Sometimes, the best way to connect with people for the future is to reach out to people from the past.
Bringing together both current OU students and alumni in the area, Charlotte Networking Week from Feb. 21 to 23, is an annual tradition in Charlotte, N.C., that strives in creating opportunities for students to get a jump start in networking and building their careers.
This year, participants will be celebrating the event’s 10th anniversary.
“Above all else, this is an opportunity for students to connect with people in their fields,” said TJ Simionik, president of the Greater Charlotte Chapter Network.
Originally created as a chance for business majors to network with others in the area, the event has grown to become accessible to students of all majors and fields.
Typically, this event garners the attention of about 70 students and 30 alumni, but Simionik hopes to bring in a bigger crowd this year.
“I want to have a larger number of students come down and explore all the available opportunities in their fields,” Simionik said.
Despite the event’s continual growth, Simionik said he doesn’t think that much will change.
Now president, Simionik said he believes that the opportunity has a great effect on students’ potential careers and hopes to influence more OU students like himself.
“We want them to see what a nice area this is to work, play and live,” said Donald Seitz, an OU alumni who attends and houses students during Charlotte Networking Week with his wife, Christine.
The event will also mark the 25th anniversary of the Charlotte Chapter.
The chapter recommends that attendees come in business attire, not jeans, for all company visits. The groups also said to remind students that they are representing themselves, but Ohio University as well.
To register, visit the chapter’s website, ohioalumni.org/charlotte-networking-week.
The $40 registration fee does not include travel or lodging arrangements. There is an additional $30 fee for round-trip travel, but space is limited.
“I hope Ohio students have the opportunity to gain valuable insight from our talented alumni volunteers,” said Dawn Werry, interim senior director and associate director for the Ohio University Alumni Association.
wa054010@ohiou.edu
If You Go:
What: Charlotte Networking Week
When: Feb. 21-23
Where: Charlotte, N.C.
Admission: $40 registration fee, $30 round-trip fee (space is limited)
