Alex Perkins

Alex Perkins, a 1996 History graduate from the University of Kent, is the Global Alumni Engagement Manager at his alma mater. His diverse career includes roles in theatre, local government, politics, and retail management.

A former City Councillor in Canterbury, Alex enjoys working on graduations at Canterbury Cathedral and advises students to pursue their passions and remain adaptable in their careers.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

I studied at Kent as a mature student and before I even got here had enjoyed working in several fields.  Mostly in theatre and in musical performance.  After University I worked in local government and politics. I had a small company that created websites, wrote content and speeches for people -  and for a while worked in film production. I also worked freelance for numerous companies and organisations providing coaching sessions, team-bonding and consultancy. I entered local politics and for about 30 years was a City Councillor in Canterbury.  For some of those I was leader of the city council. I have also worked as Director of Operations for a retail company with numerous outlets and an annual turnover of several million.  In my mid fifties I decided to find something altogether different and returned to work for my alma mater - where I am now Global Alumni Engagement Manager - and for several years I served as a member of the University's governing council.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

No two days are the same.  It is always a joy to catch-up with our alumni and find out what they have been up to.  My team manage engagement with people from all over the world.  We are the first point of contact for former students and arrange reunions and get-togethers on campus. We also visit towns and cities all over the UK - though much of our work is online  I have also been lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel widely to represent the University abroad in numerous locations including India, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Canada, the USA and around Europe.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

Working on graduations in Canterbury Cathedral is always a joy. I brief every graduate and support them throughout the day. It is wonderful to witness all the joy and excitement and to share in the experience. Graduations at Kent are truly incredible and one of the things that make studying at Kent so special!

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

Interacting with so many people from all over the world reinforced my belief in the importance of a multicultural approach to life. Particularly while I studied at the University of Jyvaskyla in Finland on my year abroad.  I made so many friends in lots of countries and they remain good friends to this day. But crucially the importance of critical thinking.  Listen not to just to what is being said - but ask why?  For what purpose?  Never take anything for granted.  There is always a reason. 

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Go for it. Give it a try. And don't take no for an answer. I have been lucky enough to have worked in several fields and enjoyed them all. But if you do find yourself doing something that you don't enjoy, don't be afraid to change it up. Find something you like doing, and you will find that life is all the richer for it!

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

I was a little bit involved in politics on campus. But mostly, as I was a mature student I was always too busy to get too involved in the all the amazing extra-curricular activities the university provided. But I think everyone should give everything a go!

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

Yes several. The view from the hill on a summers day. Playing gigs in KBar on a warm evening. Breakfast with a friend in Darwin. And enjoying a year abroad added a hundred more.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

Meet a few more essay deadlines and read more books. I wish I had studied harder - simply because what I was studying was so interesting. It is an incredible privilege to be able to take time in life to immerse yourself in the study of something you find truly interesting. I wish I could do it more.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Well yes. Partly because it is my job.  But also because so many have become friends over the  years.  I am constantly in awe of the things that my contemporaries have achieved and relish catching-up and hearing about their lives. But I am also aware that sometimes we lose touch - and it is important to try not to. I wish had spent more time talking to Dr Brian Atkinson who taught me so much about history.  He was a truly brilliant, funny, inspiring and kind man.

What are your future ambitions?

To walk a section of the Via Francigena in Italy. See AFC Bournemouth play in Europe. And to look after my wife and family as best as I can. But I am not necessarily sure that is what you were referring to.