By Alexis Jared | Missouri State University, MO
As college students, learning to network can be daunting. This applies not only to professional settings but also to on-campus events you might attend.
A way your chapter can overcome this is by hosting networking events with additional business organizations. This creates an environment where a few familiar faces in the crowd can make students more comfortable in what can be a very uncomfortable situation.
Events like these can involve many activities or conversations, but here are some ideas to get you started!
1. Speed Networking
In this activity, members from all organizations would be instructed to split up around the room and sit at tables with students from other organizations. Each table could have a list of a few short questions for each person to answer to spark conversation. After chatting, the tablemates can exchange LinkedIn profiles so that they have a way to continue communication after the event. After a set amount of time, the tables may rotate so students can meet as many people as possible.
2. Organization Jeopardy
For this game, each organization will split its members evenly so each team has a mix of knowledge. The host will then play a game of Jeopardy with questions about each organization at varying levels of difficulty. This is a great way to learn more about the organizations on your campus, as well as test your knowledge of the organization you are part of!
3. Festive Activities
Everybody loves the holidays, but one example of a festive activity is a gingerbread house competition with different organizations. This can be done in teams from each organization, or, to network better, each team will be comprised of members from different organizations. After the houses are built and decorated, the participants can vote on the winners. You can choose if there is a prize or bragging rights; either way, this is a great bonding activity!
There are so many creative ways you can use your DECA chapter to meet more students and professors on your campus; the ideas are limitless. But just remember, networking is an inevitable part of the business world, and there's no better time than now to get some practice in!
