Become a local alumni buddy
Each year thousands of new international students from a diverse range of countries such as China, the USA and India, to start their studies at UCD. Our UCD Alumni Buddy Programme links local alumni volunteers with new international students to welcome Ireland and help them settle into their local community.
Though the support of our alumni buddies, international students are given support with basic orientation to Dublin, from explaining our public transportation system to providing recommendations of safe social outings and places to eat, how to find a doctor, or navigating public services.
Volunteers make a positive difference by helping them to adjust to life in Ireland; making the most of their University experience.
Register now to become an alumni buddy in the 2022/2023 programme.
Mentor a current student
Considering becoming a mentor? As a graduate of UCD, you are an inspiration and a role model. Students can relate to you and you can offer them a unique and personalised perspective in their area of interest. Your support can help them think bigger and achieve their ambitions.
UCD Career Mentors are alumni who mentor UCD students in their penultimate and final year of University. As a mentor, alumni are offered training and support in their role. Mentoring sessions can take place by Zoom/Teams, by telephone, or face-to-face and will take place at least 3 times in 6 months (January – June). Matching is student-led and is facilitated via the online UCD Alumni Network.
The 22/23 Career Mentoring programme will be open to students who are studying in:
– All schools in the College of Arts and Humanities
– All schools in the College of Social Sciences and Law
– All schools in the College of Science
– All schools in the College of Engineering and Architecture
This programme is run in collaboration with the UCD Careers Network. Current students interested in learning more can visit the Careers Website for more information.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor during 22/23 academic year, you can register by clicking the link below.
If you’re looking for something less structured, the online career mentoring programme hosted on the UCD Alumni Network enables UCD alumni who wish to volunteer as a mentor to communicate directly with alumni or students allowing them to manage their own mentoring relationship.
There is a programme available for Veterinary students. Potential mentors can learn more on the School of Veterinary Medicine website.
Further information about mentoring with Business programmes can be found on the UCD Business Alumni website.
Offer an internship
Internships at a University level equip students with the real life experience, skills and insights to increase their confidence and to boost employment prospects.
As a graduate, by offering an internship in your business or industry, you could help students develop transferable skills and grow their network to help them achieve their ambitions. You will also benefit from the perspective of a UCD student in your business!
Offer Advice
Talk about your career path
We are building a great cohort of alumni volunteers who are ready and willing to give a few minutes or a few hours of their time to connect with current students. At times, all that a student may need is a quick call to motivate them or an email with advice to help weigh up options for their next steps.
Throughout the year, alumni volunteers are crucial to career events which take place across campus. These include networking opportunities, workshops and career days with panel discussions. Students appreciate the opportunity to meet with alumni to gain industry insights and to expand their networks.
Speak with Prospective Students
Every year, UCD hosts and attends Open Days for prospective students. Volunteering for these events to meet and greet the next generation of UCD students. It is a great way to share your experience and to help promote the benefits of studying at UCD.
