Page 69 - WilmU Spring Summer 2013

I f it’s true that 90 percent of life is showing
up, then the hundreds of students who
poured into the Pra Student Center one
spring evening are just about on their way.
“The Power of Networking” was
Wilmington University’s way of helping students
find their path to success. It achieved that by
providing stations that served as harbors of
valuable information for job-seeking students
and recent graduates. The stations ranged from
“The Power of theWilmington University Alumni
Association” to “Dress for Success” to “The
Power of Social Media.”
Pi Gamma Mu, the international honor society
for eligible Behavioral Science, Psychology and
Organizational Dynamics students, sponsored
the event.
A endees learned the best ways to connect
with potential employers, impress at the
interview, and start a nonprofit organization or
business, among other information. At “Dress for
Success,” for example, guests could purchase
interview-ready clothing donated by The Resale
Boutique, an upscale consignment shop in
Wilmington, Del., as well as speak to a Career
Services representative about how to dress
appropriately for a job interview.
As a general rule, “keep jewelry to a minimum,
keep the outfit toned down and wear a nice
suit,” advised Lauren Havens, an undergraduate
career counselor who served as a representa-
tive at the event. “Even if the place you’re
interviewing is a casual environment, you still
want to dress a li le nicer for the interview than
you would if you worked there.”
Social media expert Ken Grant didn’t “dance”
around the subject of social media – he dove
right in, weighing the pros and cons of this
rapidly emerging communication tool.
Also on hand was Allison Laurant, a
representative from Stand By Me. She provides
financial coaching services to students in her
office by appointment Mondays, Wednesdays
and Thursdays. She offered students advice on
avoiding and paying down debt, as well as tools
for investing and managing money.
Pi Gamma Mu Chapter Chair Rick Carter (’12)
spoke about how to start a nonprofit, and he
brought a hardworking crew with him – students
in his training program, The Hospitality School,
who were hired to cater the event through the
school’s Second Chance Catering Service.
The school trains unemployed, under-
employed, disabled, homeless or otherwise
disenfranchised people for work in the
hospitality industry. (For more information about
the program, see page 52.)
Alumni volunteer Patricia Spratley (’10), a
co-chair of Pi Gamma Mu, said theWilmington
University Alumni Association can be a valuable
networking resource for career possibilities, as
well as a fulfilling social activity.
“Events like this are great because you are
surrounded by your peers, people who are in
the same boat as you,” she said. “It’s a really
good opportunity to make connections.” WU
Do you hold the power?
Networking event helps students find their path in career success,
interview attire, financial health and more
BY JAIME BENDER
SPRING/SUMMER