University of Arkansas students assembled in the Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence to engage in a networking event, which served as the final project for the Second-Year Experience course taught by Lynn Meade, teaching assistant professor in Fulbright College Student Success.

This course is one of several offered by the Fulbright College Student Success team designed to enable students to find future professional success.

"Networking is an important aspect of our students' future endeavors, and this project prepares them for interpersonal communication in professional contexts," Meade said.  

Xavier Smith, a Fulbright College Career Connections counselor, was one of the professionals with whom students had an opportunity to visit and network.

"As a career professional, I know how beneficial the skill of networking will be for the students in the future, and it was great to be a part of their introduction to this crucial skill," Smith said. "The students brought in great experience, and it was awesome to hear about the wonderful work they are doing and planning to do."

As part of the course assignment, students wrote reflections on the process of the event. Claire Russell, a student enrolled in the course, described the importance of the class and the ways her perspectives on networking have changed during the semester.

"Networking is such a crucial part of not just the career process, but also a part of growing up and branching out from what is comfortable," Russell said. "I realize now that I do have what it takes to do these things, it's just up to me to not let my fears get in the way."

The Second-Year Experience Course is designed in three parts: looking in, looking out, and looking around.

Students look in to assess their strengths and weaknesses, look out to learn about resources in the university community, and look around at the career opportunities surrounding them. The networking event fits into this final part of the class and is aimed at helping students feel comfortable engaging with professionals. To prepare for the event, students practice handshakes, try out different discussion prompts, and work to have sustained, meaningful small talk.

The event was catered by Briar Rose Bakery and featured local guitarist Titus Meade. These elements created an event that felt special and simulated a professional setting where networking often takes place.

Additionally, many students reported feeling empowered by the event. Zoe Bragg, another student in the course, spoke highly of the event's professional partners, who helped her to feel comfortable within a professional environment.

"Something I learned from this event is that there are many people who hold important positions, and the work that goes on behind the scenes to make all these extracurricular events happen is awesome," Bragg said. "There are many people who sacrifice so much just to make sure University of Arkansas students are taken care of and have a variety of resources at our fingertips. The people I talked to today were all so sweet and I had no idea the type of information they could give me would help me this much."

The Fulbright College Student Success Team under the direction of Deb Korth, assistant dean of student success, helps students become career-ready by providing programs and courses designed to help students bridge the gap between college and their professional lives. For more information on all Fulbright College Student Success initiatives, courses, and other academic tools, visit fulbright.uark.edu/student-success.