Teleconferencing helps students network with alumni
One of the best things about technology is its ability to bring people together, regardless of where they are physically located. The Alumni Association is using technology to bring alumni and students in two different places together for career advice and networking in real time.
Earlier this month, a pilot event for the "Cool Connections: Hot Alumni" series took place on campus and in Manhattan. From his office in New York - via a videoconferencing system - David Berkowitz '00 spoke to a group of 26 current Binghamton students who wanted to learn more about his career field.
Berkowitz, senior director of emerging media and innovation at 360i, began by introducing himself and discussing his involvements and interests as a student. He then talked about using his degree in psychology to land a position at 360i (recently named the No. 6 agency on the Advertising Age "A-List"). Berkowitz works with high-profile clients, such as Oreo, Coca-Cola, Bravo and JC Penney. Berkowitz took questions from the students, and says he was very impressed by their interest level in the event.
"The whole experience gives me great pride in my alma mater. I speak at dozens of events every year, and the questions I received from Binghamton's students both during the event and subsequently via email and Twitter were among the best I've fielded anywhere. I'll be lucky if I get the chance to work with some of them down the road," says Berkowitz, who discussed the event on his marketing blog.
The Alumni Association would like to hold similar events each semester, representing a variety of fields. If you are interested in participating and speaking to current students, contact Melinda Holicky, assistant director of alumni relations - student programming.
