‘Get Talking’ - opportunity for prospective students to meet virtually with Birkbeck alumni
Over 60 alumni have volunteered to be part of the scheme, that helps students find out more about life at Birkbeck before they start their studies in autumn.
Starting university is an exciting time, but it can be daunting. Navigating this transition with the support of a graduate can make all the difference.
Birkbeck’s mentoring scheme ‘Get Talking’ works by matching prospective students from across the world with alumni, where possible pairing them by the same course. Students meet with alumni (this year virtually due to the pandemic) and have an informal conversation about life at Birkbeck, studying in the evening and making the most of the university experience.
This year marks the ninth year that the Birkbeck initiative ‘Get Talking’ has taken place, and last year, 91% of students who took part said it helped them make a more informed decision about studying at Birkbeck.
Eleanor Tough, BSc Psychology student, who partook in the scheme, commented:
“I was put in contact with a graduate who had completed the same course that I was enrolled onto. During the meeting, we chatted about how I was feeling, why I had chosen my degree and the potential career prospects I hope to explore when I graduate. My mentor described her own experiences and was able to fully answer questions that I had, about the experience she had at Birkbeck and how achieving her master’s degree had impacted on her own career.
“I also received very valuable advice on how to structure my studying around working full-time and how to make the best use of the support services at the university. This helped me to engage with the full range of services provided at Birkbeck and has absolutely influenced the way in which I manage my own time, current career and personal life.”
Richard Harrison, MA Arts Policy and Management graduate, who volunteers as a mentor, said of the scheme:
“I have volunteered for the Get Talking scheme over the last few years because I enjoy being able to support people who are thinking about embarking on a course of study at Birkbeck, particularly those who are new to higher education. University study is a challenge but also one of the most fantastic things a person can do, and I feel privileged to support people as they consider starting on this journey.”
For prospective students who have applied to study this autumn and wish to take part in ‘Get Talking’, please complete the Get Talking Application Form. For more information about the programme, please email: study@bbk.ac.uk. Alumni support students throughout their Birkbeck journey, to find out more about these opportunities, please click here.