IMPACT
WELCOME AND THANK YOU
I am delighted to welcome you to the inaugural Volunteering Impact Report, a celebration of your support and the remarkable things that you have enabled us to achieve over the last twelve months.
This year, alumni and supporter volunteers like you contributed thousands of hours to support our university community. We are incredibly thankful and feel lucky to have such talented and generous alumni and supporters. Your time and expertise are of huge value, and I hope this report goes some way to showcase our deep gratitude and, importantly, the difference and impact you are making. By volunteering your time, you are part of our Southampton Together community - a supportive collection of volunteers and donors, whose generosity enables remarkable things. By joining together, you are helping transform lives through the power of research, education and enterprise.
Thanks to you and our Southampton Together community, we are achieving more. We are fostering an environment where students and graduates are empowered to change the world for the better and solve the problems of the future. We are building a welcoming and diverse community which is open to everyone regardless of background. And we are driving forward life-saving medical research and addressing important global challenges.
Reading the stories in this report, I was struck by just how much of your time you have given, and the impact that has made. In today’s hectic world that is incredible. I hope you feel proud and inspired.
Thank you so much for making all this possible.
Warmest wishes,
Kieron Broadhead Senior Executive Director (Student Experience) and Deputy Vice-President (Operations)
DEVELOPING TOMORROW’S BUSINESS LEADERS
Southampton Business School’s flagship Talent Development Programme provides students with the skills and confidence they need to become the business leaders of tomorrow. Our generous alumni and supporter volunteers play an integral role in delivering this programme. They provide the 209 students enrolled access to key employability skills through real-world insights and business knowledge.
Sumaiya Hameed (BSc Accounting and Finance, 2018) regularly supports the programme by delivering workshops on topics such as interview and application skills. These workshops are crucial. Not only are the students inspired by talks from those who have walked their paths, but they also offer opportunities to practise networking skills and explore potential career paths.
Volunteers like Sumaiya help students develop their Talent Action Plan or “TAP”. This enables them to identify their strengths and weaknesses, set career goals, and plan how they are going to reach them. Students are also given the opportunity to join an ambassador network, comprising alumni and local enterprises, which provides industry knowledge and mentorship.
A lot of my work with the Talent Development Programme revolves around guiding students to recognise their own skill set. I am passionate about opening up the opportunities available to them. As an alumna myself, it has been extremely rewarding to play a small part in their career journeys.”
Sumaiya Hameed Assistant Manager at KPMG
The Talent Development Programme is well designed and informative, and it provides students with the opportunity to learn from experienced alumni professionals. I learned a wide range of skills, including personal branding, networking, and leadership skills. These skills will be invaluable to me in my future, as I pursue a career in business analytics.”
Sreebin Kokkal
MSc Business Analytics, 2023
Alumni volunteers play an indispensable role in the Talent Development Programme. By speaking and networking with Business School students, they are instrumental in helping shape their career trajectories. By sharing experiences, alumni volunteers not only inspire students but also provide invaluable guidance that can help them navigate the competitive landscape of the business world after graduation.”
Holly Street
Employability Officer
Southampton Business School
GEORGE BUCKLEY: GREAT LEADERS ARE
ALSO GREAT TEACHERS
Every year, hundreds of alumni and external experts give their time to speak to our students, sharing their expertise and advice. Sir George Buckley (PhD Engineering, 1976), the retired CEO of multinational conglomerate 3M, has given talks to our students for over a decade, giving so much of his precious time to help set them up for success.
George grew up in poverty in Yorkshire, was taken into care, went to a school for disabled children, and left school at age 15 with no qualifications. Yet, against these odds, he became one of his generation’s most successful leaders.
However, George is quick to credit others for his success.
“I couldn’t have done it without the people who helped me along the way. At Southampton, I was lucky enough to work with Professors Ken Binns and John Smith. Ken was the most famous expert in electrical machines and electromagnetics then. I was not sure I deserved that help, but I got it anyway and feel both a sense of gratitude and obligation to help others.”
