Giving back and getting involved
Giving back to Coventry University as an alumni is a fantastic way to stay connected to the University. You can make a huge difference by inspiring current students and new graduates in the early stages of their career.
Your level of commitment can be as much or as little as you like when helping to prepare them for the challenges of a competitive global job market. There are many benefits to volunteering your support, such as developing your skills, enhancing your employability, meeting interesting people, promoting your company and keeping in touch with fellow alumni and academics at the same time as supporting a cause you care about.
We are changing the ways you can give back and get involved. We will be providing a platform for you to connect and network with fellow Coventry University alumni and students across the world, based on your passions and professions. Gifting stories of your expertise, professional experience, and student journey can enhance and inspire students and fellow alumni by providing real world experiences, increasing networks and developing their skills all whilst enhancing the educational experience.
To volunteer you can register your interest with us and we will keep you updated on how you can volunteer and get involved right now. You will also be the first to hear about the exciting new ways Coventry University Alumni are changing to provide opportunities for both our alumni and students. Below are just some of the ways you can give back and get involved:
- Provide an internship or work placement
- Advertise or offer graduate jobs
- Give a guest lecture or careers talk
- Deliver a workshop or provide training
- Host or support a webinar or virtual event
- Host or support a physical event
- Write a blog relevant to education or career experiences
- Record a vlog relevant to education or career experiences
- Mentoring a student or alumni
- Participate in advisory boards
- Or simply by telling your story and the impact of your degree on your career
Registering your interest is the pathway for you to give back and get involved. Contact us at alumni@coventry.ac.uk to offer your support in any way you can!
Alex Cairns' story
After graduating from CU Coventry with a degree in Management and Leadership Studies in 2017, Alex Cairns is now Operations & Strategy Executive lead at technology start up, Tempo UK, Huffington Post blogger & CEO at The Youth Vote UK.
Alex has revisited Coventry several times giving guest lectures, speaking on alumni panels and sharing his story by advising on networking, good personal branding, and preparing for world of work.
I massively care about Coventry University and it will always have a special place in my heart. It wasn’t just a University I studied at, this was a University that made me, that changed me.
I was fortunate enough to get involved in lots while I was at CU including the opportunity to run for Student President and people here believed in me, which helped my confidence and my skill set massively.
As an alumni it’s so important to give back and talk to students in seminars and lectures and be that positive light to inspire success.
Jack Lowman’s story
Jack graduated with a Business Management degree in 2003 and is now Deputy Director of Marketing for the Prince’s Trust, the UK’s leading youth charity, as well as the founder and author of the training company and book, Hack Yourself.
Jack’s been back to university a number of times to talk to fellow alumni about leadership in the modern world. He tells us why he chose to give back and how Coventry set him on his career path.
For many students graduating from university, it’s hard to decide what career path to follow. I know how important it is that universities prepare students for the reality and opportunities of the world of work.
Coventry University gave me so much, the least I can do is give a little back. My lecturers had industry experience, which helped me in the long-term.
I’d really recommend it to other alumni, as not only can you put your experience to good use, but it’s an incredibly enjoyable and nostalgic experience to go back into the lecture theatre and work with the current generation of students.
