Support the Insights Programme and help change a life today!
About the programme
The Insights Programme is an annual career exploration initiative, designed to nurture student potential by broadening horizons and demystifying workplaces and professional life. Through connections to our global alumni community across a wide-range of employment sectors, Insights helps students who have faced barriers to accessing university or those who come from under-represented groups to develop confidence, skills, and connections for their career journey. Ultimately, the Insights Programme helps prepare students to make informed decisions about their futures.
From Insight to Impact: Empowering Future Careers
Discover how the Insights Programme is shaping the next generation of talent. In this video, students Cassie, Bryce, Suleman, and Kenny share how their experiences in the programme helped them gain confidence, build professional skills, and take meaningful steps forward in their career journeys. Their stories highlight the real impact of mentorship, opportunity, and community.
You’ll also hear from Coady, a former Insights student who has come full circle, now returning as a workplace host to give back and support new participants.
Join us in empowering more students to access the opportunities that helped transform these journeys.
Please consider making a donation of today. With a gift today, you can provide students with a unique opportunity to fulfill their potential. Typical Insights costs cover:
£50 = public transit for the week
£150 = professional attire for Insights and future job interviews
£250 = food for the week
£700 = accommodation
£800= flights to the USA
Donors are a key part of why the programme can continue to provide this unique learning experience for students at the University of Edinburgh. We need your help to ensure that this programme continues to fund Insights experiences for more students this year, and every year.
The Opportunity That Shaped Olivia’s Future
Olivia (pictured far left alongside her Insights cohort)
How Your Donation Changes Lives
Back in 2018, I was in my second year studying International Relations at the University of Edinburgh. At times, I felt lonely and out of place. Everything was new, and I struggled to find my community. That all changed when I applied for, and was accepted into, the Insights Programme. I am now a Policy Advisor in Energy, Net Zero, and Infrastructure in the UK civil service. The confidence and experience I gained from Insights were pivotal in my journey. I’ve also given back as an alumni host, sharing my career path and insights with students. The Insights Programme is designed to break down barriers and prepare students for their futures. Your donation helps us strengthen and expand the programme, ensuring that Insights student participants have the resources and guidance they need to succeed. Today, I am asking you to change a student’s life with one generous action. Will you consider making a gift to the Insights Programme? -Olivia, Insights Alumna and Programme Host
The Difference Your Support Makes
Kenny
Insights gave me confidence, knowledge, and skills that allowed me to seize opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise. The connections I’ve made wouldn’t have happened without donor support.
Cassie
The Insights programme really is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I never thought that I would have the experiences that I did. But thanks to the support from donors, the programme really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Bryce
By the time you finish the Insights programme, it’s given you so much confidence to go off and do even more networking and personal development.
Coady-Insights Alumna and Programme Host
I personally have really benefited from the Insights programme. I think that it really grew me as an individual, and I don't think I would be where I am today without it.
Since the Insights Programme launched in 2017/18
Students have participated in workplace visits
Students participated in the online programme during the Covid-19 pandemic
Students have benefited from the programme so far
Of student participants in the 2025 programme reported increased understanding of how networks can support their future career options and planning.
Become an Alumni Host
Help develop our students’ aspirations and confidence by giving just a little bit of time and sharing insights from your experiences.
Would you love to share insights from your career to help students broaden their horizons? We're always looking for former students to get involved in our Insights Programme as alumni hosts.
Get In Touch
Contact The Insights Team
For any questions on your donation or comments about the Insights Programme, please email the programme team:
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