Tartan 2 Professional: An Evening of Networking

(PITTSBURGH, Pa.) – On Monday, September 9, The Career & Professional Development Center (CPDC) partnered with the Athletics department to host a Tartan 2 Professional, an employer networking session from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Legacy Plaza.

Approximately 20 companies were in attendance, and more than 125 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 a variety of employers representing fields in engineering, healthcare, banking, accounting, business, manufacturing, internet and software, legal and law enforcement, consulting, retail, and more. The casual outdoor setting lends for a relaxed environment where great contacts can be made.

“Although many of the companies were looking for upperclassmen interns, I would still recommend underclassmen attend because I gained valuable networking experience from the event,” said sophomore Megan Hu. “I preferred this event over large career fairs because the smaller event was in a friendlier and less intimidating environment. I was able to talk to employers for as long as needed without worrying about a long line of student waiting.”

This specific event comes in conjunction with other career fairs hosted by the Career & Professional Development Center each fall where more than 200 companies come to campus for all Carnegie Mellon students to engage in conversation.

“What makes this event special for our athletes is the opportunity it provides to interact with employers seeking candidates with their skill sets, which have come as a result of participating in collegiate athletics,” said Amanda Halula, a CPDC staff member responsible for the coordination of the event. “Tartan student- athletes are able to build personal connections that provide them with a first-hand perspective on career & professional opportunities. Further emphasizing that skills acquired through athletics are beneficial to success in life after sport.”

Senior track and field athlete Marvin Bennett Jr. has attended each year and has left the event with tips on application and interview processes. “I think this is a good event because it gets you a good amount of information for the companies you’re interested in and also gets you warmed up for the job search process.”