The Solution for Those Who Dread Networking Events

It can be terrifying to walk up to a complete stranger and say “Hi, I don’t think we’ve met before.” Even I, a self-proclaimed extrovert, have to give myself a mental pep talk before walking in the door.

But what if there isn’t a physical room to enter, but a virtual chatroom instead? For many, starting a conversation is so much easier in a virtual setting than a physical one. This was the concept of UNCW’s Virtual Networking Hour that took place Thursday, September 10.

Over the course of the hour, I was paired up with thirteen people. I spent the majority of the hour typing back and forth. There was only one time that I had to wait less than thirty seconds to be paired with someone. I talked to twenty-somethings looking for new jobs, experienced professionals trying to expand their network, and recruiters searching for fresh talent. Even though there were participants from all over the world and from a variety of fields, I found something in common with every person I talked to.  And, a takeaway I’ve learned from other networking events I’ve been to, I followed up with all of them on LinkedIn after the event was over.

UNCW’s Virtual Networking Hour allowed me to collect some great advice from successful UNCW alumni without the stress associated with in-person networking events. There were no nerves, no thin layer of sweat on your skin and there were no hard feelings if you entered into a chat and decided to leave. I had a great experience and I look forward to future virtual events for alumni!

UNCW Alumni Relations/Christine Schulze '15

Alumni Career Services

It’s a New Year, looking for a new career? UNCW is here for you! Alumni have the benefit of using the UNCW Career Center for employment needs and career opportunities. The Career Center has extensive programs to serve those who may be making a career change, reentering the job market, or seeking career development services.

SeaWork Career Web Site - Free access to jobs, employers and resumes through UNCW SeaWork. Search jobs and internships, post your resume for employers to review, sign up for on campus interviews, and explore employers registered for UNCW job fairs: https://www.myinterfase.com/uncw/student/home.aspx

Career Center Events - Free access to special career events such as the fall and spring Internship & Job Fairs, Graduate & Law School Day, fall and spring Education Job Fairs, Nursing Career Day, Resume Doctor Clinics and more.

Career Counseling - Counseling to explore individual career concerns is available for free within one year of graduation. After one year, alumni may work with career counselors for an annual fee of $50.

Career Assessments - Assessments help you explore your work values, career interests and work preferences. All assessments typically require work with a career counselor.

For more information and other alumni benefits visit http://www.uncw.edu/alumni/Benefits.htm.