Developing a US-style alumni network at Cardiff University could help graduates land their first jobs and former students to progress throughout their careers, says Chancellor Laura Trevelyan.
The former BBC journalist, who reported from events including the Good Friday Agreement negotiations and the US Capitol on January 6, has a post-graduate diploma in newspaper journalism from Cardiff University.
She became the university’s Chancellor – the most senior honorary position – last year.
Speaking at a Cardiff Business Club dinner Laura, who now lives in Brooklyn, New York, reflected on the power of the alumni network in American universities, saying her own children had secured their first jobs through them.
Describing her role as Chancellor as a “cheerleader”, she said she wanted to see Cardiff University develop the same supportive network, adding that the university experience in the city should not be for three or four years, but should bring “lifelong connections”.
This could be particularly important in the AI age, where so many job applications are being sifted by the technology, she said.
“The human connection that comes from the alumni network will be stronger than ever,” Laura added.
In July Cardiff University is set to host its inaugural Big Reunion Weekend, an initiative which Laura said she hoped would help to grow the alumni community.
Laura is also a co-founder of Heirs of Slavery, a group of British people whose ancestors profited from the enslavement of Africans in the Caribbean. She holds a number of academic and advocacy roles, including as an Honorary Associate Fellow at the University of the West Indies’ PJ Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Advocacy and as a trustee of the Trevelyan Grenada Reparations Fund.
Phil Jardine, Chair of Cardiff Business Club, said:
“Laura spoke with pride and passion about her own time spent studying in Cardiff, as well as her determination to bring to the city the benefits she sees in the way in which US universities continue to engage with and support their graduates.
“She also brought a refreshing take on world affairs and geopolitical tensions, with an optimism and positivity for the future which was uplifting for an audience of business leaders who are navigating uncertain times.
“We were honoured to host Laura during her visit to Cardiff to spend time at the university. Hearing from her brought home to our members and guests the impact that our city has far beyond its borders.”
The next event in the Cardiff Business Club calendar is dinner and a talk by Associated British Ports Divisional Port Manager for Wales, Ashley Curnow.
Taking place on Thursday May 14 at Glamorgan Cricket Club, Sophia Gardens, the event will start at 6pm with a networking drinks reception followed by a two-course dinner. Ashley will then deliver his keynote speech, followed by a Q&A session.
The event is open to members, non-members and guests, and is ticketed only. Tickets are priced at £45.00 + VAT for members and £65.00 + VAT for non-members.
Booking is via: https://cardiffbusinessclub.org/event/ashley-curnow-abports/
