Business students dine with alumni
The College of Business treated students to a night of dining and discussion with Utah State University business alumni Thursday night.
In conjunction with Business Week, “Dine With Business Leaders” was designed to help students connect with their major and identify future possibilities within it.
The College of Business hosted nine USU alumni who are members of the College Advancement Board.
These are people who support the university and feel it is important to mentor and assist students, said College of Business Dean Caryn Beck-Dudley.
USU has a vast number of successful alumni who can be resources to students if given the opportunity, Dudley said. Dudley said she wants students to realize what incredible potential they each have, and hopes these kinds of events will help inspire students to see all that is possible for them.
The majority of the night was spent having a question and answer session between the students and their assigned alumni.
The groups were small, making it possible for conversation between to take place everyone at the table. Topics ranged from where the students were hoping to be in 10 years, to how they planned to achieve their goals and the things that would make them stand out from their competition were discussed.
“Everyone who participated loved it,” said McKenzie Anderson, a sophomore majoring in marketing and economics who helped organize the event. “The host gave each of us so much personal attention, and got everyone excited for our future careers.
“Because of our success we are going to try to make this a monthly event, so that all of the business students can take advantage of the awesome experience.”
The students and alumni focused primarily on the importance of networking in order to find a job. Every alumni in attendance said networking is essential to success in the business world.
The best place to begin networking, is right here at USU, alumni told students. There are countless people students can create contacts with if they are willing to put themselves on the line, said Roger McOmber, a 1990 USU graduate who is currently an investment manger.
If students can learn to show their enthusiasm, knowledge, dedication and desire to be proactive they will always be able to keep a base of contacts, McOmber said.
This event served as a networking starting point for the students who participated.
Everyone has to begin somewhere when it comes to networking, and these types of events are the perfect way to get started, said Jane Rogers, a 1977 USU graduate in business education.
Those who planned “Dine With Business Leaders” were pleased with the final product.
This dinner was their first attempt to bring alumni and students together in such a close setting.
Dudley said they hope to bring different alumni to the university as often as possible.
Shauna Carter Maybe, CRP for the PASHA group closed the evening by discussing that if students want to be successful they must have a passion for what they do.
“Knowing within yourself and knowing what you are passionate about makes the difference,” Maybe said. “Go for what you want, and doors open. If you hit a wall, go back and hit it again until it opens.”
-megliso@cc.usu.edu