Career Development presented this year’s “Evening with Professionals” last week in Biola’s Caf Banquet Room, which gave students the opportunity to talk with big-time employers.

Event allows students to network

The event presented students with the opportunity to practice their networking skills with professionals over a three course dinner including a salad. The dinner cost students $20 and allowed them to choose a different table for each 25 minute course.

The evening incorporated several different industries, ranging from the entertainment industry to non-profit organizations.

This year’s event featured guests from businesses including Target, Mattel, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Disney, Peace Corps, NBC Universal, Union Rescue Mission, World Vision, Saddleback Church, Open Doors, Pasadena Child Development and Caliber Media Group. Career services decided to host the event again after a healthy turnout last year. This time, a total of 86 students showed up, doubling last year’s attendance and filling each table.

Career Development provides variety of resources

“We wanted to provide students with different resources they could tap into,” said Mark Matthes, associate director of Career Development Services. “We wanted entertainment, media, creative arts, distribution companies, retail. We also wanted something international, so we invited the Peace Corps.”

Matthes said this blend of corporations will help students reach outside of Biola and into the community.

Event pushes students out of Biola bubble

“This will really help students get out of the Biola bubble,” said sophomore Danielle Decena.

Students said they were especially excited to sign up to get a seat at the table with Richard Ramsey, the vice president of human resources at Walt Disney Co. During each course, students were encouraged to ask professionals questions about internships, job opportunities and business advice. Students who took advantage of the opportunity have a good chance of landing jobs and internships, according to Career Development.

“We have four students working for Target as a result of last year’s ‘Evening with Professionals,’ said Tim Bartlett, the district assets protection manager of Target. “The unique thing about this event is that it gives students an opportunity to talk to professionals they normally wouldn’t have access to,” Matthes said.

Matthes said the goal of “Evening with Professionals” was to help students feel more comfortable talking with people in the business world.

“Students need to have exposure and chances to practice their networking skills in this type of setting,” said Jeanie Jang, director of Career Development services.

Students are used to networking online

It is especially important to give students this exposure because they are used to using social networking as their prime mode of communication, Jang said. Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter make networking easier, but cannot replace the significance of a firm handshake. Talking with professionals helps students build confidence in their communication skills.

At each table, students were encouraged to ask professionals questions. Students could expect to receive advice about interviews and ways to better their resumes.

“I sat at the table for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and they showed me my weaknesses and strong points in my resume,” said junior Carolyn Caldwell.

The professionals also expressed willingness to give information involving internships and job opportunities. Many of the guest professionals gave out business cards and welcomed students to contact them after the event.

At the end of the evening, the visiting professionals said Biola students left a good impression.

“The most important thing I look for when hiring is integrity, and the level of character at Biola seems to be higher than other schools,” Bartlett said.

“Many professionals are looking to hire leaders, and Biola is a good source for that,” said David Alford, director of church planting at Saddleback Church.

Throughout the evening, students and professionals exchanged smiles, along with resumes and business cards. “This is an event you can’t pass up,” said Decena.