On April 10, 2025 Hamline students were given an opportunity to learn and practice valuable networking skills with Hamline alumni. The event took place on the first floor of the Anderson Student Center, and was attended by an expansive list of alumni and students. The night began with a short presentation on the skills one should be using when applying for jobs in the current competitive job market. Nicole Ferrer, Associate Director of Conference and Event Management explained that in order to stand out from other job candidates, confidence in oneself is essential.
“Get comfortable giving your own elevator pitch, your own pedestal to stand on. That should be the main takeaway from this,” Ferrer said.
With repeated breaks throughout the night to discuss skills that one should have in their back pocket during networking events, such as a proper handshake, making sure to have at least one free hand to greet others, and how to properly enter and exit a professional conversation. Students were given plenty of opportunity to connect with alumni and absorb the atmosphere of a networking event. The event provided a welcoming space to ask questions and meet others comfortably.
“One of the best things about this is being able to practice skills in a safe environment,” Assistant Provost Lisa Nordeen said.
With a lower stakes environment, students were less pressured to perfect the newer concept of networking and interviewing as a candidate for a job. With this being some of the first exposure many students had to the idea and practice of networking, a lower stakes environment was the perfect arena for practice.
In the increasingly competitive job market, the skills both taught and practiced at this networking event are extremely valuable for students to have.
“I think this experience, even though it’s in a group setting and more public than a one on one interview, students can still take away the foundational aspects of tonight,” Ferrer said.
These foundational skills are ones not every student is given during their university experience. In the coming years, Hamline hopes to host more events with a similar goal of preparing students for the job market once they graduate.
“Something that used to exist and will come back is a mock interview program, where students can practice interview skills in a low stakes environment,” Director of Student Success and Career Integration Kate Johnston said.
With low-stakes environments to practice essential skills to excel in an increasingly competitive job market, Hamline students are given the opportunity to get a headstart on developing expertise in this area.