Ask an Alum

To ensure a positive and enriching experience, we ask that all participants adhere to the following guiding principles. By adhering to these guidelines, you can maximise the value of your interactions with alumni through the Ask an Alum programme, while demonstrating professionalism, respect, and appreciation for their contributions. 

Content guidelines  

The primary purpose of the Ask an Alum programme is professional and career development. Participants are asked to engage in discussions related to career advice, skill development, preparation for work and industry/role/organisational insights.  

Please find example questions in our FAQs.  

Inappropriate questions 

Communication between the student and alum will be monitored and we reserve the right to remove access to the service at any time should any communication be deemed inappropriate. 

Inappropriate communication includes: 

• Direct requests for work experience or employment;
• Request for CV, application form or cover letter checking – please refer to the Careers Service in the first instance;
• Requests for assistance with work permits;
• Requests for inappropriate access to personal data and contact details; 
• All requests for resources, sponsorship or funding for individual use, societies, activities or any other purpose; 
• All requests for visiting speakers, presenters, contributors or offers to promote individual companies on campus.

Respectful and professional communication 

 Be mindful of the availability of alumni, indicated on their profiles. Respect their time by refraining from sending them multiple questions or excessive follow-ups. Prioritise quality over quantity when formulating your questions. Thoughtfully consider the relevance and significance of each inquiry to maximise the value of your interaction with alumni. 

 Maintain a professional, polite tone and demeanour when interacting with alumni. Use clear and concise language to articulate your questions in a manner that is easy to understand.  

Confidentiality  

Respect the confidentiality of any sensitive information shared by alumni during your interactions. Avoid sharing any confidential information outside of the programme without their explicit consent. 

What type of questions can I ask?

You can ask alumni a wide range of career related questions to gain valuable insights and guidance. Some examples include: 

• Industry insights - Enquire about trends, challenges and how to identify opportunities within specific industries or sectors. “Is there any insider information within your industry/sector that would be useful to demonstrate interview?”
• Career paths - Seek advice on potential career paths, including specialisations and career trajectories. “How do you see the profession changing over the next five years?”
• Professional development - Ask for recommendations on skills development or further education relevant to your desired career field. “What activities/experiences should I pursue to develop useful skills for X” “Did you find completing further study supported your progression in your profession?”  
• Networking tips - Request tips on networking strategies, building professional relationships and expanding your network. “Are there any networking events that would be useful to attend?”
• Role insights - Ask about specific aspects of the role (such as day-to-day responsibilities), what skills they use regularly, what they enjoy about their role and what they feel are their main areas of challenge when delivering their role
• Career transitions - Seek advice on transitioning between industries, roles or career stages, including tips for leveraging transferable skills
• Professional challenges - Discuss specific challenges or obstacles that alum has experienced in their profession

Remember, the goal is to leverage the expertise and experience of alumni that can inform your career decisions and aspirations. We would encourage you to ask anything you cannot find answers to on company career websites, recruitment brochures or from the Careers Service.

How long will it take for me to get a response?  

Alum profiles show their expected availability and responses should be expected within the days/times stipulated. Please be aware that alum may take longer than usual to reply during busier periods and repeated and persistent requests for information may result in students being barred from using the Ask an Alum programme. 

I can’t find an appropriate alum to ask a question.  

We are continuously expanding our alumni database to ensure that students have access to a diverse range of professionals from various industries and backgrounds. If there is a sector or type of role not currently represented that you would like to see on the platform, please submit a request via our online form and we will ensure more alum from these backgrounds are encouraged to join the programme. 

Can I change my answers to the matching questions once I have completed my profile? 

Yes, you can modify your answers to the matching questions at any time to suggest new potential alumni matches and recommended profiles. Simply click the blue button that says ‘You are a member’ and choose the option ‘Edit membership questions’. 

How do I delete my Vygo account?  

You can permanently close your Vygo account by navigating to 'Account' and selecting 'Close Account' at the bottom of the screen then following the prompts. Please note; once you delete your account it cannot be reactivated.