How Leicester's global graduate community of over 185,000 Citizens of Change can accelerate your professional journey from day one.
Founded as a living memorial to the sacrifices of local people in World War I, the University of Leicester is built on a foundation of community, resilience, and world-changing discovery. Today, this spirit is carried forward by a global community of over 185,000 graduates. Often referred to as 'Citizens of Change', these former students span across 150 countries, holding influential positions in space exploration, medicine, politics, business, and the arts.
As a student or recent graduate, the University of Leicester alumni network is not just a directory of past students—it is a living, breathing resource designed to propel your career. Transitioning from the lecture theatres of the Percy Gee Building to the competitive graduate job market can feel daunting, but the university’s active network ensures you never have to walk that path alone. This guide details how you can leverage this powerful network for lifelong success.
The moment you complete your studies, you automatically become a lifetime member of the Leicester Alumni Association. There are no fees to join, and membership unlocks an array of personal and professional perks designed to support you well beyond graduation day. From discounted gym memberships at the Roger Bettles Sports Centre to continued access to the university library, the benefits are both practical and long-lasting.
Crucially, the alumni association is structured around geographical and professional chapters. Whether you find yourself starting a career in London, New York, Hong Kong, or staying local in the East Midlands, you can connect with regional alumni hubs that host regular social and professional mixers.
"Moving to London after my degree was intimidating, but attending a Leicester Alumni Association networking event in the city introduced me to my current manager. The shared connection of studying in Leicester immediately broke the ice." - Priya Patel, BA Media and Communication (Class of 2024)Leicester's Career Development Service works in close lockstep with the alumni network to offer continuous career connections. Graduates have lifetime access to the MyCareers portal, which lists exclusive job vacancies, internship opportunities, and graduate schemes vetted specifically for Leicester alumni.
Furthermore, the university regularly hosts industry-specific panels where successful alumni return to campus to share recruitment secrets, review CVs, and even scout for talent. These interactions close the gap between academic theory and practical corporate expectations, giving Leicester graduates a distinct competitive advantage in the UK job market.
One of the crown jewels of Leicester’s career offering is its structured mentorship program. This initiative pairs current students and young alumni with seasoned professionals who once walked the very same campus paths.
Through this program, you can gain:
In the digital age, much of your professional networking will take place online. The University of Leicester has a massive footprint on professional platforms, with tens of thousands of active alumni engaging daily.
To make the most of this, you should actively join the official LinkedIn alumni groups. By navigating to the official University of Leicester school page on LinkedIn and clicking the 'Alumni' tab, you can filter the entire database of graduates by:
This tool is invaluable for conducting warm outreach. Sending a polite, brief message to a Leicester alumnus working at your dream company is statistically much more likely to yield a response than sending a cold pitch to a stranger.
To help you understand the tangible advantages available to you, here is a summary of the key benefits provided by the university's network:
| Benefit Category | What is Included | Access Window |
|---|---|---|
| Careers Support | CV reviews, mock interviews, and access to the MyCareers job vacancy database. | Lifelong access |
| Mentorship Schemes | Matching with experienced alumni for tailored, 1-to-1 career guidance. | During study & up to 3 years post-graduation |
| Global Network Events | In-person and virtual networking hubs in London, Leicester, and key global cities. | Lifelong access |
| Continuing Education | Discounts on further postgraduate study (Alumni Loyalty Tuition Fee Discount). | Variable depending on course |
| Library & Resources | Access to selected digital journals (JSTOR) and physical library entry. | Lifelong access with alumni card |
Building a professional network takes time, strategy, and respect. You should not treat the alumni network as a quick way to ask for a job directly. Instead, focus on building meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships.
Your degree from the University of Leicester is proof of your academic rigor, critical thinking, and determination. However, in today’s dynamic job landscape, who you know can be just as crucial as what you know. By actively participating in the University of Leicester alumni network, you unlock access to a global family of professionals who are ready and willing to help you succeed.
Do not wait until graduation to start tapping into this resource. Join the LinkedIn groups today, sign up for the mentorship program, attend local networking events, and take your first steps as an active member of Leicester's renowned 'Citizens of Change' global community.