This week is Volunteers’ Week in the UK and we’re celebrating an unprecedented year of alumni and supporter engagement at the University of BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载.

Over the past year, more than 3,500 alumni and supporters have generously contributed their time and expertise across 4,700 volunteering opportunities, amounting to over 21,000 hours of support, more than in any year in the University’s history. From mentoring and guest speaking to community fundraising and enhancing student experiences, their involvement continues to make a transformative impact on our university community.

Whether it’s sharing personal experiences as part of our Career Panels, offering invaluable insights through E-Mentoring BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载, or participating in community events like the ABP BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 Marathon to raise funds for vital causes such as the Cancer Immunology Fund and the Ignite Your Success Programme, our volunteers are making a real difference.

One example of this impact is seen in the Talent Development Programme, where alumni volunteers are involved with the programme from the beginning of the year, ensuring their experiential knowledge is shared throughout. Feedback from the programme highlights that students have found engagement with alumni volunteers to be a powerful confidence boost, inspiring their next steps.

Reflecting on this impact, Holly Street, Careers & Employability Officer at BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 Business School, shares: “Whether it’s a one-off guest talk or months of mentoring in a student competition, the insights and real-world experience our alumni volunteers bring are truly invaluable. Their generosity and commitment have a lasting impact on our students, enriching their learning and inspiring their future careers. I am always blown away by the support of our alumni community.”

This sentiment is echoed by our volunteers themselves. “I thoroughly enjoyed returning to engage current students in understanding what a useful tool networking is in personal and professional development, especially early on in a career,” says Manisha Kumar (MSc Business Strategy and Innovation Management, 2022), a recent graduate who volunteers her time. “It was rewarding to be able to encourage the students to be their authentic selves and to practise their networking skills.”

Through the dedication of our alumni volunteers, the University is creating an environment where students feel inspired, confident, and ready to embrace their future after university.

“Each time I see alumni share their story or talk to a student about their experiences, I’m reminded of how powerful our community can be,” says Chris Shank, Alumni & Supporter Engagement Manager in the Office of Development & Alumni Relations. “This year has been amazing! From packed Career Panels to one-to-one mentoring, the commitment of our volunteers has been truly exceptional.

Thank You

Thank you to all our volunteers for making this year a resounding success.

Together, we’re shaping the future of the University of BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 and creating even more opportunities for students to connect, learn, and grow.

If you would like more information about volunteering as a former student, or if you have an idea on how to involve alumni volunteers, please contact us at givetime@soton.ac.uk.