Ask An Alum

Ask An Alum is now open!

Ask An Alum is a simple and reliable way for you to receive custom careers advice via email from over 700 alumni.

All University of Exeter students, recent graduates, and GBPs are able to apply.

You can speak with up to 2 alumni at a time, undertaking a variety of job roles from a huge range of organisations, sectors, and countries.

You don't need to have 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 is no long term commitment, objectives, training or preparation needed to participate.

Ask An Alum sits alongside the University's main Career Mentor scheme and offers a shorter-term alternative which is perfect if you have a few questions you'd like answered.

Ask An Alum is open throughout term time. You are still able to apply outside of term time (except during the summer break) however applications will be processed at the start of the following term.

Who can apply?

You are able to 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

How do I apply?

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. You can select 2 alumni by searching our online database by sector, location (including international) and degree subject.

If you are a current student:

Please 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.

What happens after I apply?

Current Students:

We will contact the alumni that you have selected, asking if they are available to connect with you.
If they are available to help, we will put you in touch via email for you to ask your careers questions.
It is then your responsibility to take the lead in communication. You are expected to email your matched alumni within 5 working days of being put in touch to ask your career questions, respond to replies and to 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 then your responsibility to take the lead in communication. You are expected to email your matched alumni within 5 working days of being put in touch to ask your career questions, respond to replies and to thank them for their help.

What could I ask an alum?

Ask An Alum is an easy way of gathering useful career and sector information 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 would 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.

Contact Information

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.