Gone are the days, when one could send out 10 applications and get responses to five. Tough economic conditions call for aggressive networking. And with the growing use of social media, networking has never been easier. NYWICI represents that and held the Young Professionals Networking event on Jan. 23 at the Lucky Strike Lanes, located right by the pier, on 42^nd and 12^th Avenue.

 

Young ladies across the board seeking internships, jobs and a place to network braved the stormy weather to attend the event. The rain did ruffle them up a little but they were greeted with a sprawling 3000 sqft of space with four private bowling lanes and a state of the art bar.

Networking bore no boundaries. Recent grads and experienced professionals, members and non-members, all enthusiastically chatted over drinks and some delicious appetizers, pausing at intervals and exchanging business cards. Dressed in professional attire, some even suited up; they seemed confident and ready to take on the world.

 

Interesting topics, such as how to gain experience when companies primarily hire on the basis of previous experience and the difficulties of attaining a job in an economy, when companies are seeking interns or freelancers, were intensely debated.  

 

At times, when the economy has slowed down and unemployment is high, the only way to get your foot in the door is by networking and attending such events. You make strong, sometimes lifelong contacts in the industry. “It’s the best way to get your resume on their table and yourself at their doorstep,” says Rima Chawla, a graduate student at the Fairleigh Dickinson University. And sometimes it’s not only about getting a job. Cherry Lv, a recent graduate from Michigan State University who moved to New York to seek better opportunities, says, “Networking helps broaden your social circle professionally — and personally.”

 

The event was definitely more than a just a networking party. The attendees got a chance to unwind and relax over a fulfilled game of bowling. As the night drew to a close, the attendees promised to keep in touch and looked forward to attending more of such events.