Tartans Spend Evening Networking

(PITTSBURGH, Pa.) – On Tuesday, September 11, The Career & Professional Development Center (CPDC) partnered with the Athletics department to host a Student-Athlete & Employer Networking session from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Legacy Plaza.

Approximately 30 employers were in attendance, and more than 175 student-athletes attended the event and networked with employers to discuss career opportunities. Freshmen to seniors, from all different sports, were excited to meet with such a variety of employers representing different industries. The students remarked that the casual setting led to a more relaxed environment than a typical career fair, and they were able to make a lot of great contacts.

“The student athlete-networking event is an extremely important event every year, because it gives the opportunity for student-athletes to get to know companies on a more personal level,” said junior women’s basketball athlete Makayla Filiere. “I specifically went because there were a couple companies I was really interested in asking questions and learning more about future internship opportunities they provide, as well as the event is great practice for future interviews and networking events.”

Each fall, the Career & Professional Development Center hosts three career fairs on campus allowing all students the opportunity to engage with potential employers. The Employment Opportunities Conference (EOC), the Business Opportunities Conference (BOC) and Spark (Startup Companies) all take place in the fall. The Society of Women Engineers also hosts the Technical Opportunities Conference (TOC) which is the largest of the career fairs and attracts over 200 employers. All the career fairs are heavily attended by the students and result in many interviews and subsequent job opportunities.

“The event is also really neat because you get the potential to interact with CMU alumni; for example, last night a CMU recruit said she lived on the hill and I happened to as well, so we talked about the dorms and facilities in addition to the company I was interested in,” added Filiere. “The event allows you to get to know recruits for more than just their job.”

"This networking event is an exciting opportunity for our student-athletes, and also for the employers," said Director of Athletics Josh Centor. "Each year, internships and jobs are offered as a direct result of the meetings that transpire on this evening."