By Julie Rahmer, Learning, Research & Engagement Lead,
Brainstorm Strategy Group
3-4 minute read
Networking events are a staple of campus recruiting — but when they’re not designed intentionally, they can feel awkward, inequitable, and ineffective.
That was the starting point for Brainstorm’s recent webinar, Beyond Awkward: How to Make Campus Networking Events Actually Work, moderated by Graham Donald.
The panel featured:
- Katie Somerville, Manager, Student & Early Talent Experience Programs, BMO Financial Group
- Courtney Heller, Senior Campus Recruiter, Liberty Mutual Insurance
- Ashley Vegel, Talent Acquisition Manager, Emerging Talent & Careers, Medtronic
- Liz Langemak, Associate Director, US University Relations, Verizon
Together, they unpacked what actually makes networking events successful — for both students and employers.
Structure Reduces Awkwardness
Unstructured mixers tend to reward the most confident students and unintentionally sideline others.
As Ashley Vegel (Medtronic) put it:
“When you just put students and employers in a room and say ‘network,’ that’s when it gets awkward. Not everyone knows how to enter a conversation or how to leave one.”
Instead, panelists emphasized structured formats such as:
- Timed rotations
- Facilitated small groups
- Conversation prompts
- Clear instructions on how the event will flow
Liz Langemak (Verizon) shared that when expectations are clear, engagement improves:
“Students relax when they understand what’s expected of them. Structure actually creates more authentic conversation — not fewer.”
Preparation Is Shared Responsibility
Several panelists emphasized that networking success begins before the event.
Katie Somerville (BMO Financial Group) stressed the importance of preparing students intentionally:
“We can’t assume students just know how to network. For many, especially first-generation students, this is completely new territory.”
She highlighted the role of schools in setting expectations, coaching students on professional etiquette, and clarifying goals.
But preparation doesn’t stop with students.
Courtney Heller (Liberty Mutual) noted that employer representatives also need guidance:
“We coach our team on how to engage students who might be quieter. It’s not just about answering questions — it’s about drawing people in.”
Intentional preparation on both sides leads to more equitable participation.
Smaller Formats Drive Deeper Conversations
While large-scale networking events have value, panelists repeatedly saw stronger outcomes in smaller, more focused settings.
Liz Langemak explained:
“Some of our best engagement has come from smaller meetups where students feel like they’re in a real conversation, not performing in front of a crowd.”
Similarly, Ashley Vegel shared that discipline-specific or identity-based sessions often foster more meaningful dialogue because students feel more comfortable asking candid questions.
The takeaway: size isn’t success. Intentionality is.
Accessibility Requires Intentional Design
The panelists were clear: networking equity doesn’t happen by accident.
Who thrives in traditional formats?
Who hangs back?
Who never enters the room?
As Katie Somerville noted:
“If we don’t design with accessibility in mind, we’re reinforcing the same advantages over and over.”
Structured rotations, moderated discussions, clear signage, and inclusive facilitation aren’t just logistical improvements — they’re equity strategies.
Define Success Before the Event Begins
Another consistent theme: many networking events lack clearly defined goals.
Are you building brand awareness?
Identifying specific candidates?
Strengthening a school partnership?
Courtney Heller emphasized:
“If you don’t know what success looks like going in, it’s hard to measure whether the event worked.”
Clarity around outcomes shapes everything — from format to follow-up.
Final Takeaways for Campus Recruiters and Career Professionals
Networking events don’t need to feel awkward.
But they do need intentional design.
- Add structure to reduce inequity.
- Prepare both students and employer representatives.
- Experiment with smaller, targeted formats.
- Build accessibility into the design.
- Define success before you begin.
As the panel made clear, effective networking isn’t about who can work the room best.
It’s about creating environments where meaningful conversations can happen — for everyone.