Giving back
By continuing to share his experiences with students, George is giving back what he feels grateful to have received at Southampton.
“I come from a family where nobody before me ever went to university. I didn’t even know what it meant. When I speak to young people about their careers and the future, I may not always have a guaranteed path forward for them, but I can certainly help nudge them in the right direction.”
In November last year, George gave a hybrid talk to MBA students. Watching him, it is clear he enjoys talking to students. George mixes anecdotes about his time in business with tips about how students could approach their own business ventures. His role is to guide the students to their own successes. When he speaks, he speaks with great candour and honesty.
“You cannot learn to swim from a book, but it helps to know how deep the water is. I can do that for them. I can demystify the process and help remove the fear, so the students feel confident stepping into the water.”
Overcoming boundaries
“We all start off in our work or student life feeling like we know nothing, but at some point, we cross an invisible boundary of confidence and gradually become experts. Eventually, we all must get in the figurative water and start swimming.”
MBA student Punitha Ankaraju was full of praise for the talk: “Sir George advised staying calm and living each day to the fullest. Following this advice has encouraged me to face challenges and seize opportunities during my master’s degree. His statement, ‘always have a goal, or else you are just waiting to die,’ resonated deeply, and his words continue to inspire me.”
We are grateful to George and all our volunteer speakers for taking the time to talk to our students. The wisdom and experience they offer is a huge motivation to succeed.
Success, George assures our students, doesn’t have to be a fairy tale.
“Here I am. This poor boy from Yorkshire. I am proof you can do it.”
E-MENTORING SOUTHAMPTON: A GLOBAL APPROACH TO CAREERS SUPPORT
Planning for a career in a global world requires a global network. E-Mentoring Southampton gives students and new graduates the chance to connect with thousands of industry professionals around the world. It is an opportunity to grow their networks, explore career opportunities, and gain confidence in searching for and securing jobs.
E-Mentoring Southampton was first launched during the pandemic to help students and new graduates plan their careers in an unprecedented job market. Since then, the platform has grown into a thriving online community, where students and new graduates can connect with more than 3,000 alumni and supporter mentors working in a wide variety of sectors in more than 85 countries.
Turbocharging your career engine
For students like Daniel Mcculla, E-Mentoring Southampton has been an essential tool in planning his career. When Daniel sought guidance on his motorsport engineering career, he couldn’t have been happier with the mentor he found.
Matthew Schofield (MEng Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1998) is one of the most active mentors on the platform. As Principal Aerodynamicist at Red Bull Advanced Technologies, Matthew joined E-Mentoring Southampton to help students find out more about careers in Formula One.
“I became an e-mentor as I tend to get asked a lot of questions about how to get started in the industry and the platform provided a more formal place for discussions.”
Matthew has volunteered his time to help more than 30 students to date with their career planning, supporting them with everything from writing CVs and cover letters to preparing for interviews.
He even runs practice technical interviews with students like Daniel to help them prepare for the stresses of applying for their dream job.
“The advice Matthew gave me,” says Daniel, “was instrumental in writing my CV when applying for industrial placements. I firmly believe that without that advice I would not have been successful in securing my Formula One placement.”
I know how hard it is out there for new graduates. I like being able to use my experiences to help when I can. The right piece of advice at the right time could change a young person’s life.”
Norbert Marin Ostermann (MSc Yacht and Small Craft, 2006)
Senior Certification Engineer at HPi Verification Services
7,572 registered users
3,000 e-mentors
9,036 hours of meaningful interactions
CAREER MENTORING: HELPING STUDENTS TO SUCCEED AT UNIVERSITY AND BEYOND
The University’s Career Mentoring scheme matches students with volunteer mentors to provide them with one-to-one support. The mentors act as buddies, guiding one student over time.
BSc Marketing student Isabelle Kimberley initially found the transition to university overwhelming. Now, after a year working with her mentor, Roselle Peck, Isabelle is in her second year and thriving.
