Making an Impact with our Students
By Linda Infranco
“The speed-networking reception was one of the best events I have attended. With just a brief moment to speak to each person, I was able to meet many wonderful people, each with so much wisdom to share. I learned so much from these leaders and am extremely grateful for this experience.”
— Haley Smith, (’16 MISE)
Students, alumni, and friends of the WSU Carson College of Business flooded the hallways of the Carson Center for Student Success last April to exchange handshakes, business cards, and engage in 12-minute discussions on career preparation and tips for corporate success.
For students in the Carson College, opportunities to network with industry leaders not only help develop professional skills, but also provide confidence needed to compete in today’s complex hiring process. Members of the college’s National Board of Advisors joined in the speed networking event to help business students excel in these important areas. Held in conjunction with the advisory board’s spring meeting, the event encouraged interaction and brought the students one step closer to perfecting the art of the interview.
Kari Oswold, vice president of strategic accounts for NuWest Group Holdings, LLC and member of the Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, provided students with valuable advice on propelling their job search and creating professional networking strategies.
“We discussed using the specific situation, task, action, result (STAR) method for answering interview questions and the value of crafting stories that showcase how their education experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, would benefit a future employer,” she says.
Tom Tripp, associate dean of undergraduate programs for the Carson College, witnessed the high energy and enthusiasm of the participants.
“Scores of students met dozens of employers and industry experts, and our board members got a great opportunity to meet more of our students,” he says.
The board members provided insights on developing viable résumés, including the addition of key words to improve the chances of being noticed by a future employer.
“It was an inviting setting, and we were all completely focused on the students’ needs and interests,” says Oswold.
The speed networking event proved to be an effective learning experience for business students who are eager and driven to showcase their talents and WSU degree in the corporate world, says Tripp.
“The event was a lot of fun. We thank everyone for participating and look forward to doing this again!”