The University of Hull has recognised the value and importance of alumni volunteering by appointing an Alumni Volunteer Co-Ordinator, Jill Smithson, whose work will be dedicated to this. Alumni support our students, life on campus and our wider community in so many essential ways, so we’re looking forward to working with Jill to expand volunteer opportunities and ensure that alumni, students and the rest of our community get the most out of this great initiative.

This National Volunteering Week, we wanted to give you the chance to find out more about Jill:

Who am I?

I joined the Development and Alumni Relations Team in January 2024 in the new post of Alumni Volunteer Coordinator.  I have a number of years of experience working in the Third Sector recruiting, training and managing volunteers in a range of roles and on a variety of different projects.  I have also spent a large part of my employment history working with students in higher education including the last 7 years working with foundation international students at Oncampus Hull based at the University.  So I now have my two favourite things amalgamated into one role – working with (past) students and working with volunteers!

What do I do?

As the Alumni Volunteer Coordinator, I am responsible for creating, developing and organising new alumni volunteer opportunities, promoting the range of volunteer opportunities available to alumni  and connecting potential alumni volunteers with the existing projects within the University of Hull community. I aim to ensure that our alumni can give back to the University community in ways that are fulfilling and impactful and gives our volunteers a meaningful experience regardless of role and amount of time given.  It is important that a volunteers contribution is recognised, supported and valued.

What difference does it make?

Alumni volunteering really does make a difference and that difference is not just to the recipients but also to the volunteers themselves. This can be a sense of pride, feeling that they have done some good, knowing that sharing their knowledge and experience may be of to benefit another, given them experience for their own CV, the opportunity to meet other people and the list goes on.  In turn, students have fed back to us the importance of involving alumni volunteers– it’s relevant, it’s reassuring and it’s real life experience! 

Can I make a difference?

In an evolving society where there is competition for people’s time there are many ways that you may be able to volunteer as an alumni. You can:

Give talks to prospective or current students (ether online or in person) – Share your knowledge and experience in a subject that will engage and inform our University of Hull community

Become a careers e-mentor – Help provide career focused advice, personal insight and an opportunity for students to ask questions about the workplace and your career.

Provide an alumni profile – Tell us about your life and career by writing a profile for our website. This helps us tell prospective students where a University of Hull education might lead them

Be part of a networking opportunity with students – Engage with other alumni, faculty, and students to expand professional networks, opening doors to potential new career opportunities and collaborations.

Become a speaker or panel member at an alumni event – See how your advice and stories can positively impact others.

There are also new alumni volunteering  opportunities currently being planned and developed so watch out for those!

If you’re interested in volunteering or want to learn more about how you can get involved

Email: alumni@hull.acuk

Stay connected and make a difference! Whichever area you feel you may be interested in or if you have a new idea of how you may be able to help, I am here to help you find the best opportunity to give back.