A timeless and ever-relevant initiative
Over the last 10 years, 600 alumni from a diverse range of industries have collectively contributed thousands of hours, providing invaluable career insights and supporting students to develop their confidence, networking skills, and commercial awareness.
Connecting with Sheffield alumni who have built successful careers in the capital and risen to senior positions in major organisations is an invaluable opportunity for students—especially those without access to crucial professional networks.
City Connections is targeted to students from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring alumni time and support goes to those who need it most.
Speaking with industry leaders- who were once students in Sheffield like me- quelled my concern on the uncertainties of working life or of finding ‘the right path’, instead reassuring me that the focus should be on embracing the journey."
Jake
Final year Business Management student
Celebrating another successful year - with many more to come!
This year’s City Connections event brought together 60 ambitious Arts, Humanities, and Social Science students from underrepresented backgrounds for a transformative journey across London, connecting them with 30 inspiring alumni. Thanks to this incredible opportunity, students gained exclusive access to leading businesses, networked with industry leaders at an electrifying event at Arup, and received valuable insights into various career sectors. They also heard firsthand from Sheffield graduates about their inspiring journeys and how they reached their current positions.
Our business hosts this year did not disappoint; Lorna Wilson (BCs Law 2010), Head of Innovation at global advertising agency EssenceMediaCom, taught the students how to perfect their pitch. Wayne Garvie (PhD Economic and Social History 1988), a visionary leader at Sony Pictures Television, gave insights into the global media landscape. Last but not least, urban regeneration expert Jerome Frost (Urban Studies & Dip.Town and Regional Planning 1995), Chair of Arup, shared his experience of delivering large scale transport and reconstruction projects across the globe. The students also enjoyed a bespoke workshop on a range of internship and graduate opportunities.
The evening networking event was the best yet, with over 40 alumni volunteers, old and new, coming together to meet with students and staff to celebrate the anniversary. Special mentions were made for long time supporters of the programme, including some alumni who have come full circle, attending as students and now as alumni volunteers. “You could say that City Connections is the reason I have my dream job today. It gave me the push to pursue museums as a career” says Rebecca Raven (History and Sociology 2018) who took part as a student and went on to host students last year at the Museum of the Order of St John where she works as a curator. “Helping students form backgrounds like mine go and get their dream jobs is so fulfilling”
Helping the next generation of graduates decide about their career trajectory is something everyone can do and which requires no special skill. What it requires is interest and curiosity. The experience we have acquired in our careers is a free asset to give to others. I always find the students engaged and curious; with valid and clearly defined opinions. I seek to help them refine those ideas by discussing them and perhaps adding another idea or perspective to the mix."
Graham Elliott
(BA History 1982)
Director at City and Cambridge Consultancy Ltd
There is no doubt City Connections empowers students and leads to more opportunities. Students have gone on to gain placements, internships, and employment in prestigious companies because of the connections they’ve made. For others, just the day itself can have a transformative impact and provide a vital confidence boost.
“We’re so grateful to all the alumni who support City Connections”, says Lizzie Ruse, Head of Volunteering at the University, “they’re making a real difference.”