Imperial Women's Alumni Network

Alumni Networks provide a forum for Imperial College London alumni and professionals working in, or with a particular interest in, a specific sector to share ideas, challenges and expertise and address topics of interest in their sector or industry.

The Imperial Women’s Alumni Network (IWAN) was established in 2016 and aims to promote the exchange of inspirational ideas, know-how, resources and insights through personal development seminars and peer-to-peer networking socials. The network leverages and celebrates the achievements of its community to inspire and support professional development, lifelong learning and support more Imperial women to advance in their careers.

Over the last seven years, the Network has grown to over 1700 LinkedIn group members and has delivered a series of successful professional development workshops and social/networking events. Past IWAN events include panel talks on Innovation in Transport and Organisation Culture, a networking social themed by interest area so attendees could chat about work/life balance, starting a business to how to navigate the career ladder in like-minded groups and a social at the Guildhall Library to learn about London history and view some old texts.

Alumni Volunteer Role Description: Network committee member - Imperial Women's Alumni Network 

As the network continues to grow, we are looking for at least two alumni volunteers to join a dedicated committee and help lead and contribute to the continuing success and development of the Imperial Women’s Alumni Network. We encourage alumni from all College faculties and industry sectors to apply. Your unique skills and perspectives will enable the committee to reflect our alumni community and deliver a programme that meets their diverse needs.

This role would suit somebody who

• is enthusiastic about their time at Imperial and proud to support the College and the alumni community
• is passionate about advocating for women and creating opportunities to support their professional development
• has the time, energy and passion to join and will commit to further growing our thriving network
• has relevant experience that would allow them to develop plans to enhance the delivery of the Network’s vision, and organise events and activities to meet the diverse needs of the IWAN community
• is aware of the professional and personal development needs of women in their sector
• can commit to a minimum of two years and join events/meetings virtually or in person based on UK timings

What to expect

The success of the Network is driven by the passion and commitment of alumni volunteers. The committee members use their networks and expertise to plan events and activities that support professional development, lifelong learning and networking opportunities for alumni. We ask for a minimum of two years commitment from new members.

As part of the IWAN committee, you can expect to:

• Contribute fresh and innovative ideas to shape new strategy, events and activities
• Lead on at least one professional event per year. This will include identifying a theme, shaping the key topics, identifying speakers and facilitating the event delivery
• Support the organisation and delivery of two to five events/activities per year
• Use your network to secure speakers and venues where possible
• Share your experience of successes, challenges and opportunities for women within your sector
• Promote the IWAN across social media and to your professional network
• Help to manage and contribute to the IWAN’s LinkedIn group on a regular basis
• Promote and attend events organised by the IWAN
• Attend regular committee meeting (virtually or in-person)

What are the benefits? 

• A fulfilling opportunity to share your skills, perspectives and expertise to help and inspire other women
• A rewarding experience to lead and grow a Network that supports the professional and personal development of fellow Imperial alumnae
• A chance to (re)connect and support the College as a volunteer
• An opportunity to advocate for Imperial’s Women and contribute to a thriving alumni community.
• Meet, network and work with other alumni and industry experts

When and where? 

PIN committee members are encouraged to be creative when planning new events and consider new ideas for engaging their audience. Events can be held on campus, in venues across London/UK and online. The IWAN organises and delivers a mix of professional and social events each year with each committee member taking the lead on at least one event. They have previously collaborated on events with EY, Deloitte, Johnson & Johnson, The Institution of Mechanical Engineers, AllBright and Oracle, often joining with a company's Women’s Network.

PIN events:

• Typically feature a presentation or a panel discussion lead by one or more prominent sector specific professional, followed by an opportunity for break-out discussions in small groups or an open floor question and answer session and networking. Social events/activities are typically less formal and provide an opportunity for alumni to connect over a topic of common interest.
• Are held in the morning, afternoon or evening.
• Are open to all Imperial alumni, staff, and a smaller proportion of tickets goes to students and guests. Alumni are encouraged to extend invitations to their colleagues and contacts with relevant interests.

Support from Imperial

The IWAN is financially self-sustaining. A small amount of funding is available from The Alumni Relations team and this is assessed on a case-by-case basis. IWN may charge members for attending selected events to cover the venue and catering costs. Most virtual events will be free.

The Alumni Relations team partners with the IWAN and provides the following assistance:

• Managing speaker/venue/supplier liaison in run up to the event
• Managing online registration and promotes events through the College’s communication channels – email, social media, newsletters, website, past attendees, students and Faculty etc.
• Managing pre and post event communication with attendees
• Identify and books venue and catering if the event is held on campus
• Setting up the technical side of webinars through Zoom or MS Teams and managing on-the-day aspects including hosting, providing an introduction and managing the chat and Q&A feature
• Event day management for in-person events, including registration, AV/tech support and filming/recording if required
• Collating event feedback and circulate to IWAN Committee to help improve and inform future events
• Attending committee meetings if appropriate

How to apply

If you are interested in applying to join the IWAN committee, please complete this online application form by Monday 4 September. Once all applications have been received, we will review and shortlist candidates. The shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet with the existing committee members before the final decision is made. We expect to let applicants know if they have been shortlisted by the end of September.

If you would like to know more about the Imperial Women's Alumni Network or about the role, please contact Hazel Morgan, Alumni Relations Executive, at h.morgan@imperial.ac.uk.