Thirty north-east businesspeople will give the career paths of local students a head start with the return of a special networking event next month.
Business development and networking specialist Aberdeen Business Network (ABN) is organising the event, giving around 30 fourth-year students and staff from Robert Gordon University (RGU) the chance to meet professionals from a wide range of sectors.
November’s B4N @ RGU will be the third consecutive year that the event has been run with Aberdeen Business School, and will offer students taking a business creativity module the chance to gain experience in a networking environment, expand their contact books and arrange work placements with local companies.
It is also greatly beneficial for the businesspeople attending, who will have a chance to scout some of the next generation of university graduates before they enter the job market next summer.
Andrew Smith, director of ABN, said: “The events with Robert Gordon University have always been a huge success for both our members and the students attending.
“With a relaxed and informal setting, B4N @ RGU is the perfect opportunity for people to take their first steps into networking. We also make sure that all first-time attendees are assigned a ‘connector’ to help them make the most of the event.”
Tracy Pirie, marketing lecturer and module co-ordinator for business creativity at RGU, added: “This is the third year we’ve partnered with ABN for this event, and it’s really refreshing to see local businesses offering their support for the students.
“For their final assessment, the students have to pitch a creative business idea to a panel of experts, and this gives them the perfect opportunity to get a different perspective on their plans, and refine and improve them before the end of the semester.”
Among the attendees will be success story Elena Daniela Stanica, a public relations graduate who took part in a previous B4N @ RGU event, and is now the operations and marketing manager at 2 Circles Communications Northeast in Aberdeen.
She said: “As a student it is very important to gather as much practical experience as possible while at university by undertaking internships with local businesses.
“Building a network of business contacts while still a student not only proves your proactive attitude and helps you stand out at job interviews, but it can lead directly to a job opportunity.
“The B4N event is a great opportunity to meet with professionals from local businesses who have a lot of knowledge to share. You’ll have the opportunity to share your particular thoughts and questions about the industry with them and learn what to expect in your future job.”
The event will be held at the amphitheatre within RGU’s Sir Ian Wood Building on its Garthdee campus, between 5-7pm on Monday, November 2.
Tickets are available for £39 + VAT for ABN members and are free for the university’s business creativity students. Details on how to book your place can be found on the events page at www.abncommunity.com
For more information about B4N @ RGU or Aberdeen Business Network contact Andrew Smith by emailing andrew@next-business.co.uk, call 01224 619822 or visit www.abncommunity.com