Five minutes with Moushumi Bhowmik, Alumni Engagement Manager at the University of London

Tell us a bit about your career background, and what brought you to alumni relations.  

I have worked in Higher Education for 16 years, including at four of the UoL Federation Members. Like many people in the sector, I fell into my role, thought I might stay a couple of years, and yet here I still am!  

I have mainly worked in Student Recruitment/Marketing, so it has been a learning curve to be involved in Alumni Relations, and I am really enjoying it. In previous roles, I always enjoyed working with alumni on the various student recruitment strategies I created, as they have always been some of the most passionate brand ambassadors you could hope for. So, when this role came up, I jumped at the chance. Our alumni truly are our greatest asset (some might say I am biased!), and it’s a privilege to work with you. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?  

Travel is probably my most favourite (and expensive!) pastime. I am lucky to have parents who instilled a curiosity about other cultures in me from a young age, and their passion for travel has most definitely rubbed off. I would love to visit Latin America, and New Zealand is also on my bucket list. Closer to home, I love food and culture, so I spend as much time as possible indulging in all London has to offer on these fronts.  

What is your favourite or most interesting part of your job?  

Working with our alumni! As cliché as it sounds, it’s so fascinating to connect with our community and hear about the interesting and varied career paths their UoL qualifications have opened up for them. Seeing alumni inspire current students is also really rewarding. Given the global nature of our community, I especially enjoy being able to meet our alumni face to face. If you are ever in London, and would like a tour of Senate House, please get in contact with us! 

What is your favourite thing about the University of London?  

The global reach of the University! I find it amazing that we have so many alumni, and in every corner of the world. It is such a privilege to be able to meet so many fantastic and inspiring individuals. 

What would you say to alumni who are wanting to get more involved in supporting the University and its students?  

Get in touch! We have a number of ways you can support us, for example via our Alumni Ambassador scheme or as a speaker on our varied Careers events programme.