Spring Break
Students utilize networking groups
Janhavi Purohit & Stephanie Takach
Issue date: 2/27/09 Section: News
Networking has become an academic tool that students use to share information that will help them become better connected in their respective field of work.
According to Allen Sabinson, dean of the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design, networking is an important part of the curriculum for students.
"The fields that we teach in our college are extremely competitive, and employment is not in big companies. Most employment opportunities are one of a kind, and you've got to become a networker," Sabinson said.
Sabinson said Westphal often brings individuals from the industry to critique the work of the students in order to give them a chance for involvement with the industry, as well as relevant perspective on their work.
He said another important part of networking is doing so among peers while in college.
"You need to network with your classmates, because after college, either you'll be hiring them or they'll be hiring you," Sabinson said. "Network heavily among friends on their co-ops; they can give you more contacts."
At the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, a young professionals group, Forte, gives students the opportunity to network with those in the arts.
According to their mission statement, Forte provides broad and diverse programming to a broad and diverse audience.
"Networking is crucial, particularly for young professionals in their 20s and in the art world where creative collaborations and new projects are frequently born over martinis and coffee," Marlene Brito, community relations manager, said.
According to Brito, one's network of contacts will ultimately become their source for references, jobs, new projects and support in professional endeavors. These events can often be an opportunity to gain insight into other career fields and industries in a casual atmosphere.
"[The Kimmel Center] wants to ensure that young professionals in this city know that they have a place at the Kimmel Center and to provide a place for young art lovers to network socially and professionally," Brito said.
She said Forte is a group of socially conscious, young art lovers who get together to have a good time, go out to shows and networking mixers and have a presence in the local arts scene.
Forte's role, like that of many young professional organizations in the City, is to give young professionals a voice.
"In our case, we give the City's young professionals a voice in the arts and a stake in what we do as an institution," Brito said.
Brito added that Forte looks forward to partnering with other professional groups down the road.
Forte is hosting an event at the Kimmel Center Feb. 28 for performing arts fans ages 21-40 in the K Lounge on Tier 2, following a Bang on a Can All-Stars' performance.
According to Allen Sabinson, dean of the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design, networking is an important part of the curriculum for students.
"The fields that we teach in our college are extremely competitive, and employment is not in big companies. Most employment opportunities are one of a kind, and you've got to become a networker," Sabinson said.
Sabinson said Westphal often brings individuals from the industry to critique the work of the students in order to give them a chance for involvement with the industry, as well as relevant perspective on their work.
He said another important part of networking is doing so among peers while in college.
"You need to network with your classmates, because after college, either you'll be hiring them or they'll be hiring you," Sabinson said. "Network heavily among friends on their co-ops; they can give you more contacts."
At the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, a young professionals group, Forte, gives students the opportunity to network with those in the arts.
According to their mission statement, Forte provides broad and diverse programming to a broad and diverse audience.
"Networking is crucial, particularly for young professionals in their 20s and in the art world where creative collaborations and new projects are frequently born over martinis and coffee," Marlene Brito, community relations manager, said.
According to Brito, one's network of contacts will ultimately become their source for references, jobs, new projects and support in professional endeavors. These events can often be an opportunity to gain insight into other career fields and industries in a casual atmosphere.
"[The Kimmel Center] wants to ensure that young professionals in this city know that they have a place at the Kimmel Center and to provide a place for young art lovers to network socially and professionally," Brito said.
She said Forte is a group of socially conscious, young art lovers who get together to have a good time, go out to shows and networking mixers and have a presence in the local arts scene.
Forte's role, like that of many young professional organizations in the City, is to give young professionals a voice.
"In our case, we give the City's young professionals a voice in the arts and a stake in what we do as an institution," Brito said.
Brito added that Forte looks forward to partnering with other professional groups down the road.
Forte is hosting an event at the Kimmel Center Feb. 28 for performing arts fans ages 21-40 in the K Lounge on Tier 2, following a Bang on a Can All-Stars' performance.
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