As a student, Molly experienced a week in New York meeting alumni, exploring everything from law to publishing. Now she is an alumni host, welcoming groups of Insights students to her office in London. Image Psychology (MA Hons), 2020 graduateHere we reflect on her thoughts about her experience when she was a student, and see what she thinks now that she's participating in the other side of the programme. Molly now works as a Principal Consultant and Manager of a Recruitment firm.Student reflections in Summer of 2019Why did you want to go on the Insights Programme?As someone who is particularly keen on working internationally post-university, the opportunity to network with and learn from professionals in one of the world’s most famous cities seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity - and that it was!Tell us what activities and events you took part in?Throughout the week there was a perfect balance of working and having free time to explore the city. The businesses that we visited ranged from a law firm, private equity firm, investment bankers, writers, the marketing and HR team at the Wall Street Journal and directors at the United Nations Capital Development Fund! It was up to us to use each meeting to our advantage.There were also a couple of networking events which offered us the chance to meet many professionals working in New York on a more casual basis, which was extremely useful for us in order to make contacts.What did you learn?The key learning point for me was to always push yourself. Throughout the week I was put in to unfamiliar situations that I would have never imagined myself to be in. If you told me a year ago I'd be in an office on Fifth Avenue or having lunch at the Harvard Private Members Club, I'd have laughed in your face!Alumni host reflections in Summer 2024 Image Molly, wearing blue trousers, and the group of students she hosted at her office in summer 2024 What motivated you to become an alumni host?I wanted to help with a programme that I know I benefited from and it feels very rewarding to give back to the university.What advice would you give a new Insights alumni host?Try to engage the students by asking them questions and encouraging them to all talk or contribute to the discussion. Prior to the day of their visit, during your pre-session email conversations, find out what the students each want from their visit and use that to plan your session!Get involvedHas Molly inspired you to get involved?Apply to be a student participantBecome an alumni hostinsights.programme@ed.ac.uk This article was published on 2024-11-12