Each year, various departments across the University host career events which aim to inspire the next generation of Sheffield Hallam students. As one of our recently graduated alumni, you can play a crucial role in helping our students prepare for life after study by volunteering to be a guest speaker.

How you can help

Talking openly about your experiences post-university can help students who are currently studying your graduated degree course think about their own employability options beyond their time at Sheffield Hallam. Being part of an alumni career panel will also provide the opportunity to gain public speaking experience which can enhance your CV and aid your own professional development.

We caught up with Oli Constable, who returned to Sheffield Hallam earlier this month to speak to students about life as a graduate. Oli is currently working for BBC News and produces short-form and digital video content.

Oli said, "I attended alumni events as a student and remember sitting there, hearing about the jobs that people had, and thinking I can do this, I can carve out my own opportunity and take what I studied into a different direction that suits me and what I want to do’. In my experience there is no 'normal' path to follow.'

"When I worked in radio, I'd sit in a tiny studio and talk into a microphone; my audience are not sat in front of me. When I volunteered to be a guest speaker at Hallam, I experienced talking to a room full of students, directly to my audience and yes it makes me nervous but it gives me the experience of a completely different kind of speaking.'

"Alumni events are also about networking, and not just for the students. I got to network after the talk and this has led to me linking up with alumni in my industry whom I didn't know. I've since linked with them on social media and I see these interactions as potential opportunities for the future."

If you have an interesting career story and would like to speak at a student event, please get in touch with us at alumni@shu.ac.uk.

Did you also know?

As well as having the opportunity to volunteer and network at our events, you can also use our libraries for free by registering to become an Associate Member. This will grant you unlimited entry to both of campus libraries, the ability to borrow books, and the option access a range of online journals.

If you would like to find out more about your alumni benefits, please visit the discounts and facilities section on our website.