This spring, Olin Marketing Association (OMA) hosted its first Networking Event incorporating the entire student body. OMA’s mission was to connect the Olin community we have right here. 

Photo of 2016 OMA Networking Event courtesy of Allison Campbell.

OMA aimed to facilitate an opportunity for full-time MBAs to meet professional MBAs and executive MBAs, who work and take classes in the evenings or on weekends. On top of that, OMA reached out to local alumni, marketing professionals in the St. Louis community, professors, and the companies OMA worked with over the academic year through various events.

OMA had the pleasure of hosting employers actively recruiting students. Both executive recruiters and employers asked to meet students at the event.

To further facilitate interaction, OMA officers introduced a “Networking Bingo” game for attendees to meet new people. Each attendee received a Bingo sheet with sixteen squares describing an academic achievement, such as “Fulfilling the Marketing Platform,” or “Dual Degree Student,” or a St. Louis feat, such as “Attended a Cardinals Game Last Season,” or “Eaten a BLT at Crown Candy.”  Players had to meet a new person for each box in the grid.  At the end of the evening, attendees met 16+ new people through the networking event.

The event attracted close to 100 attendees and countless connections were made.  Students and local professionals alike hope to make this event a tradition.