NORFOLK, Neb – Northeast Community College students had the opportunity recently to engage with local business professionals who may eventually become their employer.
Approximately 45 students in the Accounting, Academic Transfer, Administrative Professional, Business, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, Information Technology, Paramedic, and Veterinary Technology programs met with 30 business professionals during the College’s Annual Spring Business Networking Luncheon in the Lifelong Learning Center.
“This is such a valuable opportunity for our students to experience networking with the outstanding business professionals in our community,” said Angela Shaffer, Northeast business instructor. “Additionally, students can begin to build a mentoring relationship with the professional attendees and create a lifelong connection with local organizations.”
Students who attended the luncheon were asked to circulate among the tables and engage with the business professionals.
“The Networking Luncheon hosted by Northeast Community College was a fantastic experience, said freshman Lauren Holloway, a paramedic student from Fremont. “It was an extremely beneficial opportunity for students to meet new people in a professional setting and taught us great communication skills that we will use in our upcoming careers. More students should attend events like this!”
Rylee Seim, a business student from Columbus, said it was a good opportunity to learn about the local business climate.
“The Networking Luncheon as the most wonderful experience,” Seim said. “I feel I was able to grow my knowledge about local companies. They made me feel comfortable and excited to go out into the work force.”
“The Networking Luncheon at Northeast is a great opportunity for future business professionals to meet with and learn from Norfolk’s very own business leaders, said Geoff Fisbeck, an information technology student from Valentine.
Shaffer and other business instructors at the College stress the importance of a proper appearance and respectfulness in such settings to their students.
“Students are instructed on proper networking techniques, professional dress attire, communication skills and presenting their business card.”
One of the business professionals was appreciate for being invited to the event.
“The Networking Luncheon was a great opportunity for myself and my team to invest back into the up and coming professionals from Northeast Community College, said Tanner Lancaster, an insurance agent with State Farm in Norfolk. “We enjoyed networking with these young professional and felt like we took away some very valuable things ourselves. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this great event and institution.”
Any business professional interested in taking part in next year’s Networking Luncheon may contact Shaffer at (402) 844-7297 or at angie@northeast.edu.
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PHOTO CUTLINE
Kelle Tichota, membership engagement director at the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce (second from left), speaks with Northeast Community College business students and other business professionals during College’s Annual Spring Business Networking Luncheon in the Lifelong Learning Center recently.