A place of encounter: The alumni network
Your network is your success.
cf. Porter Gale
This quote illustrates the importance of networking with people. Success does not result from isolated individual work but emerges through the exchange of ideas, experiences, and skills.
What does the alumni network mean to you?
The alumni network connects
An active network of current and former students is particularly important to the university. Through lively exchange, a bridge is created between theoretical study and professional practice.
The diverse positions of the national and international alumni demonstrate how varied individual career and life paths can be after studying at the University of Würzburg.
The collaboration of the alumni includes not only networking and recruiting but also interdisciplinary knowledge transfer. This takes place, for example, at morning performances, 'Wine & Science' in the Hofkeller, or the Berufsperspektiven-Schau. In addition, there are mentoring programs and further education opportunities that enhance the career perspectives of the members.
Michela Thiel
Our vision is to locate all alumni of the University of Würzburg and connect them with each other and with the university.
Michaela Thiel
With this motivation, she has been successfully dedicated to her work for over 16 years. She remains as firmly convinced today of the importance of alumni networking as she was on the first day.
What offerings does the alumni network provide?
Alumni fundraising projects:
The alumni network regularly requires financial support to carry out charitable projects such as book sponsorships or the current project 'Ideas Island'.
Events:
Regular events maintain the exchange among alumni and with their university for creating an active network.
International alumni activities:
Through various offerings, there are numerous opportunities to establish new contacts worldwide or nurture existing acquaintances.
Alumni association:
Members of the alumni association receive many benefits and simultaneously support the alumni network through their contributions. This makes it possible to enable many projects.
Mentoring programm:
Former students of the University of Würzburg pass on their professional experiences to students, recent graduates, and doctoral candidates for supporting them in their career entry.
Learn something about the fundraising program
The student alumni assistant Alexandra Kindler explains what you can expect from it and which projects have already been carried out as part of the fundraising efforts.
Alexandra Kindler;
student alumni assistant
The special project 'Ideas Island'
With this current project of the alumni association, the aim is to promote interdisciplinary and creative exchange among students. The plan is to create a space directly in nature at the new Campus Hubland.
For the design of this space, existing materials will be utilized and further developed for seating areas. The university will handle excavation and foundation work.
is covered by the alumni association.
are still needed for trees and seating arrangements. Currently, sponsors are being searched for this purpose.
Once the project is implemented, everyone can look forward to a beautiful place for exchange!
Alumni events
Through the alumni network, a variety of events are regularly organized. Whether workshops, regional group meetings, or science slams - there's something suitable for everyone's taste.
Curious now?
You can get a sneak peek of the most popular events on the following pages.
Science Slam
Once a year, seven alumni, professors, doctoral candidates, or scientific staff members from JMU and THWS compete against each other, captivating the audience with their seven-minute presentations. These can include cartoons, experiments, or even live singing. The diversity is enhanced by the various disciplines represented by the slammers.
Interested? - The next event will take place on November 8, 2024.
Still unsure? - Here's a glimpse from last year:
Science Slam in year 2023
Regional group meetings
In several German cities, there are regional groups that regularly come together for lively exchanges. The meetings typically start with a tour of an alumni's workplace for providing participants with a detailed insight into their work. Afterwards, they conclude the day with a shared dinner and exchange their experiences.
Through these events, participants not only get to know numerous cities but also gain comprehensive insights behind the scenes of various professions.
What international alumni activities are there?
The international alumni book:
Nearly 170 alumni who are currently conducting research and teaching worldwide are listed in the magazine and can be contacted personally if interested. This facilitates international networking and reconnecting with old friendships. Active and former students receive support from local alumni during their stays abroad.
The international alumni groups of JMU:
Once a year, the regional groups gather for mutual exchange. These meetings take place in their respective member countries, providing an ideal opportunity to establish international connections and learn about different cultures. Member countries include Italy, Greece, Hungary, and the USA, among others.
The DAAD alumni projects:
As part of the Deutschen Akademischen Austauschdiensts (DAAD), regular workshops and other events are organized to connect alumni located around the world. An example of this is the Key Workshop 2019, where participants could exchange experiences in leadership positions.
What does the alumni association do?
With its approximately 1,200 alumni, the non-profit association 'Alumnae und Alumni der Universität Würzburg e.V.' supports several student projects. Additionally, the association sponsors alumni fundraising activities, the Germany Scholarship, and the Martin von Wagner Museum.
There is also a lot offered for its members:
In addition to the usual offerings of the free alumni network, the association provides its members with additional benefits. These include discounts for the cafeteria, university sports, and wine purchases at Würzburg wineries.
How can I become a member?
Membership can be established through the alumni portal or by requesting it at the alumni office. The minimum annual fee is €25 for regular members, but only €12 for students.
Use the mentoring Program
The alumni office's mentoring program offers students, doctoral candidates, and young graduates the opportunity to connect with mentors. The mentors are former JMU alumni who are already well-established in their careers. This allows them to provide their mentees with many helpful tips and individual support as they enter the workforce.
How does the mentoring program work?
Alumnus Tobias Riedner can provide an answer to this question. In addition to his role as European Product Data Manager at Danone, he has successfully mentored mentees himself.
Tobias Riedner;
European Product Data Manager