This autumn, the University of Sheffield welcomed the return of Coach Café, one of our flagship online networking programmes designed to enhance student confidence and employability. Generously funded by the Law Family Ambition Programme, Coach Café brings together career-experienced alumni with students from across the university for engaging, industry-focused online networking sessions.
This year’s programme kicked off with a focus on Careers in Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, and Health. 62 students connected with16 alumni who shared invaluable insights, advice, and personal experiences.
Coach Cafe gave me an insight into the vast amount of careers within my field. I spoke to people with similar degrees to me that do very different things to each other. It was really interesting to see the different options I could go into after my Masters and Coach Cafe gave me the opportunity to get into contact with the coaches again.”
Abigail Lyon
First year MMedSci Physician Associate Studies
Building on this success, the next Coach Café event will take place in late November, shifting the spotlight to Careers in Marketing, Media, and Communications. This session will cater specifically to students from the Faculties of Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences, offering them the opportunity to connect with professionals in roles such as Marketing Directors, Journalists, Branding Strategists, Editors, and TV presenters.
All of our Coach Cafe events prioritise spaces for students from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them to build those all important professional networks.
Feeling inspired to become a coach?
"It was great to see students engaged in discussing their career and expanding their understanding of things to consider when choosing the right opportunity for them, e.g. company size/ culture/ way of working etc. not just industry and job role.”
Alumni Coach
Coach Café is just one of the many ways alumni are supporting current students, demonstrating the enduring power of the Sheffield alumni community. Whether through sharing professional expertise, providing mentorship, or funding initiatives like this one, Sheffield graduates play a pivotal role in shaping the futures of students.
Whatever stage of your career you’re at, volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to your University.
Visit our webpage to discover upcoming opportunities you could get involved in.