Students were provided with a unique networking opportunity to connect with professionals in the social service and non-profit sector Wednesday at the Campus Y.
The Nonprofit/Social Service Careers Meet-up, a joint event through the Campus Y and University Career services, sought to bring students — particularly those on the cusp of gradation — together with possible future employers.
This event is helpful to students for numerous reasons. Emily Strader, Arts counselor and student employment coordinator, said the focus was on networking.
“Any time that you have an opportunity to get in front of a professional and talk about what they do there is tremendous learning that takes place,” she said. “It’s all about networking, that’s how people get jobs these days.”
Sue Harbour, senior assistant director for Undergraduate Business, said they wanted to give students a low-pressure environment to meet professionals in the social service and non-profit sector.
“If you want to go into this career, come talk, listen, and ask questions,” Harbour said. “Students can understand the scope of what working in non-profits really means.”
It’s no secret that everyone is on the job hunt these days. This event can be very useful in making important connections. In fact, students have walked away from this event with internship opportunities.
“So much of our economy is driven by this sector,” Strader said. “It isn’t just driven by profit industries. It is also driven by the non-profit industry and social services to help under-served populations.”
“These are the parts of society that really impact economic growth and development of society.” And wouldn’t it be nice to go into a growing field for once?
There are also some very important skills to be gained by attending this event, including holding a conversation: listening and really hearing what someone has to say while developing questions to keep the conversation going.
Students at the event agreed that it was a very valuable experience.
Senior Blais Hickey, an environmental studies and global studies double major, said he is looking for a job for after graduation.
“I’ve learned that you have to be open to a wide range of things,” he said. “This was a useful event because there are many organizations here that I would never have known of otherwise.”
Junior Anna Spickard, a biology major, said she is interested in a non-profit career in health care.
“I wouldn’t know where to start or how to reach out without events like this,” she said.
Students are not the only beneficiary party at this event — the organizations had much to gain as well.
“I love getting to network with students, especially ones interested in public service,” said Florence Matthews, manager of Recruitment for Teach for America.
“Our mission is to close the achievement gap, and students can play a role,” she said. “We want UNC students because they are service oriented, leaders and good at academics with the potential to become great teachers.”
“When you’re working in an environment where you’re contributing, then you learn about the big picture and can think big,” Strader said.
She said students often don’t know how to go about pursuing their passions.
“And now you have a resource.”
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