Over 150 students, resumes in hand, got the chance to practice their interview skills and meet with dozens of employers during BԪ’s Speed Networking Career Fair. Hosted by the Career and Professional Development department, the event brought together over two dozen companies in industries like business, marketing, healthcare, education, banking, transportation and more!
“We know how important it is for students to meet with employers in person to learn about industries, organizations, and opportunities of interest to them,” said Sara Shepherd, director of Employer Relations. “We also know that can feel very overwhelming for students. Our goal was to create a fun event for students to meet employers and let themselves shine, and they did just that.”
This event was like a career fair, but with a slightly modified format, Shepherd explained. Students were able to sit down with employers in 9-minute increments, creating a more comfortable environment for both the students and employers. Students and employers were also provided with question prompts to keep the conversations flowing. If a student had just come from class and wasn’t dressed for the event, they could pick up a professional blazer at the door for an instant outfit upgrade.
"In addition to providing connections and opportunities, we want to help students grow their confidence in introducing themselves, talking with employers, and navigating these often-intimidating networking events,” said Lyn Leis, director of Career Education. Mercy’s Career and Professional Development team offers a wide range of formats for students to engage with employers, from traditional career fairs to more informal information sessions to on-site visits at an employer’s place of business. “The Speed Networking format was one more step in helping students navigate a room professionally and get to know potential employers in a different environment," she added.
Employers were impressed by how well-prepared students were and how engaging they were, and they liked the speed networking format, according to the survey responses received.
“This was a wonderful event. I thought the "speed" function was very successful and allowed for multiple conversations with so many different students,” responded one of the employers who participated.
Students enjoyed the experience as well as the opportunity to meet with potential employers. “Getting to know different employers with limited time. I felt like this gave me a chance to showcase my interview skills without thinking about an answer too much,” responded one student in the survey.
Another responded that it felt very casual and comfortable. “I was pretty nervous before, but I was able to have so many good conversations.”
“Events like this allow students to learn about what they want in their career and push themselves through discomfort and grow professionally,” Shepherd concluded.
