The Value of Connecting with Employers at Virtual Events

It can be hard­ to really put yourself out there when everything seems to be online and remote at this time. Students are used to meeting with employers at events on campus and having a conversation in person to connect and learn more about an organization. But employer virtual events and information sessions can provide the same opportunity and are a perfect way to not only learn and ask your questions but to start a networking relationship with recruiters from organizations who are interested in hiring you.

A good example of this would be an upcoming virtual information session the UConn Center for Career Development with be hosting with Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, October 21 at 1 pm.

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSG Sports) is a leading professional sports company. If you have heard of the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL), and two development league teams – the Westchester Knicks (NBAGL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL), well then that just begins to touch upon MSG Sports. They have esports, Counter Logic Gaming (CLG), Knicks Gaming, team performance centers, and more! Are you curious to learn more about their student opportunities? Can you see yourself working here one day? What if I told you that they have summer student opportunities in accounting, communications, Counter Logic Gaming (CLG), finance, graphic design, marketing, sales, community relations, fan development, and team operations? Does this pique your interest some more because you’re feeling this may be a fit! Would you like to know how you can stand out in the application pool?

What about Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment), a leader in live entertainment experience. Did you know some of their venues include Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and of course New York’s Madison Square Garden, and more? State-of-the-art venues in Las Vegas, MSG Sphere at The Venetian, hospitality and entertainment dining and nightlight brands such as TAO Group Hospitality are just a few more examples of where MSG Entertainment reaches. Do you have questions about working in this arena (no pun intended!)?  Are you curious about student opportunities with MSG Entertainment? Did you know they have opportunities in accounting, aviation, communications/public relations, creative/graphic design, data & analytics, finance/internal audit, marketing, people practices, productions/live, technology, and venue management? Do you wonder what types of student experiences recruiters see as valuable from applicants?

These Student Associate Program opportunities at MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment believe in developing talent and helping to create the leaders of tomorrow. So how do you find out more after reading their postings in Handshake and visiting www.msgentertainment.com and www.msgsports.com? You may still wonder what made past summer student associates successful. What would a student associate’s day really look like? Have more questions before you apply?

Attending a virtual event with an employer can help answer these types of questions! After hearing the employer presentation on insights about the company and opportunities, you can simply type your question in the Q&A box to the recruiter and have your question asked live.

When you seize the type of opportunities where an employer is seeking student talent at your university you are essentially gaining access to not only valuable information but a potential relationship with perhaps a future employer. This touchpoint can be just the beginning of an esteemed connection and can open doors for future conversations and opportunities. So how can you follow up? Networking online can be daunting, but also is an important part of the modern job search, especially in the climate of COVID-19.  Following up with the presenters on LinkedIn after a virtual event is a good way to show interest and build a relationship with that person. It can be as simple as thanking them for presenting and sharing particular information that resonated with you about the position that you are interested in applying for or a follow-up question… and before you know it, you’re networking!

You’ll find many virtual events in Handshake, similar to the upcoming Madison Square Garden’s Information Session. Don’t miss out on these opportunities. They have the high potential of leading you to places in your career because these employers are interested in UConn students!