Ask An Alum

Ask An Alum is open for applications

Click here to search for alumni

We have 100's of alumni ready to answer your careers questions by email.

How does it work?

All University of Exeter students, recent graduates, GBPs and those considering study at the University of Exeter can apply.

Seize the opportunity to make email contact with alumni from a wide range of job roles, organisations, sectors, and countries.

You do not need to have a set career in mind, just a desire to gather more information and gain insight into the careers you are considering.

Ask any type of careers related questions.

There is no limit on the number of times you can use the scheme, although we recommend only contacting two alumni at a time.

It's a short-term connection, 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.

Who can apply?

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.
Considering applying to study at the University of Exeter and keen to understand what careers our alumni have gone into.

How do I apply?

Ask An Alum is open all year round and you can apply at any time.

Start your search here

Choose from 100s of alumni across all industries, disciplines, and experience levels.
Search by country, sector, job title, subject of study, year of graduation and type/level of study.
Use the filters to select alumni who may be able to provide insights, advice, or support related to your career goals.
Take time to read the alumni's profiles and decide who you wish to contact.
When you are ready to make contact, click the "Request to Connect" button. Complete the short form by providing your name, email address, and the message you would like to send to the alumnus.
Your message will be sent directly to the alumnus, so take time to make a positive first impression. Introduce yourself, explain why you are getting in touch, and ask any career-related questions you may have (see the "What to Ask an Alum" section for guidance). Remember to thank them for taking the time to read and respond to your message.

What happens after I apply?

After submitting your application, you should receive an email directly from the alumnus. Please allow a few days for them to contact you.

When they reply, make sure you respond within 3 working days, remain professional and thank the alumnus for their time.

If you do not receive an email after 3 working days, or have any problems or questions concerning your correspondence with your chosen alumnus, please contact the team at AskAnAlum@exeter.ac.uk.

What could I Ask an Alum?

Ask An Alum is an easy way to gather insightful careers advice directly from working professionals. It is an an opportunity to ask alumni for information to help you make informed career decisions.

Some areas you may wish to discuss with 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" such as 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.

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