There many ways for you to volunteer time or expertise to improve the student experience, from talking with students on campus about your career, to helping overseas alumni connect.

Sign up to our informal mentoring platform, to give your expertise and industry experience with our current students.  Just 30 minutes of your time can make all the difference, and help steer a student in the right direction.

Get involved in a clinical trial

Play your part in furthering research and scientific discovery by volunteering in a clinical trial at the Liggins Institute. Check out current trials and studies.

Visit the clinic to help a student learn

From nutrition to optometry, the University of Auckland Clinics provide a real-world opportunity for students to put into practice what they’ve learned in the classroom. Alumni who visit the clinics will receive a high standard of service at an affordable price, and will help a student learn. See what services are on offer.

Talk to students on campus about your career

Career Development and Employability Services regularly organises events for students where alumni talk about their careers and give advice on how they got to where they are.

You can help current students with their career direction by sharing your professional story. Even if you're unable to present in person, you may want to consider putting your hand up to be profiled on the CDES website. The more students hear about alumni career journeys, the more they understand the vast range of career pathways available to them.

To register your interest, please email: employerservices@auckland.ac.nz

Become a Volunteer Alumni Coordinator (VAC)

Volunteer alumni coordinators (VACs) are graduates from the University of Auckland who play a vital role in helping to connect alumni around the globe. With over 180,000 alumni spread all over the world, our alumni volunteers help to form and grow alumni networks in the cities where they live.

If there isn't a VAC in your area, you may want to consider being the main point of contact for University of Auckland alumni in your city, and help to bring alumni together.

VAC profile: Geoffrey Chen

Geoffrey Chen is our International Volunteer Alumni Coordinator (VAC) in Sydney.

Qualification: LLB (hons)/BCom
Current Role: Lawyer at Clifford Chance

A lawyer at Clifford Chance, Geoffrey Chen is kept busy with a wide range of responsibilities but still takes time to find a healthy life balance. He loves to run and has completed a full marathon this year. His favourite things include exploring new places on his bike, hitting the gym or unwinding with a movie and a cup of tea – and pandas and sunflowers! He always aspired to work in a prestigious law firm, and after moving to Sydney, Australia, to be closer to his grandma, Geoffrey landed a role which he says has exceeded his expectations. “The dynamic nature of the work, the diversity of the projects I handle, and the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the legal industry make each day both challenging and rewarding.”

Despite crossing the ditch, Geoffrey remains connected to the University of Auckland. He fondly remembers his student days and values the long-lasting friendships he formed during that time. Keen to build more connections and help others do the same, Geoffrey signed up to be the Sydney Volunteer Alumni Coordinator. “Being part of an alumni community is a fantastic way to meet new people and expand your network. There are numerous benefits, such as career opportunities and easing the transition into a new city. There is an immediate sense of connection when meeting someone new who attended the same university.” Sydney-based UoA alumni can look forward to more chances to get together.

Geoffrey looks forward to providing casual events where attendees can reminisce about their University days and also explore new opportunities. “Come along, bring a friend and strengthen your alumni network!”

Join He Ira Wāhine the Women’s Mentoring Programme

Become a mentor on either the Law or Business mentoring programmes, and help our women students reach their full potential.

Hear from a mentor: Chloé Lomas

Group Marketing Manager and Graduate of Business and Information Management Chloé Lomas is in her second year of volunteering at the Business School’s Women’s Mentoring programme.

Chloé began volunteering at the University in 2015, inspired by the desire to support students by providing them with practical industry advice - something she says she would have really appreciated when she was a student.

“When I originally signed up for this I didn’t think I had enough experience. I thought I’d just give it a go - you can’t lose anything by trying,” says Chloé.

Chloé soon realised that her volunteering was about more than just sharing experience and expertise. It’s about providing her mentees with support and giving them confidence.

“It was amazing to see their progress and confidence grow. It’s awesome to know you can be a sounding board for people and they can learn a lot from you – even if you are unaware that you are being so helpful,” she continues.

It also gives mentors a chance to share their story, and shows students that there is more than one approach into a career.

“Sharing your own experience is so helpful to students. You can bounce ideas off each other and show them there are more options than just the traditional grad programme.”