Introduction: The Opportunity You Might Be Missing
When students think about their job hunt, the focus is usually on polishing CVs, applying on portals, or sending cold emails that rarely get replies. What often goes unnoticed is a quieter, more powerful channel: the alumni network. These are people who once sat in the same classrooms, walked the same hallways, and now hold positions in companies you dream of joining.
An application in a sea of hundreds may get lost. But a referral from an alum can land your CV directly on a recruiter’s desk.
Why Alumni Referrals Work
Alumni referrals aren’t just about connection; they’re about trust. When a graduate of the same university refers you, recruiters see it as a filter — someone credible has vouched for you. For the alum, helping you is also a way of giving back to a community they once benefited from.
In a competitive market like the UK, where international students face not just skill tests but also visa considerations, alumni referrals can be the difference between silence and an interview call.
The Cultural Angle: Why Alumni Support Matters More for International Students
For international students, the alumni network isn’t only about careers — it’s about survival and belonging.
Imagine landing in the UK for the first time. You’re adjusting to new weather, accents, and food, while trying to understand visa paperwork, banking systems, and cultural etiquette. Family can’t always guide you, because they haven’t lived this experience. That’s where alumni step in.
They’re not just professionals ahead of you in their careers; they’re cultural translators. Alumni can tell you:
- How to explain your visa status to HR so it doesn’t raise red flags.
- Which part-time jobs are worth taking and which waste valuable time.
- How to build confidence when you’re the only international voice in the room.
This layer of support is often invisible but deeply powerful. Alumni help you avoid costly mistakes and, equally important, soften the loneliness of being abroad.
How to Approach Alumni the Right Way
Networking doesn’t mean spamming LinkedIn. It means being intentional:
- Do your homework – Learn about the alum’s role, company, and career path before reaching out.
- Start with genuine curiosity – Instead of “Can you refer me?”, begin with “I’d love to hear how you transitioned from X degree to Y role.”
- Show shared identity – Mention you’re from the same university. That instantly builds familiarity.
- Respect their time – Ask for a 15-minute chat, not an hour.
- Earn the referral – Let them see your seriousness and preparation before they put their name on the line.
The Practical Mini-Guide: Writing That First Message
Reaching out feels awkward for many students. Here’s a simple framework to make it easier.
Do’s:
- Keep it short and polite.
- Mention the shared university connection.
- Ask for advice, not a favour.
- Suggest a short time slot (15 minutes).
- Express gratitude regardless of outcome.
Don’ts:
- Don’t copy-paste the same message to everyone.
- Don’t immediately ask for a job.
- Don’t pressure them for an answer.
- Don’t send your CV in the first message.
- Don’t disappear after they respond — build a relationship.
Example message:
“Dear [Name], I’m currently pursuing my MSc at UWS London and noticed you’re an alumnus now working at [Company]. I’d really appreciate any advice you might share about breaking into [industry]. If you have 15 minutes for a chat, I’d be grateful. Thank you in advance.”
This approach opens the door without putting the alum in an uncomfortable position. Once they’ve spoken to you and see your seriousness, a referral becomes a natural next step.
Where to Find Alumni
- University databases – Many institutions, like UWS London, maintain alumni networks and LinkedIn groups.
- Events and webinars – Alumni often speak at student career events; follow up with them afterwards.
- TEG Club and Erudmite webinars – Communities designed to connect students with those already ahead in the journey.
- Social platforms – LinkedIn, but used thoughtfully, not mechanically.
Turning Conversations into Opportunities
The goal isn’t to collect contacts, but to build meaningful professional relationships. After a call:
- Send a thank-you note.
- Update them when you apply to their company (don’t blindside them).
- Share your progress — alumni appreciate seeing their guidance make an impact.
When you treat networking as relationship-building rather than transaction-seeking, referrals come naturally.
Why This Matters More in the UK Job Market
International students often underestimate how competitive the UK job market is. Roles may receive hundreds of applications. Recruiters are cautious about visa sponsorships. Alumni referrals don’t guarantee jobs, but they dramatically increase your visibility.
For example, when an alum sends your CV internally, you skip the first automated screening systems that reject many international applicants purely for technical reasons. It’s not about unfair advantage — it’s about getting a fair chance to be seen.
Erudmite’s Perspective
At Erudmite, we’ve seen countless students underestimate this channel. Those who embrace it often land faster, better-aligned jobs. That’s why we emphasise one-on-one career counselling in Dubai, preparing you not only to study in the UK but to thrive after graduation.
We also encourage students to start early: connect while you’re still studying, not when desperation hits after graduation.
Conclusion:
Your degree certificate proves you studied. Your alumni network proves you belong to a community that supports each other. When job portals go quiet, this community can speak for you.
So, the next time you update your CV, don’t forget to update your contact list too. Your future may depend on who remembers your name — and whose name you respectfully ask to use.
FAQs
1. Do alumni really want to help students?
Yes — most alumni remember how tough the early career phase was and are willing to guide sincere students.
2. How soon should I start reaching out?
Ideally during your studies, not after graduation. That way, the connection feels organic, not transactional.
3. What if I don’t know any alumni personally?
Use university alumni groups, LinkedIn, or events. Even a shared university name is enough to start a conversation.
4. Can alumni help with internships as well as jobs?
Absolutely. Many students secure internships through alumni connections before moving on to full-time roles.
5. How does Erudmite help in this process?
We guide students on how to network professionally, prepare for conversations, and leverage alumni networks ethically for career growth.
