Networking And Building Connections
The word networking can feel intimidating, like you need to have long-standing relationships before you can even start. The truth? As a Binghamton University student, you already have access to an incredible network of faculty, staff, alumni, employers, and peers.
A helpful way to think about networking is simply as building connections. Your network isn’t just supervisors or professionals, it’s anyone you learn from, collaborate with, or who helps you grow. In other words, your network is more powerful, and more accessible, than you might think!
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The Fleishman Career Center is here to support you at every stage of this process, helping you build meaningful connections, gain career clarity, and navigate the opportunities that come your way.
Fleishman Career Center Signature Networking Opportunities
The Fleishman Career Center offers a variety of ways to connect with alumni and employers in fields that interest you, from online platforms and tools to skill-building sessions and large-scale recruitment fairs. These opportunities are designed to help you explore careers, grow your network, and gain valuable insights from professionals. See some of our signature events below!
The Skills Lab at The Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development provides a collaborative space for students to learn and practice industry-relevant skill sets, taught by our alumni and employer partners. Each Skills Lab will be approximately 75 minutes, consisting of opportunities to learn about the professionals’ career path and engage in the hands-on skill development portion of the experience.
Students will leave the Skills Lab having expanded their professional network and practiced a tangible, in-demand job skill — from project management to personal branding. Learn more about the Skills Lab initiative or check our events calendar for upcoming opportunities.
The Fleishman Career Center plans Job and Internship Fairs every semester. Students of all majors and class years are encouraged to participate in these fairs to network with representatives from organizations recruiting for job and internship opportunities. Even if a student is not ready to apply for jobs or internships yet, attending the Job and Internship Fair is recommended as a way to explore career options, grow their professional networks and get comfortable interacting with employers.
- Fall: The fall Job and Internship Fair is the largest campus recruiting event of the year and typically has about 150 employers and 2,000 students in attendance. This fair is held in the Events Center and is a way for any student to explore opportunities across all industries.
- Spring: The spring Job and Internship Fairs are more industry-specific events. Typically, 2–3 fair options are offered, and students are welcome to attend any and all. The more focused fair format allows students to browse employers in a narrower industry range that align closely with their interests.
Career consultants provide tips and resources to help students be successful at the Job and Internship Fair. Visit our resources page to learn more.
The CONNECT program is an opportunity for students to explore organizations and industries in a variety of cities across the country and connect with alumni from some of our largest alumni populations. Designed for career exploration and development, CONNECT allows students to explore a city of interest, connect with alumni and local professionals, and get insider access to different organizations. The program is a collaboration between the Fleishman Career Center and the Office of Alumni Engagement.
CONNECT consists of a series of Employer Treks and Networking Nights.
- Employer Treks are in-person visits to company offices. Each is unique because the agenda is determined by the hosting organization. However, most consist of a few of the following elements: a recruiting presentation, office tour, panel discussion with different employees, networking opportunities and a question and answer session. Students who attend Employer Treks get the inside scoop about hiring at the organization and have an opportunity to network with employees.
- The Alumni Association hosts a Networking Night with local alumni during every CONNECT program. This is an opportunity for students to connect with alumni living and working in that particular area to ask questions and network. Participating alumni also have an opportunity to meet other local Bearcats.
Currently, the CONNECT program travels to:
The Office of Alumni Engagement is committed to making this program financially accessible to all students and provides financial support for hotel accommodations and travel expenses for attending students.
If you are an alumni or employer looking to get involved with the CONNECT program, please email hirebing@binghamton.edu.
