The evening of April 16, a very unique event took place – an event that broke down silos and traditional thinking about post-secondary education.
Students from the Integrated Marketing Communications program at Conestoga College joined students from Laurier University and University of Waterloo in a joint networking initiative organized by the Laurier Launch Pad and IMC programs.
The intent was to bring the students together to “collide”, to learn how to network, and to understand the value of networking.
The university students are launching new businesses and the college students have skills to help a business communicate its story to its target markets – through an IMC plan. Some very valuable connections were made throughout the evening.
Workshop leader Dr. Wayne Chang provided some basic networking tips and explained the bigger picture with regard to networking – how well-tended networks can expand and be of long range value.
Some key points:
It’s all about people and relationships, not how many people are in your Linked In network, or how many ‘friend’ you on Facebook.
It’s more about the personal, maintaining connections, a willingness to give to your network before you expect something in return, and surrounding yourself with interesting people.
Many business cards were exchanged, connections created, and seeds planted for potential future growth.
The event was a pilot project and will be evaluated for its value by attendees. It may become a regular event between the participating institutions.
Some memories of the evening:
IMC students included Andrew Henderson, Valerie Tyschenko, Dawn Gollan, Akki Potdar, and Rushmi Deol.
IMC student Martin Guzman networks with another student.
Dr. Wayne Chang led a workshop on the value of networking.
IMC students Dawn Gollen and Rushmi Deol talk with one of the event organizers Dave Inglis of the Laurier Launch Pad.
