At a time when “networking” for many young adults involves little more than using Facebook or LinkedIn, a committee of ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ students has organized The ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Network, an April 4 meet-and-greet that will provide an opportunity for students of all class years to learn about career options by interacting with peers who have already interned or completed research projects for various industries.
The 5-8 p.m. event in Alumni Gym also includes food and prizes, a trunk show on how to dress professionally with representatives of Brooks Brothers and Vineyard Vines in attendance, and feedback on resumes from Career Services staff.
Organizers said they hope The ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Network will help build an even stronger ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ alumni community.
“This event is unique because it connects students all across campus in a semi professional way that hasn’t been done before,” said senior class president Michael Nowak. “And it allows students to connect with other students who have interned at some pretty awesome places as well as with seniors going off to graduate schools. The ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Network gives students the fun opportunity to really get good at face-to-face networking in a world where students tend to rely a little too much on technology.”
Citing high unemployment and a challenging job market for college students, Nowak said that he and the committee of student organizers believe that when freshmen and sophomores begin networking years before they graduate, it increases their chances of not only finding a job right away – but finding a job they know they’ll enjoy.
Nowak added that The ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Network is not a traditional networking event, explaining how all participants are color-coded so students can easily identify who they want to talk to.
For more information on The ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Network, contact Nowak at mnowak@elon.edu or by following the project on Facebook and Twitter at: