Following its first National Networking Day in 2012, Elon’s Alumni Association again offers a slate of networking events around the U.S.
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Alumni chapters and clubs in 15 cities are taking part in Elon’s National Networking Week, Jan. 28 – 31, 2013, with events designed to connect alumni to the university’s rapidly growing professional network.
Driven by the success of Elon’s National Networking Day in 2012, when alumni turned out in large numbers to attend events across the country, the Alumni Association has expanded this year’s schedule to give participating chapters and clubs greater flexibility in planning.
The extended schedule also allows representatives of the Alumni Association and Elon’s Student Professional Development Center to attend each event. These representatives will be on hand to provide information about the university’s career resources, including Elon’s Job and Mentor Networks.
“National Networking Week events create a wonderful opportunity for alumni to expand their professional networks and gain valuable career advice, all while reconnecting with other local alumni,” says Tom Brinkley, executive director of corporate and employer relations for Elon’s Student Professional Development Center.
“For alumni who are interested in employing or mentoring current students, these events are a time to connect with university staff and learn more about Elon’s Job and Mentor Networks,” he continues. “By working together, Elon’s Alumni Association and the Student Professional Development Center are providing an important resource to our alumni and our students.”
Last year’s networking events took on a variety of formats, as some chapters hosted networking socials and others featured small group discussions divided by various professional areas such as education, finance and banking, or real estate. In several cities, keynote speakers shared best practices for networking in today’s professional climate.
This year’s events will also differ by region. Washington, D.C. chapter members will have access to resume review sessions with knowledgeable Elon alumni, while the Atlanta chapter will host keynote speaker and Elon parent Tom Grathwohl P’11 ’13, senior managing director at GE Capital.
Elon’s Richmond Alumni Chapter will hear from career counselor Michael Wriston, owner of consulting firm Competitive Edge, and career and life coach Alix Miller, president of Avancer Coaching. Following the presentations, alumni will be assigned to small groups designed to promote interaction among new contacts.
“National Networking Week provides Elon alumni the opportunity to enhance professional marketability and potentially find career opportunities,” says John Washington ’08, co-president of the Richmond Alumni Chapter. “Overall, we hope to promote a culture that allows Elon to continue to succeed in the workplace and, as a result, attract thoughtful, ambitious students.”
A full schedule of this year’s National Networking Week events can be found here.
To register for a networking event in your area, visit www.elon.edu/alumRSVP. Please include industry and employment information, so each chapter can be better prepared to host a successful event. Contact Amanda Robinson, coordinator of regional alumni engagement, at arobinson16@elon.edu or (877) 784-3566 with questions about National Networking Week.
Alumni, parents and friends interested in connecting with Elon’s professional network throughout the year can join The Elon Network on LinkedIn.