The Center for Student Success (CSS) hosted its annual Career Networking Night last Tuesday in the Multipurpose Activity Center to promote networking and communication with potential employers. Over 150 students and roughly 30 different organizations attended.
According to the CSS, the event helped students interact with alumni and professionals from outside organizations. Students were able to gain valuable insight into the world of networking and professional relationship building, vital career contacts, and opportunities to obtain a potential mentor.
The event had a sign in, and provided name tags for both the students and representatives of the companies. The name tags for the representatives had a color identification to show which majors they were looking for. However organizations such as the FBI said that they were interested in all majors.
Jeff Boyd, a Human Resources Executive said “a resume is like the American Express Card, you never leave home without it.” He said that the key thing about interview environments is to be able to be communicative, comfortable and confident; because there is “no cookie cutter, you need to be prepared for this,” Boyd added.
Boyd said that hiring people has been the most rewarding experience that he has had during his 30 years working in human resources.
“There is nothing like hiring an individual that wants, or needs a job,” he said.
Many of those present talked about networking and the importance of it. Networking was seen as an acquired skill essential to finding jobs from both the interviewers’ and interviewees’ points of view.
Karl Gordinier, Consultant to Career Service, expressed the significance of networking.
“Eighty-five percent of jobs come through networking,” he said. “It’s about announcing to as many people as you can, who you are. It is very important for students to learn how to greet people, or talk to people that are hiring. Networking can open doors for students to get into corporations.” “The advantage of learning to network comes from asking questions and having experience in talking about you, or how well you can sell yourself,” said Brian Sforza, a Relationship Manager for PNC bank.
Sforza also reflected that it is very easy to see if someone is prepared for an interview. He or she should have knowledge of information about the company and present himself of herself as well rounded.
Adam Grossman, a member of New Jersey State Police of 10 years, said “recruiters give accurate information about the police force. By meeting face to face with them, you can alleviate some built up stress or fear about joining. The event is beneficial, because you can take advantage of the wealth of industries around you, and it’s special because you have everyone coming to you.”
“It is important to get out there, and get people to notice me,” said Christian Mannon, a sophomore with a concentration in management marketing. “I’m here to learn about networking more than anything else, but I would really like to leave with an internship.”
“It starts with the interview,” said Anthony Scarola, a senior. “If you do well in an interview, it can lead to getting a good job. In the end, that is what we are all looking for.”
The event has grown in size and popularity over the years, however, generating awareness of the event has been a struggle.
Gordinier said that maybe 10 to 15 people would attend when they originally started the event. However, he said that the most efficient ways to attract students are through social media and faculty support.
Bayaan Oluyadi, a sophomore, said he “had to find out through the athletics department, but they need to advertise more because the event was really great.”
CSS plans to have another Career Networking Night in April.