“I was really struggling with fitting in all the things on offer alongside having a part time job. It was just too much.”
When Isabelle heard about the mentoring programme, she jumped at the chance. She didn’t know what to expect but was delighted to find her mentor was a perfect match.
Support and guidance
“I was very lucky as I want to pursue a career in marketing and I was paired with Roselle, who works in marketing at the University. Not only that, but she comes from my hometown, had a job like I did while at university, and studied similar courses. I felt very, very lucky.”
Isabelle and Roselle first met on campus over a coffee.
“We set a clear goal of improving my time management,” says Isabelle. “We went through my calendar together and Roselle gave me tips for apps to help manage my time. We also talked about how she handled her assignments at uni. It was amazing.”
Roselle stresses the importance of sharing personal experiences with students. “For me, mentoring is about helping and supporting a student the best I can. As a young person at the start of my own marketing career, I can share my journey and offer guidance with big career and university decisions.”
A
strong professional
relationship
Isabelle feels she and Roselle really connected. “Roselle felt very approachable, and I am so lucky she has chosen to continue mentoring me this year. We have a really strong professional relationship.”
Roselle is equally complimentary of her mentee. “Isabelle is extremely hardworking and strives to do well not only in her Marketing course but also in her professional development. She is brilliantly organised and pushes herself (and me!) to think outside the box in relation to her studies and career prospects.”
Not only has Roselle’s mentoring helped Isabelle achieve outstanding grades in her first year, but the added confidence with timekeeping has enabled her to have a fuller social life. Career mentoring has opened so many doors for Isabelle, and for so many other students like her.
To find out more about our career mentoring programme, go to www.southampton. ac.uk/careers/employers/ mentoring.page
Isabelle Kimberley , BSc Marketing
Roselle Peck , Marketing Manager
THE GRADUATE AMBASSADOR SCHEME: SHOWCASING OUR GRADUATE VOLUNTEERS
Our Graduate Ambassador Scheme is a volunteering programme exclusively for new graduates. Current and prospective students gain so much from interacting with new graduates; our graduates on the scheme gain vital experience and key skills in return. There are currently over 150 graduate ambassadors supporting our community.
Ambassadors help with a wide range of events, from giving talks to prospective students to sharing their experiences with current students. As members of the scheme, our graduate ambassadors receive support and training in developing their own key skills. We spoke to three of our most engaged ambassadors about why the scheme was so important to them.
Our current Graduate Volunteers
Sherif Attia BEng Electronic Engineering, 2022
Oana Lazar MEng Electronic Engineering, 2022
Jessica Boxall MSc Public Health and Nutrition, 2024
Graduate Ambassadors make a positive difference at Southampton
What do you do in the Graduate Ambassador Scheme?
Sherif - I studied science and engineering before becoming an electronics engineer. The scheme gives me the chance to share my experiences of life as an undergraduate in a STEM course. I like to get out to events and talk directly to people about both the challenges I faced and also the exciting opportunities and projects that I’ve worked on.
Oana - I am an electronics engineer, too, but I find it easier to get involved in web events. One of the main things I do is share my experiences of the industry placement I did at the School of Electronics and Computer Science. It’s great to be able to answer students’ questions.
Jessica - Like the others, the Graduate Ambassador Scheme gives me the chance to talk to all ages, from school children through to graduates, about my experiences.
Most recently, I went with Sherif to Mountbatten school in Romsey. It’s nice to be able to go with other Graduate Ambassadors as it is like we have our own community. I also got to speak on the 360 Degrees podcast (the University’s alumni career podcast) with my fellow alumni, which I loved.
These activities are an important opportunity to show scienceminded people other career avenues that don’t involve working in a laboratory.
Who has inspired you to join the scheme?
Sherif - The people I have looked up to have always gone above and beyond, focusing on the needs of the students. These people give so much but are also career driven. I appreciate seeing the success both men and women can attain while giving their time to others. It’s inspiring.
Oana - There aren’t a lot of women in electronics courses, so seeing women winning scholarships and being successful is really important. I think the key thing is meeting people who are going through the same things as you and succeeding. You need to see people you can relate to.
