Speed Networking Blitz’s through UMSL
The UMSL Marketing Club recently hosted their fall ‘Speed Networking’ event, at the JC Penney Center last Thursday, December 4th. Similar to speed dating, students rotate down isles of tables every three minutes only talking to recruiters from top local companies versus potential mates. The opportunity gives any student a chance to practice their ‘elevator talk’ during a time where virtual disruption minimizes face-to-face interaction while networking. Representatives from fourteen different organizations, ranging from newer startups like LockerDome to national brands such as Red Bull met with students while along the way gaining insights and forging new professional relationships.
Pier Alsup of Anheuser-Busch Credit Union noted events like these “Allow recruiters to know how students think, while helping students with their communication skills. The more you talk, the more you will enhance”. Glowing with excitement and passion, Angela LaRocca of Unidev stated that ‘Speed Networking’ was “Adventitious to strengthen the relationship we have with UMSL and tell students what I wished someone told me. I like to be a people connector and help students anyway I can. Events like these (Thankfully) force everyone out of their comfort zone”. While students got a prep talk from the UMSL Career Services office beforehand, the general consensus before walking down the hall was nervousness mixed with an intention to “Gain connections” and “Reduce the talking stress”. UMSL senior Greg Smith felt that completing the table rotation allowed him a hands-on, first time approach with communicating while making industry-wide connections. As for the best advice shared by all attending recruiters? Have a plan, and follow your passion! Calleb Geuns of Red Bull dared everyone to “Dream big, and create a goal that will take you there”; while Chris Osbourne added that it was crucial to use your career as an opportunity to “Feed your passions”.
A special thanks to all recruiters and everyone at UMSL who made the event a success. Students can look forward to a spring edition of ‘Speed Networking’ in 2015.
Thank You to All the Companies and Individuals that Participated in the Event
- Wes Morgan Morgan Studio/East
- Mark LaRocca Casino Queen
- Pier Alsup Anheuser-Busch Credit Union
- Caroline Sullivan Chubb
- Nick Bouras LinkedIn University
- Angela LaRocca Unidev
- Pamela Franklin Creatives On Call
- Mark Sanders LockerDome
- Caleb Geuns RedBull
- Ryan Davis Scottrade
- Bob Mathis Digital Intersection
- Matt Kamp Influence & Co.
- Chris Osborne BizLibrary
- Pat Hawn MarketVolt
Author
This article was written by Chase Kohler, a University of Missouri – St. Louis Social Media Marketing and Communications Undergraduate student and UMSL Marketing Club Member, a Collegiate Chapter of the AMA.
From: UMSL Digital Mindshare