Network Now for career success
by Geraldine Hinter
Network
Now was a golden opportunity for students and graduates to meet and
network with UniSA Alumni high achievers and industry leaders at
UniSA’s biggest ever Network Now dinner held in August.
For some students and graduates it was the perfect opening for frontline access to their future employer, with job prospects and success stories still unfolding.
As part of Network Now, three hosts comprising high achievers and industry leaders were seated with six students or graduates at each table. After each course students and graduates changed seats, giving them the chance to meet new people and practice their networking skills.
Industry leader and Managing Director of Boylen Media, Tim Boylen was among the 138 table hosts at the dinner, which was attended by about 275 UniSA students and graduates.
"Network Now is a great forum for students to question employers in a non-threatening environment. They can seek advice and ask questions that they normally wouldn’t ask and get a frank reply," Boylen said.
"It also gives students and graduates access to business owners and senior executives, who they might struggle to meet in the normal course of business.
"From an employer perspective, it puts us in contact with future employees who are talented and proactive. It is a showcase of the best and brightest.
"Our company is talking to one person who attended Network Now and even if we find that the person isn’t the right fit for us, I am sure this person will be an asset for one of our business allies."
For those students who express an interest in a firm and hand over a business card, but don’t always follow up, Boylen says this is a missed opportunity.
Boylen continues to be involved in Network Now because he understands the importance of this type of event and wants to give something back to students and graduates.
"When I was young I had mentors and people who helped me and now I have the opportunity to do the same for people who are starting out in this industry. I think it’s really important to keep that cycle going and UniSA does a fantastic job in organising this event," he said.
HomeStart Finance was the main sponsor of Network Now, along with some of the table hosts who sponsored part of the cost, making this year’s dinner more affordable than ever for students and graduates.