Volunteer at Kingston University
Share your expertise
Explore the many ways you can give back and play a part in Kingston University's ongoing success.
Whether you choose to mentor a student, support budding entrepreneurs, or share your expertise, your involvement will help Kingston students thrive and expand the reach of the University’s positive influence.
Bring your experience, passion and expertise to:
- Inspire others and represent Kingston University as an alumni champion, showcasing the strength of our network.
- Guide students and graduates by sharing your knowledge, experience, and career insights.
- Encourage innovation by advising or collaborating with students to bring their business ideas to life.
- Engage with students by delivering guest lectures, hosting events, or collaborating on exciting projects.
- Reconnect with old friends and make new connections at alumni gatherings, from professional networking events to reunions.
Ways to get involved
Alumni Champions play a vital role in supporting Kingston students through mentoring, career talks, judging ideas, and providing work experience opportunities.
As a volunteer, you’ll have the chance to enhance your skills, such as coaching and public speaking, while networking with other Alumni Champions and promoting your business or industry. You’ll also gain the satisfaction of helping students launch their careers—and can proudly add the title "Alumni Champion" to your CV and LinkedIn profile.
Join Kingston University's Beyond Barriers mentoring scheme as a mentor! This program supports second-year, third-year, and postgraduate students from under-represented groups through one-to-one guidance.
By dedicating just two hours a month from November to May, you can offer impartial advice, inspire self-confidence, and help students achieve their potential. Mentors should have at least three years of professional experience. As a mentor, you can:
- Share your knowledge and experience
- Encourage someone to achieve their potential
- Broaden your own skills and judgement
- Meet other professionals
The programme supports around 250 students annually who fit one or more of the following criteria:
- Black and ethnic minority students
- Commuter students
- Female students in science, engineering, maths and built environment
- KU Cares students
- LGBT+ students
- Mature students
- Student parents
- Students with a learning difference or disability
- Students who are the first in their family to attend higher education
Find out more about Kingston University's Beyond Barriers mentoring scheme.
Kingston University ranks among the top two UK universities for graduate start-ups, according to the Higher Education, Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI). Each year, over 4,000 students engage with our leading Enterprise Programme.
Our dedicated Alumni Champions play a key role in supporting students through various entrepreneurial initiatives. Here are just a few ways you can get involved.
Bright Ideas
Over 600 students submit their entrepreneurial concepts to our flagship competition, Bright Ideas. You can support them as a mentor, guest speaker, or sponsor, guiding students at key stages of their entrepreneurial journey.
HackCentre
Each year, 2,600 students tackle real-world challenges through Hackathons, developing innovative solutions. Get involved as a judge or collaborate with us by setting a live challenge as a Hack partner company.
The Nest
Our Nest incubator has supported 20 businesses, helping them prepare for market success. Join a select group of alumni to mentor and guide these budding entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into reality.
To find out more about the enterprise programme at Kingston, please contact Dr Martha Mador, Head of Enterprise Education, at enterpriseeducation@kingston.ac.uk.
Kingston University is pioneering a new model of education, blending subject knowledge with the skills graduates need to thrive in the future.
Alumni play a vital role by sharing their career experiences, offering valuable insights into what it takes to succeed after Kingston.
Think back to what you wish you’d known at the start of your career—whether you’ve climbed the corporate ladder, faced challenges, or taken a unique path, your journey can inspire our students.