“When you ask students what the number one business skill for the 21st century might be, they almost unanimously state: ‘networking,’” says Master of Management (M.Mgt) Professor Rob Elkington.  

Students from the M.Mgt program, in collaboration with Professor Elkington and other M.Mgt faculty and staff, organized a networking event at the Trent University Durham GTA campus, where more than 50 students networked with 15 organizational leaders. 

Several students were offered opportunities through the event, and other students reported an increase in their self-confidence and -efficacy. 

The M.Mgt networking event arose because of the students’ desire to meet and build connections with Canadian industry leaders, with the goal of earning internship and employment opportunities. 

M.Mgt student Shenjuti Zaman, who helped organize the event, says the evening was particularly helpful for international students who are looking to build new connections in Canada.  

“Establishing networks is crucial when starting fresh in a new country, aiming to establish a foothold within the professional community,” says Zaman. 

Another M.Mgt student and organizer, Olayinka Pereira-Atoyebi, says speaking with the career professionals helped her explore different career fields, learn more about opportunities available, and tie her academic knowledge from her program to the real-world. 

“It exposed me to professionals from diverse fields that I might not have been able to meet, if not for the networking event. They offered valuable advice on preparing for the Canadian workforce which will guide me after graduation,” says Pereira-Atoyebi. 

Stay tuned for future events and learn more about the Master of Management program at Trent University.