11/8/11
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Tom Zeni '71 talked about the importance of networking. |
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Kelsey Trundle '13 practiced her networking skills. |
Randolph-Macon College’s
Center for Personal and Career Development provides students with the tools they need to succeed. On Wednesday, November 2, 2011, current students and alumni met for a networking reception in Washington-Franklin Hall.
Students learned firsthand the finer points of networking as alumnus
Tom Zeni ’71, former Finance and Business Services Manager at a refinery for ConocoPhillips Co., offered advice on networking.
Zeni spoke to students about the importance of networking and offered examples on how to develop a personal network.
“I urge that you take advantage of R-MC alumni and others in your network who can assist you in your career search,” said Zeni. “They can introduce you to individuals who are involved in the hiring process within their own companies and firms. Eighty percent of all jobs are obtained through networking relationships.”
Zeni, who earned his MBA in 1975 from the College of William and Mary, says that Randolph-Macon College helped pave the way for his successful career in business. “I graduated at the very top of my MBA class,” he says. “I credit this to the liberal arts education and rigorous academic standards at R-MC.”
Following Zeni’s presentation, students put into practice what they learned by networking with Zeni and the other alumni who were in attendance:
Bill Sprinkle ’67, Senior Engineer, Virginia Department of Corrections,
Scott Sutton ’87, Director of Business Development, Froehling & Robertson, Inc.,
Cristin Traylor ’97, Attorney, McGuireWoods, and
Molly Field ’04, Administrative Coordinator and Columbarium Manager, University of Richmond.
Cathy Rollman, Director of the Center for Personal and Career Development, is thrilled that students have the opportunity to learn from alumni.
“This is an invaluable experience for students,” says Rollman. “They learn from alumni who have been in their shoes, and they realize that, through hard work and good planning, there are no boundaries. Networking is an essential component of career success, and I’m so pleased that our alumni and students have opportunities like this one to meet and interact with each other.”