Networking Events? What's the Point?

By Shahd Khawaja

With all the networking events that take place at Purdue, from alumni meet and greets to graduate school panels, one is bound to take notice. Despite this, a thought may come to mind that questions the use of such networking events. One may ponder at the use of meeting people that will probably never remember them, or attend fairs that don’t contain the school they wish to join later on. The point is being missed and consequently, people miss out. Attending networking events allows you to exchange contact information with the guests of the event, and even if the person you exchange information with does not remember your name, being able to say that you previously met them at an event at Purdue will provide a valid connection. You may be applying for a position at a company one day and remember that you met someone at a networking event who works for that very same company. Your connection will be able to send you tips on how best to apply and you may have an advantage over other applicants. For fairs that contain schools you don’t wish to go to in the future, attending the fair will give you general information on what the best way to approach the application process is. Never miss out on such opportunities as they are what may make the difference in whether or not you’re accepted for a position in a company, or a place in a graduate program.