OLD ALLEYNIANS
Keeping in touch Samuel Schulenburg (Year 12) reports on the mentorship and networking programmes available to pupils and Old Alleynians alike T hinking ahead to the world of work has never been so important, given the increasing complexities of the modern working environment. Networking opportunities have been made available at the College for many years. This year, the Alumni Department has given particular focus to the development of its very own mentorship programme, allowing OAs and pupils to forge links as they look ‘beyond Dulwich’.
it also gives them a link to the next generation of future members of their field of work. Mentors within the programme contribute to the personal and professional development of OAs and students alike; this is achieved by discussing and encouraging career prospects and ambitions, assisting in skills identification and advising on job applications and CVs. The connections between mentors and mentees begin at events evenings, which allow for the two parties to become familiar with each other before they start collaborating. The networking programme has also been expanding over the past year. Much like the mentoring programme, the networking programme aims to allow Old Alleynians and students to meet and build up their contacts in their respective fields. 2017 was a busy year for the networking programme, most notably in the fields of medicine and business, with several events, including a talk and discussion by Andrew Tomkins, President of the Alleynian Club and Professor at the Institute of Global Health, and a series of talks by OA entrepreneurs. The ‘How Does London Grow?’ event was also a great success. Led by the Master and held at the Grimshaw Architects’ offices, the lively discussion revolved around the development of London.
The programme offers mentees an opportunity to gain insight into the world of work, accessing personal experience and advice that can help them gain confidence, a trait that, according to the Harvard Business Review, is one of the most important on entering the workplace. It is perhaps easy to forget that mentorship also offers a great deal to the mentors. Not only does the programme allow Old Alleynians to reconnect with their Alma Mater,
138
Made with FlippingBook Annual report