Early reviews of networking expos are positive, but room for improvement remains
Cristina Martin Explains
Cristina Martin, WG'07
Issue date: 9/25/06 Section: Perspectives
According to MBACM, the "NEW Networking Expos replace second-year only EISs and focus exclusively on providing second-year students with opportunities to network with company representatives across a broad range of industries.
Based on student-feedback, these events are designed to enable direct student-employer interaction." This is a direct quote from the MBACM email sent on September 5th. Was this NEW program successful?
Beginning last Friday, continuing through Tuesday September 19th, many second years attended MBACM's new model for improved face-time with recruiters. The premise was that by signing up in advance for 1.5 hour time slots, for any of all of the three days, second years would have the opportunity to meet recruiters, sign their names on a sign-up sheet and gather information in a more effective manner than in EISs, which typically crowded about 30+ students into a classroom for a company's presentation.
At the Networking Expo, each recruiter was assigned a tall, round networking table that students could approach to discuss the firm, the student's interests, the opportunities available, and hopefully, to make a connection. The idea makes sense, but did it work?
Many of us are familiar with the post-presentation frustration of a traditional EIS. Eager students ask questions, then the official meeting is dissolved for informal chatting with the company representatives.
To me, it always felt a like a feeding frenzy. How can you really be expected to be genuine when you are battling it out with dozens of other classmates, and even more awkward, friends, to have a meaningful discussion with the recruiters? To students and to MBACM, a networking expo seemed like an ideal solution.
While the feedback I've received has been mixed, unfortunately, it has mostly been negative. Some tables, such as BCG's, had about a 7-to-1 ratio of students to recruiters, plus there were all the students lingering in the background waiting for some people to clear out so they could fill their spots.
Based on student-feedback, these events are designed to enable direct student-employer interaction." This is a direct quote from the MBACM email sent on September 5th. Was this NEW program successful?
Beginning last Friday, continuing through Tuesday September 19th, many second years attended MBACM's new model for improved face-time with recruiters. The premise was that by signing up in advance for 1.5 hour time slots, for any of all of the three days, second years would have the opportunity to meet recruiters, sign their names on a sign-up sheet and gather information in a more effective manner than in EISs, which typically crowded about 30+ students into a classroom for a company's presentation.
At the Networking Expo, each recruiter was assigned a tall, round networking table that students could approach to discuss the firm, the student's interests, the opportunities available, and hopefully, to make a connection. The idea makes sense, but did it work?
Many of us are familiar with the post-presentation frustration of a traditional EIS. Eager students ask questions, then the official meeting is dissolved for informal chatting with the company representatives.
To me, it always felt a like a feeding frenzy. How can you really be expected to be genuine when you are battling it out with dozens of other classmates, and even more awkward, friends, to have a meaningful discussion with the recruiters? To students and to MBACM, a networking expo seemed like an ideal solution.
While the feedback I've received has been mixed, unfortunately, it has mostly been negative. Some tables, such as BCG's, had about a 7-to-1 ratio of students to recruiters, plus there were all the students lingering in the background waiting for some people to clear out so they could fill their spots.
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