The initiative, led by the Alumni Relations team in Campaigns and Alumni Relations (CAR) in conjunction with the faculties, is being delivered as part of the Law Family Ambition Programme; a comprehensive five-year programme aimed at inspiring and supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This has all been made possible thanks to a 拢5.85 million donation from Economics alumnus, Andrew Law.
Coach Cafe aims to support student employability by helping students build their knowledge and awareness of different job roles, increase confidence and develop key skills and attributes required to progress in their early careers.
It's a great opportunity for students to network across departments - enabling them to interact with, and learn from, alumni working in different job roles and sectors. Alumni from all over the world are really keen to get involved and help our students."
Roisha Marsden
Alumni Volunteer Officer and project lead
Events for Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences in November saw more than 120 students networking with 50 alumni coaches from a variety of sectors. Three more events are planned next semester for the faculties of Science, Engineering and Medicine, Dentistry and Health.
Student Feedback
After the event, 96% of participating students said they had a better understanding of what career roles interest them, and 84% felt more confident about their career prospects.
This experience has truly solidified my belief in myself and given me the knowledge to be able to pursue my dream career. I now know more specifically what I want to do, having spoken to people doing that career, and feel like it鈥檚 actually something I鈥檒l be able to attain!鈥
Realising how much you can achieve with a humanities degree and how many doors are actually open to you. The Coach Cafe reassured me and dispelled many of the worries I had about unemployment and the value of a humanities degree.
Meeting a variety of alumni, from NGO workers to journalists, was fascinating and hearing their differing advice gave me a lot to consider. I may have asked a few too many questions, but the opportunity to pick the brains of such interesting alumni was too good to pass up!鈥
Alumni Feedback
100% of alumni said they enjoyed participating, felt they鈥檇 had a positive impact on the students, and would recommend volunteering at an event like this.
I volunteered for this because I went to a career event in my third year. It really helped me feel better about where I was with planning for the future. I wanted to give back and do the same for someone else and I'm so glad I did. All the students were engaged and open to learning which was great. I would recommend this to anyone who can remember how daunting it was to graduate and be flung into the world of work. Go along and share your insight into getting into a career and progressing.鈥
For more information about Coach Cafe contact Roisha Marsden roisha.marsden@sheffield.ac.uk
Find out more about giving your time on the Alumni Volunteering web pages.