Discover the range of volunteering opportunities available and how you could give some of your time to help students or support research.
Giving the gift of time
Our alumni volunteers are an inspiring and important part of our community. Whether coming to campus to share professional expertise and insights into their career journey with our students; offering networking or mentoring opportunities to our students and newly launched graduates; providing valuable connections for our overseas alumni; or inspiring prospective students worldwide, these gifts of time make a huge difference. We’d like to introduce you to two of our incredible volunteers.
Dr Sam Decombel
Dr Sam Decombel (BSc Biological Sciences (Genetics), 2003; PhD Genetics, 2007) started her career working as a university technology transfer manager before putting that expertise to use founding her own business ventures.
Her first start up, DNA artwork company PlayDNA Ltd, gained media attention through Forbes magazine and BBC radio. Building on that success, Sam launched her genetic testing start-up, FitnessGenes Ltd. Alongside her business achievements, Sam has campaigned for fairer and more flexible working environments. She supports students through training and mentoring and is a member of the University’s Alumni Leadership Mentoring Programme, sharing her insights and experience to help our ambitious students realise their career ambitions.
Sammi Zheng
Sammi Zheng (MSc Accounting and Finance 2004) co-founded the China Alumni Association in 2006 and has been the Secretary-General since that date. The Association, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, has organised events across China, including reunion and anniversary events as well as professional development opportunities.
Sammi has also supported almost all university open days in Shanghai, as well as Birmingham-led events in other cities. Sammi, who is an investment director for UOB (United Overseas Bank) Venture Management, says her volunteering work has been rewarding for the connections she has made, as well as those she has made possible for alumni.
Could you be an alumni volunteer?