and the type of alumni you wish to connect with. Please provide as much information as you can to ensure we find you a suitable match.
Current Students:
- We will contact the alumni that you have selected to ask if they are available to connect with you.
- If they are available we will put you in touch via email for you to ask your careers questions.
- It is your responsibility to take the lead in communication. You are expected to email your alumni within 3 working days of being introduced. Please respond to all replies and thank them for their help.
Recent graduates (up to three years post graduation) and GBPs:
- Based on the information in your application we will select the two alumni who best match your requirements.
- We will contact the alumni, asking if they are available to connect with you.
- It is your responsibility to take the lead in communication. You are expected to email your alumni within 3 working days of being introduced. Please respond to all replies and thank them for their help.
Ask An Alum is an easy way to gather insightful careers advice directly from working professionals. It is an an opportunity for you to ask alumni for information to help you make informed career decisions.
Some suggestions of what you could ask the alumni include:
- How was your transition from university to work (e.g. what did you experience and what should I expect)?
- What was your first job, how did you feel when you started and what did you experience?
- Job hunting techniques (e.g. best sources to look for relevant vacancies).
- What are the sector entry requirements (e.g. qualifications, professional training courses, IT skills)?
- What does a typical day look like in your role?
- What are the main challenges in gaining employment in your profession?
- What are the top 3 skills needed for someone to succeed in the industry?
- Can you recommend any potential networking opportunities (e.g. meetings, training, sector events) where I may make my own contacts for further careers advice?
Ask An Alum is NOT an opportunity for you to ask alumni for any kind of "favour" for example a job, work experience, an internship, industry contacts, to attend a meeting or any kind of event, or for funding an opportunity. Information about finding internships and jobs can be found elsewhere on our website.
For further information please email AskAnAlum@exeter.ac.uk.
Any data provided to the University by any party will be processed in accordance with Student Employability and Academic Success (SEAS) Privacy Policy.