Get yourself connected, and get ahead
"To make to most of your time at York I would say: Get involved" - Abisola, graduated 2013, School of PEP, Vanbrugh College
The support that we give our students doesn’t end when you finish your degree. As well as the opportunities offered by Careers while you are at York, you can take advantage of further networking events after you graduate.
York alumni from the world of Finance, Management and Law met at PwC on Tuesday 25 February at an event held by the University of York Alumni Association (YAA). As well as law, sociology and economics alumni, the event was also attended by graduates from subjects as diverse as biology and education.
The event was part of Professional Networks programme, which offers activities and online networks to help recent York graduates to benefit from the expertise, advice and support of alumni who are more established in their careers.
Make the most of connections
Abisola Barber graduated in 2013 with a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. She’s currently studying for a Masters in International Public Policy at UCL, and is due to start a graduate scheme at Barclays Investment Banking in the summer.
She said, “I also went to the last YAA Finance, Law and Management Network event, and it was really great to meet older alumni who are a lot more experienced in the field, and can offer that help and guidance.
“I definitely recommend making the most of connections through York Alumni Association, not only in London and the UK, but across the world.”
"I’ve helped quite a lot of people who needed some practical experience of court work" - Hugo Charlton, graduated 1973, Sociology, Vanbrugh College
Gain practical experience
The YAA Networks programme gives senior alumni the chance to access talented York graduates and play a leading role in supporting their career progression.
Hugh Charlton, a criminal barrister who graduated from the Department of Sociology in 1973, said, “It can be quite difficult to organise practical experience of court work, but I’ve helped people by giving them to the chance to sit behind me in court.
“As well as this event, I also go to the Media, Journalism and PR Network events, because I make documentaries, and the Charity, Government and Public Sector Network events, because I do charity work and I was Chair of the Green Party of England and Wales.”
Get involved
There’s still time for alumni to sign up for the Media, Journalism and PR Professional Network event on Tuesday 1 April, which will be hosted at BBC New Broadcasting House by alumnus Alex Lawless, Assistant Producer for BBC Radio 1.
If you’re a current student, you can get a head start on networking at Professional Connect events on campus, where you can pose your career questions to alumni and other professionals, and find out how to stand out from the crowd. The next event on Thursday 8 May will focus on careers in science, journalism and publishing, and politics and public affairs.