The UCA Center for Global Learning and Engagement held a session on networking skills, emphasizing the importance of first impressions, elevator pitches, the FORD method of small talk and general networking.

The session was hosted by Riva Brown, an associate professor of public relations and Edge@Baridon academic coordinator. 

Brown titled the event “Don’t Stress, Just Impress: How to Network With Finesse.” 

“You only have one first chance to make one first impression that lasts a lifetime,” Brown said. Then, Brown explained the four A’s of first impressions.

“A1 is your appearance or attractiveness. A2 is your attitude, so that can include your body language and eye contact. A3 is your authenticity, you need to be who you are and be your best self, and A4 is your attentiveness. Whether you ask questions, whether you are engaging with people from a standpoint of knowledge about them or your audience.”

During the event, Brown spoke about how a good first impression helped her in her own career.

“It was my first time going to this conference, I didn’t know anyone, but I knew that I needed to come away with some great contacts that can help the University of Central Arkansas advance its global learning efforts,” Brown said. 

“So earlier this month, I met this wonderful lady on Zoom, and I was blown away. She was so great in what she does for global learning and I said to myself that this lady needs to become my mentor. I didn’t know how I was going to do that, she did not know me, so I decided to follow her on Linkedin. Whenever she made a post about global learning, I would comment in my best Dr. Brown self and it got her attention because I made a good first impression.”

Brown said the woman messaged her on LinkedIn asking if they could meet in person and invited her to a private lunch for people doing collaborative, online and international learning.

Junior marketing major Miley Jack said she enjoyed Brown’s session and learned important information. 

“Being yourself and going to the career fairs and networking; it’ll be a helpful life skill,” Jack said.

Brown also spoke about what she thinks students should be practicing to better their communication and networking skills.

“Put yourself in positions that allow you to practice. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone,” Brown said. “So for example, the School of Communication has a tailgate party that is a safe environment to practice networking. Go to every single career fair, even if you are not looking for an internship or job. Just go so that you can practice talking to people because if you walk every year, they will remember you. The same people come every year to those career fairs for the most part. So, remember that as well.”