NYU Shanghai Networking Night

On Friday, March 21st, 130 NYU Shanghai and NYU study abroad students gathered to test the waters of the professional world by meeting with representatives of several dozen local and multi-national companies. In attendance were a number of corporations from a wide range of industries covering the arts, education, finance, tourism, publishing, technology, and more. The event emphasized learning and required students to challenge themselves by practicing networking skills, and giving practical application to the tips learned from NYU Shanghai’s career fashion show earlier in the month. 

Initially, students kept to themselves, shooting shy glances at the professionals thronged around tables and chatting to themselves. One NYU Shanghai student interested in linguistics and politics admitted that she had “borrowed everything (she was) currently wearing” because she had never before needed professional-wear. Looking sharp in a black business suit, she took a deep breath, smiled, and approached a professional to introduce herself.

As the night went on, groups of students gathered around the company representatives, some of whom were NYU alumni themselves, to listen to them talk about their own career paths, give advice, and share insights. Chancellor Yu Lizhong gave a short speech introducing the unique aspects of NYU Shanghai as a global university, and the essential role that the school will play in bridging cultures. After the speech, students and professionals again fell into conversation. “I talked to at least 10 people already. It gets easier the more you do it”, a student said happily.

At 7 PM professionals and alumni were invited to stay for a buffet-style dinner, and share their thoughts with each other, but a recruitment manager from a US-owned multinational technology company was still answering questions from a group of particularly enthusiastic students at 7:30 PM. When asked what they thought of the students, responses from participants were positive. A marketing specialist from a Shanghai-based art institution said “they are really young to be so motivated. I mean, most of them are still in their teens. When I was a freshman in university, I didn’t have as clear of a focus as some of them have.”

NYU Shanghai’s first networking event brought students and professionals from all industries and career paths together. Each professional representative in attendance showed a wonderful willingness to share knowledge and give guidance to our students. The infectious enthusiasm of each student, professional, and staff organizer combined to make the event a resounding success.