Why volunteer?
By volunteering, you can make a vital contribution to what makes Surrey successful. You can support both current and prospective students, help the University meet its objectives and maintain and grow our global reputation.
Become a volunteer
It’s not just about giving, you get a lot back!
There are many benefits to volunteering, such as:
- Developing your skills
- Meeting interesting people
- Promoting your company
- Keeping in touch with fellow alumni and academics
- Supporting a cause you care about.
We are always delighted to welcome new alumni to the volunteering community, and there are many ways in which you can help.
Meet our volunteers
Our volunteers come from a diverse range of backgrounds and disciplines, hold a variety of skills and are at different career stages. Their common ground is a shared desire and enthusiasm to work together to really make a difference to the University of Surrey community.
We asked our volunteers why they chose to support Surrey:
Ellena Pearson, LLB Law 2012, Barrister at KBG Chambers
Ellena is one of our alumni mentors, supporting students virtually on SurreyConnects. Her mentoring journey so far has been reflective, allowing her to recall how she felt when she had just graduated. The advice she has given her mentee has made a lasting impression and has helped her mentee take their first steps on the legal ladder. We asked Ellena a few questions about her experience mentoring on the SurreyConnects platform.
What were your first impressions of the SurreyConnects platform?
‘I was impressed that it is Surrey’s own separate platform and how everything, including messaging and video calling can happen on the platform, making it safe and secure. I was surprised that you could also claim CPD hours for mentoring and I like how the mentoring has a formal structure to it, but once you get started it is very informal. It really is your own little platform.’
What have you learnt so far from mentoring on the platform?
‘It has made me realise how far I have come since graduating. I had a very similar experience to my mentee and it is daunting wondering whether you should go straight into the legal practise course, work for a year, or even deciding on whether to become a Barrister or a Solicitor. I wanted to stress to my mentee, that there is no set path and once you graduate you can set your own path - it is entirely up to you, the world is your oyster.’
What advice would you give anyone considering becoming a mentor?
‘Remember how you felt when you were graduating and how nice it would have been for you to be able to speak to someone in your chosen industry, who is perhaps 10 years on. It takes nothing, just half an hour of your time.’
Lewis Young, LLB Law 2012, Solicitor at The Partnership Ltd
Lewis supports our Open Days and Law Networking Evenings, sharing his experiences with applicants and current students.
"I always felt passionately about the University, and, as I always felt at home at Surrey, being able to share this with prospective students means that my experiences can be of benefit to someone else."
Janet Preston, BSc Physics 1978, Director of Cold Fuzion business consultancy
Janet supports our Student Enterprise programme, encouraging entrepreneurial students to develop their skills and business ideas.
"I had four fabulous years at Surrey and I want to give something back. I get to pass on my business experience and work with bright young minds testing the boundaries. In return, I’m gaining new insights in the digital media and retailing industries, worlds quite different to my own."
Sana Sandra Karbal, LLB Law 2015
Sana volunteers as a Marketing & Student Recruitment Ambassador for the University of Surrey in Abu Dhabi.
“I decided to volunteer because I firmly believe in giving back to communities and causes I am passionate about. I enjoyed my experience at the University of Surrey and I’m wholeheartedly passionate about encouraging individuals of all backgrounds, demographics, and socioeconomic groups to seek higher education.”
Feeling inspired?
We have a wide variety of volunteering roles so you can find something that’s the perfect fit for you. Complete our short form to tell us about your interests and we’ll be in touch to discuss the opportunities.