Students Engage Local Professionals in Speed Networking Exercise

Event Designed to Hone Interviewing Skills Students were the beneficiaries Wednesday evening (March 25) when Wilmington College drew upon the experience and expertise of local professionals to participate in a speed networking exercise. (LEFT) Senior Spencer Robles speaks with Renee LaPine, president is EMSAR, and senior Tyler Carter is interviewed by Gary Stover, Website and social media manager at Wilmington College. The Center for Career Services sponsored the event that was designed to give students experience in a quasi-interview sessions from which they would receive feedback. About two-dozen persons — whose careers range from business and law to medicine, government, journalism, entrepreneurship and modern technology communications — "interviewed" WC students whose interests encompass a similar range. Based on the popularity of speed dating, the speed networking exercise had students move from professional to professional in five-minute time slots during which they introduced themselves, presented an elevator speech about themselves and shared their career plans and aspirations. The professionals provided written evaluations for each student they interviewed in such areas as first impressions, mannerisms, eye contact, communication skills and suggestions for improvement in self-presentation.