Alumni networks and professional societies

When you start university you join two networks you may not know about: everyone who graduated before you, and the professional bodies in your field. Both are designed to help students, often for free.

Why alumni want to help

• UCL Careers points out that a shared university connection means alumni mentors are not strangers, and that alumni who sign up as mentors have done so because they want to help.
• Alumni often remember being in your position, which makes them more willing to answer a polite, specific question.
• Your school may also have an alumni community. Ask your school office or careers adviser whether former students come back to speak or volunteer.

Where to find alumni

• University alumni platforms, which may let you filter by course, graduation year, employer, industry or location (Graduate Recruitment Bureau).
• Careers service mentoring schemes, departments and subject societies, which often host graduate panels (Graduate Recruitment Bureau).
• Alumni events, reunions and industry panels, in person or online (Graduate Recruitment Bureau).
• LinkedIn's alumni section for your university, if you are 16 or over (Graduate Recruitment Bureau). Check a profile looks active before you message.
• Lecturers may introduce you, but they should not share someone's contact details without permission (Graduate Recruitment Bureau).

Reaching out to alumni well

• Start with a specific question about a role, industry, employer or career move, and choose people whose experience fits it (Graduate Recruitment Bureau).
• Begin with a small number of tailored messages: the Graduate Recruitment Bureau suggests three to five.
• Include a brief introduction, the shared university link, why you chose them, and one small request (Graduate Recruitment Bureau).
• Do not attach your CV unless asked, and do not ask for a job, referral or recommendation in your first message (Graduate Recruitment Bureau).
• If there is no reply, send one polite follow-up after seven to ten days, then stop (Graduate Recruitment Bureau).

Professional bodies and student membership

• Many professions have a professional body, for example engineering institutions such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or the IET (TARGETjobs).
• Student membership is often free (TARGETjobs, quoting ICE). The Science Council says that where there is a fee, students typically pay about 80% less than full members.
• Benefits can include journals and magazines, lectures and events, conferences, student networks, careers advice and job boards (TARGETjobs, Science Council).
• Membership shows dedication to your field, and TARGETjobs suggests highlighting it on your CV and in applications (TARGETjobs, Science Council).
• TARGETjobs suggests choosing a body that matches your studies and goals and feels welcoming, not only the one that accredits your course.

Networks you can join now in the UAE and GCC

• The u.ae Youth page lists Youth Hubs for ages 15 to 35, offering facilities and skills courses, with hubs across the UAE.
• It also describes Youth Councils, which give young people a role in decision-making, and the Arab Youth Center, which runs initiatives connecting youth with industry professionals.
• School and university societies count too. The University of Bristol says subject and hobby societies often host guest speakers and social events, and active membership builds relationships and communication skills.
• Volunteering is another strong network. The National Careers Service lists volunteering contacts as part of your network.