Students will have the opportunity to network with some of the nearly 300 alumni working in Grand Rapids at Career Services’ Alumni Networking Reception next Thursday, March 1.
“Networking is vital to finding and securing professional opportunities, whether an internship, summer job, or post-graduate position,” said Roma Rogers, program manager and internship coordinator.
Rogers said networking also provides students with industry professionals to seek advice from and learn more about different jobs.
“Often, companies have positions that aren’t listed externally,” Rogers said. “Still, someone in your network may know of an opening, or they can refer you directly to the hiring manager and bypass some screening processes. Every little bit helps.”
This year, two Career Services staff members will be driving and attending. Career Services will provide transportation to Grand Rapids which is scheduled to leave campus at 3:30 p.m, and arrive back on campus around 11:30 p.m.
“We have alumni working in a wide array of industries in Grand Rapids,” said Kenneth Koopmans, executive director of Career Services, “including banking, finance, medicine, education, think tanks, local government, retail, manufacturing companies, and some in law.”
Both Rogers and Koopmans said this trip will be beneficial to students looking for summer internships, or graduates looking for jobs.
“The Grand Rapids alumni have been extremely supportive of students, one another, and the college,” Koopmans said. “These events allow students to network with local alumni and learn about potential summer internships or jobs.”
Career Services’ next networking trip is to Lansing on March 29. Students can register for the on Handshake.
