Following Medha’s earlier article, Network 101, in which she shared with us some tips on meeting new people and bringing ourselves out in networking events, this post presents the place where you can practice your skills. Recently, Clark has opened a new building named the Alumni and Student Engagement Center, which is dedicated to student-alumni interactions. Since its opening, it has hosted many events to initiate its plan. You can check this Facebook page to get an update of recent and upcoming events.
(Photo credit: Architerra)
I happened to go to one of its first events called “Launch the Biology Networked Community!”, and found it really inspiring. I went to the Bioinformatics panel, and heard alumni talking about what they are doing, and how Clark has created chances, and shaped them as how they are now. Their stories were engaging, and they gave me more insights into how I can turn my years at Clark into a better experience. We also had the opportunity to ask alumni questions during and after the panel. I met with an alumnus who is also an international student, but got a job at Novartis, so he can officially work in the US. He gave me tips to how I can get more experience, and apply to work at a big company so my visa status is more secured. President Angel also attended the event, and had a great speech. He told us that whenever he is on a business trip, he usually comes across Clark alumni, and they all came to him and ask him how they can help Clark better. He would say that there are three options: they can either write him a check, mentor a Clark student, or help refer a Clarkie to other people in the field. All the people were laughing, and Mr. Angel asked the audience to raise their hands for the option they chose. Most of the alumni chose to help refer and mentor a current Clarkie, and this is also a purpose that the building for the interaction between Clark and alumni was built. Clark has tried its best to help us bring ourselves out to employers and recruiters from big companies by having networking events, so I think it is our turn to take this chance and practice our interacting skills because it guarantees our success in the future.
To maintain the interaction between Clark and alumni though many social events, Clark also leads the association called SARC, Student Alumni Relations Committee, which you can volunteer to help out in organizing events. I hope to see you guys on the upcoming events, and get ready to brush up on your networking skills.
