Students Learn the Art of Networking

Nearly 40 students from across campus learned about the critical professional skill of networking, thanks to a February event co-sponsored by the School of Business and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

The event, “The Art of Networking with Dick’s Sporting Goods,” featured the company’s university relations recruiter, Nick Rivers, who encouraged students to “be comfortable being uncomfortable” and to “get out of their comfort zones because that is where the magic happens” to make connections. 

He also shared that it was through networking and follow-up that he successfully landed his first position with Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Laurie Valentino, internship coordinator for the School of Business who organized the event, said it was exciting to see students engaging with each other and the professional community to develop this essential skill. 

“As students focus on their candidacy and qualifications, knowing how to network and make connections will be a significant value as they pursue internships and future employment,” she said.

In addition to sharing tips and advice on networking, Rivers also discussed the internship and professional opportunities with Dick’s Sporting Goods, noting that the internship experiences provide students the chance to use their education by collaborating with professionals on real business scenarios to problem solve, research, and provide recommendations.

Current accounting major Kelsey Michener ’18 joined Rivers at the event to share her first-hand experience with the retailer. Michener completed a corporate internship with Dick’s Sporting Goods this past summer in Pittsburgh and said it was motivating to know the work she did would be strongly considered for implementation into the stores. 

Inspired by Michener’s impactful experience, Allison Smith ’19, has been accepted into the corporate program and plans to head to Pittsburgh for a summer 2018 internship.

Quite often the internship program will lead to the full-time merchandising trainee program, which Michener has accepted upon graduation. 

School of Business Dean Dr. Rama Yelkur also attended the event.

“The Art of Networking event is precisely the kind of professional development Fisher students need to prepare for internships and careers,” she said. “Our partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods provided a unique opportunity for students to network, practice, learn, and prepare for the workplace.”

Representatives from Dick’s Sporting Goods will attend the Career and Internship Fair on Wednesday, March 21.