Students signing up for Business Bermuda networking event
The Royal Gazette Jul 6 2010
By Alex Wright
Students have been signing up earlier than ever before for the 12th Annual College Student Networking Event (CSNE) to be held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess later this month. The event, which takes place on Thursday, July 22 between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., will feature speed networking and booth exhibits as well as a keynote speech from Damon Wade of Bermuda Gas, career seminars run by Expertise Ltd. and general networking sessions for employers and students. ”Spaces for the speed networking session in particular are filling up fast and the number of seats are limited, so students need to sign up online to make sure they get a space,” said Cheryl Packwood, CEO of Business Bermuda. “We have never had this level of interest so early in previous years, I believe it is a sign of the times.”
Chanjiv Simons, a management trainee at Butterfield Bank, who has previously attended the event, highlighted the importance of networking and the value that could be gained from the event.
“In today’s economic climate, there are a lot fewer job opportunities available,” he said. “Everybody is competing and qualified for the same jobs. What’s going to set you apart is your ability to network and make contacts with individuals who can provide good advice and a possible foot in the door.” Sponsors for the CSNE have also been confirmed, with all contributing a prize that can be won by students. Meanwhile every student who attends the event will also receive a backpack and a $5 calling card. There are 17 prizes in total, with possibly more to be announced, including a laptop provided by Butterfield Bank, a Nintendo Wii from KPMG and an iPod from Appleby for the Top Speed Networkers, an Amazon Kindle from PricewaterhouseCoopers and a BlackBerry from Digicel for the Most Impressive Professional Look (male and female), and an Apple iPad from North Rock Communications and an Xbox 360 from Emergence for the Most Participative and Enthusiastic Attendee at Career Seminars. The Best Networker prizes include a $250 travel voucher provided by Appleby and a $100 calling card from North Rock Communications, while the Most Impressive Student Overall will receive a summer internship, and the Best First Impression of Resume will get a $500 travel voucher provided by Endurance, a $250 Capital G deposit account or an iPod nano from Allied World Assurance Company. ”We are delighted with the response from our members and sponsors, as well as exhibitors, we have never had so many great prizes on offer,” said Ms Packwood. ”This is the first year we have invited companies to exhibit at the event, which has previously only allowed professional organisations to exhibit, and we are pleased with the number of companies that have signed up to date, but there is always room for more. ”Our official deadline for confirmation of exhibitor space is this Friday July 9 so do get in touch before then if you want to exhibit.” Networking coaches will be on hand to help out, led by Derek Smith of The Bermuda Careers Centre, who has driven the coaching for the event. For more information, go to www.biba.org