Students Make Career Connections in 'Second-Year Experience' Class' Final Networking Event

Photo Submitted

A new "Second-Year Experience" course offered in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences marked the end of its successful pilot run with a "networking final" for its students.

The networking final, which was hosted in the Student Success Center of the Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence, was designed for students to put into practice the ideas they learned during the course, according to Lynn Meade, teaching assistant professor in Fulbright College Student Success.

"Making a networking event the final was a natural fit for the course," Meade said. "I wanted them to feel that the course and the skills they learned had meaning for them personally and would be helpful to them both in college and in their careers. This was all about students learning principles and then trying them out in meaningful ways."

During the interactive and experiential course, students advanced their skills in enhancing self-esteem, overcoming obstacles, developing leadership skills and exploring career pathways.

"I learned that [networking] connects you with individuals that you have a lot in common with," said sophomore Ethan Mete. "I received a business card from someone, and he told me to 'shoot him an email' and we can get connected and work together to help me pursue my goals and dreams."

Likewise, Meade said one student made a connection who forwarded his name to a professional career contact; another received meaningful advice on how to put failure into perspective, and another decided to join the pre-law club because of a contact made during the final.

"Career readiness is central to the undergraduate experience, so we were excited to partner with Dr. Meade on this excellent opportunity for students," said Trevor Francis, the U of A's associate vice provost and director for Student Success. "Our hope at The CORD is to continue working with faculty to offer a greater number of professional development opportunities for students, and Dr. Meade's 'Second-Year Experience' course is providing the perfect template for how we can move forward together."

Leaders from U of A Student Success, Fulbright College and the Provost's Office supported the networking event and were on hand to connect with students, including:

• Stephanie Adams, director of Faculty Development
• Dana Blaire, Writing Studio coordinator
• Chris Bryson, director of Academic Initiatives and Integrity
• Danielle Dunn, director of Academic Support and Outreach Programs
• Brian Hurley, assistant director for Academic Engagement
• Kristin Karpinski, associate director for SI Programming and Academic Coaching
• Deb Korth, assistant dean for Student Success in Fulbright College
• Michelle Pribbernow, director of Fulbright College Career Services
• Anna Zajicek, vice provost for Faculty Affairs

"Everyone did a great job introducing themselves, moving about the room and carrying on interesting and lively conversation," Karpinski said. "I was very impressed; this course should be required for all students."

Meade is offering the Second-Year Experience course again in the fall and encouraged any students from the U of A to enroll. For those interested, the course code is ARSC2003, and it will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.

"This event exceeded my expectations," Meade said. "I knew students would gain important practice at the art of small talk, but I didn't really expect that they would have such tangible and immediate success from their networking."