Connections

The word networking is so overused it risks becoming a cliché. But that doesn't change the fact that talking to people, handing out business cards - and resumes, if etiquette permits - and following up with emails or phone calls are the cornerstone of landing a good job. And networking does not stop there. Building and maintaining an array of contacts is often integral to advancing your career.

Students in Marketing Management and in International Marketing had the opportunity to hone their networking skills at the Bridging Possibilities breakfast in Toronto's historic Assembly Hall.

Executives from companies such as BBDO, Xerox, Labatt Breweries, Canada Basketball, Consumer Impact Marketing and Mosaic took advantage of the casual setting to meet students and describe the opportunities in their field or company.

Maria Freschi-Acosta, a Frito-Lay executive and International Marketing graduate, was the keynote speaker. She spoke about how the program benefited her career and described the experience that led to her dream job at Frito-Lay. She also encouraged the students to continue making connections. "Networking is not just looking for a job. Everyone can be a point of contact."

Even the experience of planning the event gave students some valuable experience. "Bridging Possibilities was a good start to event marketing," says Melissa Foy, who headed up the team that made the brochures and the PowerPoint presentation, as well as promoting and organizing the event. This experience will prove beneficial at her job placement with the Toronto Jazz Festival.

Andrew Norgate and Daniel Noble also lent a hand in putting together the event. They surveyed their classmates for interesting employment opportunities, then researched the companies to identify key players. Using Internet search engines, the Yellow Pages and a list of their classmate's acquaintances they compiled a roster of potential employers. Next, they sent out the brochures and flyers and followed up with a telephone call. "I certainly developed my sales skills," says Andrew. "We had to get people excited about the programs and the event itself."

Daniel says the planning process taught him invaluable skills, such as taking initiative and building relationships over the phone and through emails. "I learned to sell. Some people I spoke to knew nothing about the programs. It was the best experience for personal contact."

In preparation for meeting the executives who attended the breakfast, students prepared resumes and researched the companies and the people who accepted the invitations. "I made notes, which I tried to memorize, so that I would appear prepared," says Serkan Kulaca, a Marketing Management student. "I slipped the index cards into my inside jacket pocket, and when no one was looking I would pull them out and check them."

Serkan says the event gave students the opportunity to try different approaches. "We would practice being passive with one employer then assertive with the next. We read their body language and learned to adjust our approach to the individual."

Brian Yonemura admits that this was his first experience meeting industry executives. "Before the event I was shy. I didn't know what to say or how to present myself. At Bridging Possibilities I could practice my interviewing skills. If I made a mistake, I could try something else. If something worked well, I could do it again the same day."

Students also had the opportunity to tap the hidden job market. "It was the best opportunity for relationship building," Daniel Noble says. "Even if there was no job, they took your resume and will remember you. The event was about self-promotion that will open doors later."

Some students didn't have to wait until later: George Giantspoulos of Canada Basketball made room for a couple of students right away. "I was so impressed that I took on two students for a work placement. I had difficulty narrowing it down to two, and Guillermo Acosta, the Program Coordinator, suggested I take both." Giantspoulos says the event was an excellent networking opportunity not only for the students, but for him as well. "I hadn't had any relationship with Humber before, but I will be there again next year."