Get involved | Alumni Services

Whether you choose to support future students, mentor those currently studying, get involved in community engagement or set up an alumni group, your time and experience can make a real difference.

Support future students

Our network of alumni ambassadors support future University of Edinburgh students by sharing insights into their academic experience, learning and living in the city, and how their time at Edinburgh has helped shape their future.

Support current students

If you are passionate about what you do and would enjoy the opportunity to share your knowledge and insights with current students, we’d love to hear from you. Our Insights Programme helps Widening Participation students develop the confidence, skills and connections to consider a range of careers through introductions to Edinburgh alumni working in an exciting range of sectors and environments

Find out more about the Insights Programme

Support your local community

The University’s Community Plan 2025-30 has three clear priorities:

partnering for positive social impact;
promoting equalities, now and in the future;
supporting thriving communities.

To find out more about the plan and what resources are open to community groups, including free room hire, please see our website.

Edinburgh Local website

Can you donate your time and talent to make a positive social impact?

As part of the Community Plan, we want to work more closely with our alumni in Edinburgh and the wider region as a source of expertise, volunteers and a vital link to our local communities.

Volunteering is a way to give back, connect with others, and grow personally and professionally. For example, you could use your knowledge to give one of our community partners some professional advice, support an individual through mentoring, or give up a day to help reinvigorate a community space, there are many ways to get involved.

If you want to get involved and hear more about such opportunities, please register your interest as a volunteer using the signup form. We will then attempt to match you with opportunities, and keep you regularly informed with the latest news and opportunities.

This is open to all alumni, wherever you are in the world, as we have both in-person and remote opportunities. Once registered we will attempt to match you with a current opportunity. Throughout the year we will also keep you up to date with the latest volunteering news and opportunities.

Set up an alumni group

If your current location isn't covered by one of our groups then this could be your opportunity to start something new and connect with Edinburgh graduates in your area.

Our international alumni groups come in many different shapes and sizes, and range in the level of formality and frequency of activity. These volunteer-led groups provide alumni with the opportunity to get together for professional networking and social interaction whilst helping them to maintain strong ties with the University.

Locally-organised group events are a great way of building an engaged and informed community of supporters who are vital in enhancing the University’s reputation abroad. Our groups organise a range of events from social gatherings and networking receptions to academic lectures and panel discussions.

Is there a group or contact near to me?

Other ways to volunteer

We also offer a range of other opportunities for alumni to volunteer in different capacities, including activities related to mentoring, speaking at careers events, and student support. To find out more please contact us at: alumni@ed.ac.uk

This article was published on 2024-10-28