The people who have become my heroes are the ones whose footsteps I am following in. I want to contribute to this as well, which is why I volunteer so much and get involved in so many events.
Jessica - I totally agree. It is the people who are there now, showing you women can take up a space in STEM who make a big difference. It is so important to see people with similar traits to you so you can imagine yourself in that position.
As the first in my family to come to university, there was so much uncertainty. It was the people there with me, showing it was okay to be homesick, and helping me with money issues that got me through it.
There is a lot of support available at the University, but it really helps when someone who has been through it recently is there to guide you.
Why is this scheme so important to you?
Sherif - There are a lot of brilliant individuals out there who just don’t know how to start the process of getting into university. I feel like it’s an opportunity to give back. I wouldn’t have got to where I am without support, from careers advice to mentorship schemes, and I want to repay that. I like being able to transfer the skills that we’ve been given to students who’ve never had these opportunities.
Oana - It’s very similar for me. I completed five years of study here and have developed a strong bond with the University. There is so much going on that adds value to university life, and if I can help contribute to that, then I want to do that.
Jessica - It is definitely about giving back. I was the first generation of my family to go to university and the support the University has given me has been excellent.
Graduate Ambassador Scheme launched in 2021
150 Graduate Ambassadors
1,400 volunteering hours
360 DEGREES: THE ALUMNI PODCAST SUPPORTING CAREERS
The 360 Degrees podcast regularly features inspiring career stories from across the University community. Alumni Emily Harrison (BA History, 2018), the podcast’s founder and host, reflects on some of her more memorable guests and their stories.
For Emily, the success of the podcast relies on the fantastic speakers who contribute.
“The 360 Degree podcast only works because people give their time to talk to us, particularly our alumni. Our most listenedto episodes are always when we have alumni on, so, over time, it has become an alumni podcast focused on careers and life after university.”
What really makes the podcast work is the authentic conversations and stories shared by the alumni guests.
“We don’t script our episodes, so you’re getting a real chat between two people. I know that’s what I like when I listen to other podcasts, and that casual approach makes it feel more natural to take on advice. You’re hearing real alumni stories and what we learn about careers is hopefully more insightful and more helpful because it’s real.”
As a recent graduate herself, Emily is inspired by the alumni she speaks to and their stories.
“When I was a student, I saw Chris Stark (BSc Politics, 2008) at a Radio One freshers’ event. To get to interview him on the podcast was really cool. He had some really interesting things to say about post-graduation blues and the difficulties of navigating life after university.”
Another highlight was speaking to Vice-Chair of the University Council Dame Judith McGregor.
“She’s just had such an interesting life. We had a fascinating chat about her career, what led her into diplomacy and her work on the University Council. She took the listener on a journey with her, sharing her experiences as ambassador in Prague, Mexico and South Africa. But sometimes it is the unexpected anecdotes that really grab you, like getting a phone call from 10 Downing Street asking her to contact landlocked Slovakia about British fishing quotas.”
The podcast is full of good advice for students and graduates alike, but some messages reverberate across the series.
“What always comes up, no matter what we’re talking about, is the importance of being open-minded and taking opportunities where they come. It’s great to know what you want in life but try not to be too rigid with it. You may miss out on things, or you’ll be nervous of taking risks. And actually, that’s usually when the most exciting things happen.”
To listen to the podcast Spotify: Apple:
IGNITE PROGRAMME: CREATING A THRIVING COMMUNITY FOR MORE STUDENTS
The University of Southampton’s flagship widening participation programme, Ignite, helps students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds to thrive at university and beyond. The programme provides students with a life-changing combination of financial support, mentoring, skills workshops, and internships.
Pascal (BEng Astronautics and Aeronautics, 2020), a commercial analyst at Kraft Heinz, has hosted three workshops for Ignite students on networking skills. He feels particularly close to the programme due to his own background.
