Students Discover the Art of Professional Conversation

Students enrolled in "Navigating Your Personal and Professional Growth," a course offered by Fulbright College, recently gained firsthand experience in professional communication during an end-of-semester networking event designed to build confidence, foster connections, and enhance career readiness. 

Lynn Meade, teaching associate professor, emphasized that learning how to engage others in meaningful conversation is a critical life skill. "The ability to be in a room with peers and professionals and engage in conversation is essential," Meade said. "Students in my class learned how to listen well and ask thoughtful questions that spark authentic dialogue. It's not small talk at all — it's about making big connections." 

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, communication is a core career readiness competency.  In response, Meade incorporated weekly practice into the course. Students regularly stood, shook hands with classmates, and used conversation prompts to initiate and sustain dialogue. These prompts were designed to be adaptable across professional and social settings. Rather than demonstrating their learning through a traditional exam, students applied their skills in a realistic networking experience. 

The culminating event was held in a professional meeting space within the Cordia Harrington Student Success Center and featured catered refreshments to mirror a formal networking environment. Ten campus professionals attended, and students were challenged to "work the room," engaging in conversations with multiple professionals throughout the event. 

Chris Bryson, executive director of Academic Initiatives and Integrity, was among the professionals in attendance. "I always look forward to participating in Dr. Meade's networking event," Bryson said. "The environment is electric, and students work hard to practice real-life skills they will use in the months and years to come. I am consistently impressed by the communication skills of our soon-to-be graduates. This event makes me proud to be a Razorback." 

Meade noted that students' confidence grows significantly over the course of the semester. "When I first tell students they will spend 45 minutes conversing with professionals, many are understandably nervous," she said. "By the end of the semester, they have practiced, reflected, and grown in both skill and confidence." Meade added that student reflections frequently include statements such as "I am much more confident," "I feel more positive about networking," and "I now see networking as an opportunity to meet interesting people." 

One student's reflection stood out in particular: "I learned that networking doesn't have to be this big, scary thing. It can just be a conversation between two people trying to understand each other." 

"When I read that, I knew he truly understood the purpose of the experience," Meade said. "He really got it." 

The event was funded by the Cordia Harrington Student Success Center.