The KIPP Through College & Career team recently hosted their Annual Networking Event with more than 100 KIPP DC alumni and professionals in attendance! KIPP DC alumni were able to practice their networking skills with professionals from across industries, hear from guest speakers, and gain insight into future career opportunities.
“We want to make sure we equip our students with the skills to network in today’s world,” said managing director of KIPP Through College & Career Tevera Stith. “This type of thoughtful exposure offers the opportunity to connect, think about the future, get advice, and work on soft skills that can lead to great internships or future jobs.”
KIPPsters from colleges across the nation were in attendance inside PNC Bank’s D.C. Headquarters to hone their networking skills and connect with professionals and alumni alike, including Asia Hill, sophomore and accounting major at the North Carolina A&T State University. “I try to go to as many KIPP Through College & Career events as I can,” she said.
“My college holds a few networking events, but they are so big, and it’s hard to get one-on-one time with professionals. Here you can get one-on-one time and practice, which is huge as I think about my future career plans.”
Richard Bynum, regional president of PNC Bank for the Greater Washington area, was a guest speaker and participant in the speed networking portion of the event. He expressed his excitement at being able to interact with KIPPsters who aspire to be in a position much like his in the future.
“I’m a big believer in giving people the tools they need to achieve what they want in life, and an event like this gives students the intangibles. There are things you learn inside the classroom, and then there are things outside that are just as, if not more, important. This event gives students the opportunity to enhance the latter.”
As KIPPsters return to their respective campuses after our Annual Networking Event, they’ll bring back with them a host of new experiences and skills. They’ll also bring back with them the support of the KIPP Through College & Career team. Which Michael Pearson, senior at the University of Rochester, says is equally as important on the journey through college and onto a successful career.
“Honestly at this point, they’re like a second family to me,” he explained. “The connection I have with KTC and knowing that they care about me as a student and person is special and truly goes beyond events like this.”