“When I was at Southampton, I was invited to widening participation events, but I worried I was too privileged,” says Pascal. “Then I saw the checklist: Underrepresented postcode. Check. Failing secondary school. Check. First generation of my family to go to university. Check. And I have ADHD so there were many ways I ticked those boxes.”
Shared experience
“I remember the widening participation opportunities I had at Southampton. I got to go to talks by alumni, including one by someone from Rolls Royce, and I genuinely
benefitted from them. Now, I want to help people the way I was helped.
“I give my time to Ignite because I think widening participation really matters. I want to help open up careers to people who wouldn’t hear about them otherwise.”
Passionate about diversity
For Pascal, inequality is as much about connections and knowledge as it is about wealth. This can keep talented people out of certain careers, which Pascal believes is a loss not just for bright students from underrepresented backgrounds, but also for employers. Through volunteering, he hopes to redress the balance by providing Ignite students with the confidence and knowledge they need to succeed.
“I’m genuinely passionate about driving diversity in this business by doing everything I can.
“Public speaking like this has helped me in my own work. It feels less intimidating to speak in front of my peers than to senior people in the business. So, the impact that I can have on students is great, but I am also learning from it. It is a two-way street.”
My confidence and current networking skills have been boosted. Pascal’s workshop on networking encouraged me to get out there and start making connections.”
Ignite Student, 2023
Alumni stories, like Pascal’s, empower our students to pursue their life goals with confidence and determination.”
Savanna Cutts Student Inclusion Manager
Ignite students meeting up at a regular social event
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION: SPOTLIGHT ON INDIA
This year more than 500 students have joined the University from India. Recognising the unique challenges that international students face, our Indian alumni have rallied around to support every step in their journey.
Before leaving India, our prospective students are given the opportunity to meet our alumni at networking events in Mumbai or Delhi.
Hari Narayan (LLM Maritime Law, 2010) attended events in Mumbai in 2022 and 2023 where he and fellow alumni engaged with more than 100 prospective students. His guidance and support prepared those students for the long journey to the University.
Personal experiences of alumni like Hari play an important role in reassuring prospective students about the new life they can expect but also in helping students prepare for their future careers.
Learning from new graduates
From the moment they arrive on campus, our students are given the chance to explore their career options with help from our new graduates from India. Students can enrol in our Alumni-Student Buddy scheme, where former students help navigate the graduate job market. Alumni buddy volunteers offer professional but informal support for students, providing unique and invaluable ‘insider’ knowledge and insights.
As their degrees progress, our students continue to learn from the expertise of our alumni community. Opportunities like the Careers in Data Alumni panel which was held this February feature alumni like Abhishek Mishra (MSc Accounting and Finance, 2012), an Assistant Manager at Deloitte, and Varad Paranjape (MSc Business Analytics and Management, 2022), a Development Analyst at EDF, who give their professional advice on a range of graduate careers. Abhishek and Varad’s advice on building resilience and overcoming challenges was a great help to all those who attended the event.
This support doesn’t end with graduation. Whether they choose to stay in the UK or return to India, our new graduates can continue to network with established alumni through our thriving Indian alumni network.
“I love being involved in my alumni community,” says Hari Narayan. “It is a chance to share knowledge and gives me a sense of satisfaction. I feel in harmony with my peers.”
Alumni in Mumbai enjoy regular meet-ups
Indian alumni meet-up in Delhi
WORKING TOGETHER TO STAY TOGETHER: OUR TAIWAN COMMUNITY
Leaving university can feel scary. Not only are students transitioning from academia to the world of work, but they are often leaving behind the support networks they built over years of study. That is why alumni like Scott Lai (MSc Marketing Management, 2018) are working hard to build and maintain international alumni networks.
Scott returned home to Taiwan after completing his master’s. He really enjoyed his time here in Southampton, taking full advantage of all the events and societies on offer. However, what really made his time so special was the community of students he became a part of.
