The booming success of virtual volunteering
When the world shut down, our alumni stepped up. What started as a way to stay connected virtually has turned into a powerful way for you to open doors and share career advice, anywhere in the world. Five years on, these digital chats are still inspiring the next generation.
The ability to connect with alumni for careers advice and inspiration is vital for students, especially those without their own professional networks.
When the Covid-19 pandemic abruptly halted all in-person events, the dilemma was clear: how could these connections continue? The resulting shift to virtual volunteering solved this challenge — and then some.
From global crisis to global community
Necessity became the mother of innovation during the pandemic. By quickly scaling up the existing E-Mentoring programme in 2020, the University was able to continue nurturing students’ career aspirations, even as they studied and graduated under very different circumstances.
Six years later, online networking has flourished. More alumni are giving their time, and the number of students accessing this ready-made community has soared.
Connecting next-generation talent with industry professionals
Digital networking has transformed how our students access career support, and initiatives like Coach Cafe are leading the way. This programme is all about bridging the gap for students who don't yet have professional networks, linking them directly with alumni established in the fields they want to break into. In the last year alone, 400 students have participated in Coach Cafe, gaining a direct window into sectors as diverse as pharmaceuticals and media, learning exactly what it takes to thrive from those already doing it.
Course-specific networking has evolved post-pandemic too. In Law, for example, students are building direct links with practicing professionals who were once in their shoes. These virtual meet-ups provide a bridge between the lecture theatre and the workplace, allowing alumni to share the kind of practical, "insider" advice that helps students feel less like outsiders to their chosen industry. It’s an easy way for alumni to give back, and make a profound difference in a student's career journey.
It turns out you really can network online! Thanks to Coach Café, I’m feeling energised about my future. I now have a more clear understanding of what job I want to do and how to get it.
Saskia
Architecture student
When there are miles between us
Current students aren’t the only ones benefitting. Alumni are connecting with international offer-holders, providing essential advice on moving to an unfamiliar country.
The opportunities extend further: dedicated alumni groups exist in 35 countries, linking over 10,000 graduates worldwide.
21 years after graduating, I volunteer because I believe in the power of alumni networks to create opportunity and belonging, wherever we are now.
Devin Glowinski
Class of 2005
No going back
The best part? This new chapter is permanent. The sudden, pandemic-enforced pivot to virtual volunteering has brought about lasting positive change that no one could ever have predicted.
Happily, in-person volunteering has fully recovered and is thriving once again. Now, the two formats work seamlessly together to maximise outreach and impact for both students and alumni.
Thank you to all Sheffield alumni volunteers - those of you who give back virtually and in-person!