eXepert (careers Q&A)

What is eXepert?

eXepert provides students and alumni the opportunity to contact University alumni to gain advice on how to enter their chosen sector, work for a certain company, or benefit from possible networking opportunities and contacts.

We have a large pool of alumni who have offered support to students. As our alumni are based all over the world and cover a huge range of sectors we are likely to find someone who can offer you an insight into their professional experience and offer advice to help you make informed career decisions.

Who can apply?

All students and graduates (up to three years after graduation).

How do I apply?

To participate, complete the online eXepert registration form on My Career Zone.

When applying, we advise that applicants have a good idea of the career or sector they are interested in. This will help us during our search to find a close alumni match and to get full benefit from the opportunity.

What happens after I apply?

We use information in your application form to search our database for relevant alumni who may be willing to help.
You will be asked to select and list in order of preference three alumni which you would like to be put in touch with.
We will contact your three chosen alumni on your behalf, and if they agree to help, we will put you in touch via email for you to ask your careers questions (approximately 50% agree to help).
It is then your responsibility to take the lead in communication – we expect applicants to email alumni within one week of being put in touch - to ask your career questions, respond to replies and to thank them for helping you.
Both alumni and applicants will be asked to complete a short online feedback form after their communication to help us develop eXepert (click here for alumni feedback form and click here for applicant feedback form).

What could I ask my eXepert contact?

Here are some suggestions of what you could ask alumni:

How was your transition from university to work (e.g. what you experienced and what to 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 are the good/bad aspects of profession?
Would you like to share any difficult experiences at work and how did you resolve them?
What are your proudest career achievements - how did the opportunities arise and how did you accomplish the tasks?
What are the top 3 skills needed for someone to succeed in the industry?
Potential networking opportunities (e.g. meetings, trainings, sector events) or contacts for further career advice?

What eXepert is not

eXepert is a way of gathering useful career and sector information directly from working professionals - an opportunity to ask questions to alumni to help you make informed career decisions.

eXepert is not an opportunity for you to ask alumni for a job, work experience, an internship, or for funding an opportunity. Information about finding internships and jobs can be found elsewhere on our website.

Further information

For further information please contact Jane Harding at exepert@exeter.ac.uk or 01392 722034