A close community
Scott was determined to stay in touch with as many of his former classmates as possible. At first, contact was limited to private chats and social media, but Scott was keen to have a reunion. To do that, he felt it was important to establish a University of Southampton alumni network in Taiwan.
“I originally wanted to make this group in 2020,” says Scott. “Then COVID came and interrupted everything.”
In the end, it wasn’t until September 2023 that things started moving. Scott met with the University’s alumni team to get advice and from there the network was born.
Scott ran his first reunion event in Taiwan in January with more than 50 alumni attending.
Raising the profile of Southampton in Taiwan
Scott has big plans for the network and hopes to grow it even further.
“People in Taiwan are not so familiar with the University of Southampton compared to places like Oxford,” says Scott. “We want to raise the profile here and build prestige for the University. There are so many alumni here from different English universities. It is my goal to build better connections between all of them.
“On a personal level, this is a great way to meet similar people with similar experiences. Not only that, but this kind of networking is really good for your career.”
Through dedicated alumni volunteers like Scott, we now have 30 international alumni networks with over 5,000 members in 16 countries. Each network strengthens the University’s international profile and builds local supportive communities between alumni all over the world.
To join a Alumni Regional Network scan the QR code for a full list.
Don’t see a network near you? Get in touch with us if you would like to start one yourself!
Taiwanese alumni gathering earlier this year
Another successful Taiwan event
How our volunteers are raising money by giving up their valuable time to University causes they care about
Marathons
Sponsored walks
Bake sales
Jam making
If you want to run your own fundraiser, get in touch at commfr@soton.ac.uk and a member of our team will be in touch.
RAISING MONEY TO TRANSFORM LIVES
This year over 100 members of our community have raised tens of thousands of pounds and contributed over 5,000 hours to a wide range of incredible community fundraising activities. Their efforts are transforming the lives of our students and driving forward lifesaving medical research.
Setting the fundraising wheels in motion
In September Keith Walker raised over £1,200 for the Centre for Cancer Immunology (CCI) by cycling 830 miles from Norwich to Czechia. He was driven by the loss of his sister to cancer.
“I just wanted to give cancer a bloody nose,” says Keith.
When Keith read about the incredible cancer immunology research at the CCI, he knew he wanted to get involved.
“All the stars were aligned. Being an alumnus, it was inspiring to hear that the CCI was leading research and trials into cancer treatmentsthat not only deal with the disease that is present now but also reduce the chances of its recurrence.”
Keith started his journey by buying a £10 bike which he modified to hold his tent and gear.
The flat roads and bike-friendly hostels of the Netherlands gave Keith a positive start to his journey. His route saw him following the Rhine into Germany before heading East into the Czech Republic.
“Germany was harder than Holland as it was a lot hillier than I expected. But the unexpected was what made it fun. One night I would camp and another I would stay in a hotel.”
Twice Keith woke up with punctures which left him feeling as deflated as his bicycle.
“I just wanted to give up. I even spoke to a woman in Germany about getting a flight home. I thought she was taking me to the airport, but we ended up at a bike shop buying a new inner tube. The only thing that kept me going was a breakdown in language!”
After 830 miles, Keith hit the end of the road in the Czech Republic. The scenery was beautiful, but navigation had become unreliable. He gave his bike and all his travel gear away, then got the train home.
“I got back about ten pounds lighter and feeling much more at peace with myself. My brain was completely still,” says Keith, “I hope my adventure inspires others.
Reaching the Czech Republic on my £10 bike certainly was an experience I’ll never forget.”
Our community is transforming lives.
Thank you.
YOUR SOUTHAMPTON TOGETHER COMMUNITY
Thank you for giving your time and being part of our Southampton Together community. Collectively you are making a big difference to our University and to so many lives.
Did you know that over the last 12 months you gave over 17,000 hours of your time? Each year, your support is growing, which means each year we can do more. More to support our students, more to support our research and enterprise, and more to support the wider community.
If any of the stories here have inspired you to get involved in new ways, please do get in touch with us by emailing givetime@soton.ac.uk or visiting www.southampton.ac.uk/alumni