The Generation Connect committee is composed of thirteen young professionals who create engaging experiences and strive to build ties that help further individual careers, encourage collaboration, empower volunteerism, foster upcoming leaders and strengthen our Frederick County business community.
One of Generation Connect’s goals is to provide various spaces to promote career development for up and coming professionals in Frederick County and the surrounding area.
Recently, we partnered with Hood College’s Career Center to bring an introductory session about networking to their students. We presented various helpful hints on how to network effectively to students, had them create their own business card, and then practiced what they learned.
The helpful hints that we brainstormed and presented were:
- Have a good handshake
- Make your name tag visible and on the right side
- Utilize name recognition
- Professional dress
- Food/Drink etiquette
- Engage with intention
- Quality over quantity
In addition to all of our helpful hints, Hood’s Career Center staff presented the various resources they offer for students on campus.
Networking can be daunting and the collaboration with students on various career paths was a key part in this event being a success. Overall, we were able to meet and get to know Hood College students from a number of majors and backgrounds throughout the evening.
Shelby Maly is the Marketing and Communications Specialist for the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce and the staff liaison for the Generation Connect committee. In her role at the Chamber, she oversees social media platforms as well as other digital content including email newsletters, online articles, multi-platform campaigns and website management.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.