Ask an Alum

If you would like to make contact with an Alum for your professional development, and have been unsuccessful on LinkedIn, we can try and identify someone for you and reach out to an alum on your behalf. To put in a request, please complete the form below and we will aim to action your request within 2 weeks.

Ask An Alum FAQs   

  • What can I ask? Literally anything to help with your professional development.  
  • What is a good question? Share who you are, what you are doing, and what you need help with. Keep it short and sweet.   
  • Can I ask a follow-up question? Yes, once we make a match you’ll have direct, one-to-one communication and can ask follow up questions.  
  • Who will see my question? We send your request to a suitable alumni in your area of interest. Members of staff may use the content of your question to improve programming but this would be anonymized.  
  • Can I request someone specific to receive my question? No. We make matches based on availability, experience, and skills.  
  • Is there a limit to how often I can ask? No, you can ask as many questions as you would like.   
  • Will my questions and responses be confidential? Your question will not be made public. It will be seen only by those administrating the service and the alum answering the question.  
  • How long will it take to get an answer? We aim to get you answers within 2 weeks, but it depends on what you’re asking, so we hope it will be shorter.   

Question examples   

  • I’m moving to New York, are there any alumni who can give me advice on building a network?  
  • I’m applying to study Chemistry, are there any alumni who could give me advice on what career options there are in Chemistry?  
  • I’m interested in a working at the United Nations, are there any graduates who could give me advice on getting in?  
  • How was your transition from university to work (e.g. what did you experience and what should I expect)?  
  • What are the sector entry requirements (e.g. qualifications, professional training courses, IT skills)?  
  • What are the main challenges in gaining employment in your profession?  
  • What are the top 3 skills needed for someone to succeed in your industry?  
  • Can you recommend any potential networking opportunities in your profession (e.g. meetings, training, sector events)?  
Your information
Are you a:
What area are you looking for help with:

If you have any questions, please email alumni@ed.ac.uk

You can also visit and connect with Edinburgh Alumni on LinkedIn.

If you would like guidance on how to use LinkedIn to find Edinburgh alums, please visit our Alumni on LinkedIn page.

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