Ask Kingston Alumni

A LinkedIn networking group exclusively for Kingston University alumni and current students.

The Ask Kingston Alumni (AKA) networking group on LinkedIn is a forum for Kingston students, past and present, to network or share knowledge and information across geographic locations and industries. 

Members can post opportunities or ask for advice and offer insight into their career field. This is an exclusive and supportive environment in which members can learn from each other. 

All students and alumni are welcome; we just ask that the group is respected and members adhere to its protocol. 

Before joining please ensure that you have followed the membership guidelines and step-by-step process which includes useful tips on how to network effectively and professionally. It also covers how to use LinkedIn in a way that enhances your experience within the group.

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

Membership requirements/process

Not on LinkedIn yet?

If you do not already have a LinkedIn profile, then create one on the LinkedIn website.  View some useful tips which might assist you build a professional student profile (PDF).

Becoming a member of Ask Kingston Alumni (AKA)

To become a member of AKA on LinkedIn, there are a number of steps which you should complete either as one of our alumni, or one of our current students, in order to meet our criteria for joining and to make the most of this valuable opportunity.

• If you are a student and new to networking in a professional business environment, watch the Get started with LinkedIn video which will help you understand what LinkedIn can do for you and what you should not expect it to do. 
• There are further videos on this site which are useful for all LinkedIn users, offering plenty of useful information on how to make the most of this powerful networking tool.
• Read the Kingston University protocol for AKA. This will ensure that all members understand the high standards of conduct we expect within the group in terms of participation and interaction.
• If you are a current Kingston University student: read and complete the user agreement. Kingston alumni do not need to complete the form.
• Once you've taken these steps, send a request to join AKA.

All requests will receive an email confirmation once registration has been accepted and processed; this will usually be actioned within five working days.

Using the group

However you fit into the Kingston family, you will quickly find positive benefits within this networking group: you can expect interaction across all groups, networking among those who are still studying, and those who are now in the workplace. 

The group is exclusive to alumni and students who have requested to opt in, and is created for online networking only, all sharing and connections taking place solely within the forum, but do expect to find out about useful events going on, particularly at Kingston University. 

Once you join you will be automatically connected to a substantial group of current students and alumni who are keen to share information about their fields and careers, or maybe provide referrals to associates, businesses or professional organisations. All members can post articles, ask questions and comment on group discussions.

Protocol

We ask that the group is respected and members adhere to its protocol:

• The purpose of the group is to network or share knowledge and information; all interaction should be based on this purpose.
• Members must demonstrate politeness and respect for each other, conducting themselves in a highly professional, honest manner at all times.
• Any use of inappropriate language or harassing behaviour will result in removal from the group.
• Alumni are welcome to post links to job vacancies at their companies, however the group is not a space to ask for jobs, nor a space for self-promotion. Links promoting an individual's profile or enterprise will be removed by the group administrator.

Examples of questions

Here are some examples of the type of questions you might wish to pose in the forum:

• What are typical titles for entry-level positions in the ___ field?
• Can anyone recommend a good website for tips on ___?
• I  am studying ___.  Does anyone have any advice about extracurricular activities I should involve myself in to make myself more employable?
• Does anyone know of any networking events for professionals in the ___ field?
• I have just finished a degree in ___. Has anyone had experience of going straight onto a masters course rather than look for work?
• How can students find summer internships in the ___field? Are there other means of gaining experience before graduation?