Alumni Give Back to Inspire the Next Generation of HR Professionals

Leeds University Business School recently welcomed back a group of inspiring alumni to take part in a networking workshop for master’s students on the Human Resource Management (HRM) programme.

Marianne Savory, Lecturer in Professional Skills and PWE Curriculum Development lead, designed the session as part of the Professional Skills workshop series aimed at developing PG human resource management post graduate students' professional skills as part of their timetabled programme. The event offered a powerful example of how alumni continue to play a vital role in the student experience — sharing their time, expertise, and insights to support those following in their footsteps. 

As part of the workshop, alumni returned to campus to share their networking tips, career experiences, and advice on building professional relationships. This first-hand guidance provided invaluable perspective for students preparing to enter the job market, particularly in navigating the transition from university into the world of work. 

Following the discussion, students had the chance to put their skills into practice during a lively speed networking session over coffee and cake. The atmosphere was relaxed yet purposeful, creating space for meaningful conversations and early career connections. 

To support students in establishing a professional online presence, the event also offered free headshots, helping participants to enhance their profiles on platforms like LinkedIn and boost their visibility to future employers. 

The workshop was further enriched by the contribution of Tim from the University Careers Service, who shared expert advice on uncovering opportunities in the ‘hidden job market’ — highlighting the importance of networking, speculative applications, and digital engagement. 

But it was the alumni themselves who were at the heart of the event. The impressive line-up included: 

Jean Coughlan – People Activation Manager at Lloyds Banking Group. Jean holds an MA in Human Resource Management from LUBS and is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). 

Lily-Isabella Shimmin – Portfolio Manager at Network Rail. Lily-Isabella graduated from the MA Human Resource Management programme at Leeds University Business School and is now developing her career in the rail industry. 

Evans Uhunoma – Human Capital Consultant at Deloitte UK. Evans graduated from the HRM master’s programme in 2022 and has since gone on to develop his career within professional services. 

Aishwarya Ragunaath – Business Support Assistant at the University of Leeds. With a background in Computer Science Engineering, Aishwarya has experience as an HR Manager and is now continuing her career within higher education. 

Their involvement reflects the strength of the LUBS global alumni community — a network that extends far beyond graduation. By returning to share their stories, these alumni are helping to shape and support the next generation of leaders, offering guidance, reassurance, and real-world insight. 

Evans Uhunoma, now working at Deloitte UK, described the event as “fantastic” and highlighted the value of sharing his experience with current students: 

"Meeting the students at different stages of their career readiness was insightful, and I enjoyed sharing my experiences to help answer their questions. The programme should definitely continue this, as it’s a great initiative that equips students for success beyond university." 

Aishwarya Ragunaath, now working at the University of Leeds, also reflected positively on the experience: 

"Thank you so much for having us. I’m so glad that I could speak to the students, and hopefully guide and motivate them in a way that they feel confident to pursue their goals." 

The success of the event highlighted the impact alumni can have by staying connected with the Business School — not only as ambassadors of the LUBS experience, but as mentors, speakers, and champions for future graduates. 

Interested in giving back to the LUBS community? 

To find out how you can support students and get involved in future events, please contact the LUBS Alumni Relations team.

To learn more about the MA Human Resource Management programme, visit our website.