When Apryl Childs graduated from The University of Mississippilast year, she said she really didn't know how to go about landingher first job. But after getting a few names and numbers from afriend that led to a job with an advertising firm, she realized jobhunting sometimes requires networking.
"We've all heard it a million times it's not what you do, it'swho you know. That statement couldn't ring more true," Childssaid.
In an effort to assist students in finding connections thatmight lead to their post-college jobs, Mpact Memphis is sponsoringMemphis Really Works, a networking event for college students inthe Memphis area. The program will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday atthe IMAX Theater in the Pink Palace. Mpact Memphis is a non-profitorganization that focuses on providing young professional with thetools to "create significant positive change to the social, civic,and political environment in Memphis," said Childs.
"This is a priceless opportunity for one-on-one contact whichwill allow students to ask specific questions about the jobs thatare out there," said Childs, an Mpact Memphis member.
At the event, students will be able to talk with a professionalnetworking coach and also meet more than 1,000 professionalsalready in the Memphis workforce.
The event is not a job fair but a workshop to inform studentsabout networking and help them understand how they can findemployment, said Anne Mautner, Memphis Really Workschairperson.
"We want to help students take those first steps to get outthere and start the scary job search," Mautner said.
The workshop will include a presentation on networking and aninteractive exercise between students and Mpact Memphis members,Mautner said.
The program will provide advice on how to improve resumes,Mautner said, and students will also have the opportunity to signup for a mentor who will guide them through the job-seekingprocess.
"All of the Mpact members were once in the students' shoes andknow what it's like to find a job," Mautner said. "Mentors can helpshow students what it is really like".
