(The Verge)- The MAC- Career Services, along with the Department of Athletics and the Office of Alumni Affairs, is sponsoring the Fourth Annual Career Networking Event in the MAC on October 16th. While the event is open to all majors, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences supports this program and feels that many SHSS students can especially benefit from interaction with the mentors who will be in attendance.
Eighty per cent of careers are begun through networking and interning. The link between the outside world and the university needs to be tightened. “This event is a great way to get a foot in the door, to give Monmouth students the confidence they need to achieve their goals”, according to Stanton Green, Dean of the McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
The employers attending are very much attuned to Monmouth students’ success. What better way to ease into the business world than to intern? “[This event] will give students the core skills we know they need to be successful in the real world, [we want students] to connect with their major and make it explicit to them that they can do that in the real world too”, according to Dean Green. Internships are becoming more and more of a necessity.
The classic definition of an internship is a learning process and experience. The experience that can stem from this allows for students to decide if that format is appropriate for them. “[Students] have so many skills that can translate out in the real world; we are making an effort to reach these students”, according to William Hill, Assistant Dean of Career Services.
Many invitations were sent out to the alumni, friends of the University, donors, recruiters, and Blue and White club members. With over 50 professionals already attending it is vital to talk to as many people as possible. There is broad range of professionals from which to choose. Dean Hill stated, “Everyone knows or has a connection with several people. Do not stereotype mentors based on their job title or employer…it is who you can get to know that is important”.
It is essential to recognize the difference. This is not a career fair but an opportunity to have one-on-one interaction with companies. Dean Green states, “This event is geared to break the stereotype of finding a profession, [to] draw students out of fearfulness”. This is an opportunity to have a less intimidating experience with face-to-face interaction between students and potential employers.
A basic understanding of how networking works and to find connections with people is the goal of this event. Dean Green said that he feels that employers are looking for interns with interpersonal communication skills, students willing to work in teams, and good writers to start in many entry level positions. In this unfavorable job market it is important, now more than ever, to start to network.
This is a beneficial event that prepares and comforts students in conversing with potential mentors or employers. The critical thing here is to talk to anyone and everyone. Karl Gordinier, Consultant to Career Services states, “Networking is the most important way to find a job, [this event] is a great way for students to get used to the process and see the value in it”. Through this event the tools and knowledge are given to encourage students to converse professionally with potential employers.
It is encouraged that sophomores on up should attend but the event is open to anyone who wishes to join. It is a great way to talk with prospective employers in an informal way in order to learn how to network. According to Hill students who attend the meet and greet will walk away with good contacts and perhaps a mentor.
This is the 4th annual Career Networking Event hosted at the University that has been marketed by a student committee of about 15 students. Career Services, the Department of Athletics and the Alumni Affairs Office are jointly sponsoring the event. The program will be hosted between 5:00PM and 7:30PM.
It is stressed that students come dressed professionally so as to make a good impression on a potential mentor. If possible, students should bring a business card rather than a resume to hand out. This is a card that states the students’ name, major, college, phone number, and email. Also a LinkedIn URL should be included on the card if a user of the site. (Vistaprint.com is a good site to use for creating business cards.) When meeting with mentors the first time, Mr. Gordinier recommends a firm handshake and good eye contact as a way to make a positive initial impression.
Applying for a job is a process, and the learning does not end once graduation comes around. According to Dean Green, “It is important for students to understand that there is not a major that can’t fit somewhere in the world”. He continues to say it is imperative to learn about what sparks passion within an individual based on their specific interests and more importantly hopes that a job in that field that can bring them happiness. The important thing is to not miss the boat once it comes around.
In today’s competitive job market, students should take advantage of all opportunities to make connections with people who may be able to help them start or advance their careers. Mark your calendars for October 16th and make your way to the MAC that evening. It could be your first steps to a career.
