Students learn to network for the future at social event

A small group of UW-River Falls students recently got a crash course in how to behave in the business world, from the right way to shake hands to lessons in working a room.

The Networking Social held by Career Services was held on April 5 for the students of UWRF to help them start networking for their futures. The Networking Social was a free event for students to go to so they could build up their networking circle. Interaction with business professionals is critical for understanding how to behave in the business world, according to the Career Services website.

Career Services hosted the event and Target sponsored it. Target sent in four or five representatives to seek out the top talent that UWRF has to offer.

“We hope this event will bring students together and help them master skills in networking,” said Melissa Wilson, director of Career Services and organizer of the Networking Social event.

There was an event set up in the past but was organized by students and was not that successful in the past.

“This event is designed to be a small event for a close networking with the Target executives,” said Wilson. “We want this experience to be as real as it can be to how these networking socials are once students begin their careers.”

Any student who was interested could go. The event was not specific for any major or year in school the student was.

“We are essentially helping students prepare for future meetings or conference room events within their workplace,” said Wilson. “We are helping them build their own individual network.”

There were 30 students that signed up for the event along with the Target Recruiting Specialists or Executive Team Leaders from the stores.

The Target executives that attended have the capabilities of following up with a student if they see potential in them and fitting a standard that would work within their company.

The design of the small event will allow the maximum communication between the students and the Target executives.

The layout of the event started out with 15 minutes of students only with explanations of how it will work with the executives. Then the last 45 minutes was devoted to students to interact with the executives and learn as much as they could.

One UWRF senior said he was disappointed he couldn’t go.

“Networking is one of the biggest things when you are trying to get a job,” said Nick Dahm, an agricultural engineer and technology major. Two freshmen students, Jordan Crockett and Gabriel Dwyer, also thought this event was important for students to go to so they could build up their network for the future.

“Networking is how we connect with others,” said Dwyer. “Knowing the do’s and don’ts of networking will help in the future.”

This networking social is one of many events Career Services hold for students. There are also other events that help students prepare for their career future like the Etiquette Dinner, Runway to Success and Mock Interview Day.

“This is just one event and one way that students can become better prepared for the future,” said Wilson.