[458] MTSU ‘BEST’ speed networking fair pairs students, employers

40 employers to connect with MTSU business majors Monday, March 24

MURFREESBORO — MTSU business students looking to get a jump on their careers network with 40 prospective employers Monday during the Business Exchange for Student Talent networking event inside the Student Union Ballroom.

Sponsored by the faculty in the Management and Marketing Department within the Jones College of Business, this networking event, also known as BEST, “is a highly anticipated event by employers because it is actually more than a standard career fair,” said Bill Fletcher, director of the MTSU Career and Development Center.

Fletcher explained that the event, which runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, is structured as “speed networking,” meaning that employers will speak with a small group of students every 15 minutes. Students will move from table to table meeting with employers.

“There will be time at the end for student to go back to employers they met earlier and further discuss opportunities,” Fletcher said. “Employers rave about this format for networking with students. Whether it is a good, bad or in-between economy, networking continues to be the number one method for securing employment, and the Management and Marketing faculty are providing students with an excellent start on their networking.”

The fair is capped this year at 40 employers with full-time and internships opportunities in the fields of marketing, management and sales, organizers said. No registration is required, and all students are asked to dress professionally and bring their resumes.

“As with all networking opportunities, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression,” Fletcher said. “Therefore, students should come dressed in professional attire, with resumes, and ready to introduce themselves to employers. To get the most out of the event, and unlike a career fair, students should arrive at the beginning and plan to stay the entire time.”

For more information about the event, visit http://www.mtsu.edu/career/best.php.

The next on campus career fair is the annual Fall Career Fair scheduled for late October. For more information, contact the Career Development Center at 615-898-2500, email career@mtsu.edu or visit www.mtsu.edu/career.