Here at Manchester, we like to host mixers for different job industries. From these mixers, our students get information about potential internships or future careers. I wanted to provide tips for anyone who has never attended a mixer or for those who just want some advice to make their time a little better!

• It’s practice! It’s practice just speaking with employers, seeing what positions they’re looking for, the qualities they’re interested in, your handshake and smile, etc.
• Networking. Though you may not be interested now doesn’t mean you won’t be in the future. If you give them a business card, resumé, or another reason to remember you, it could work out in your favor later on.
• Look professional. You never know what kind of conversations you’ll have, so all of them could be important; some could even act as an interview or a pre-interview. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
• Plan your attack. If you have access to the layout of the mixer, plan your route. It’ll help save time by choosing where you want to go when in the room. It’ll also prevent you from looking lost. If you don’t have access, there will most likely be a map when you get to the mixer. It’s okay to take a few minutes to plan out your route.
• Prepare for your attack. If you have access to the companies attending, do research on the companies and develop questions. This will show that you’re interested in the company and could set you apart from others who ask what the company does.
• It’s a great time to observe. If you’re new to mixers or just talking to employers in general, it may not be a bad idea to ask an experienced friend to hang out with them and see what questions they ask and how they compose themselves while speaking. Also, listen to their personal sales pitch, how they talk about themselves, in 30-60 seconds.
• Take notes. If you talk to several companies, you probably won’t remember every detail. Writing down things they say that you think may be important when reviewing your notes is never a bad idea. The things you write may influence a decision afterwards. Also, it may not be a bad idea to write down information about the person you speak to; i.e. physical features, job position, and/or years with company.
• Show interest. Being interested in the people that are there more than just the company and its position openings will take a toll on who you speak with. They’ll more often than not remember a person who was interested in them and the company than just the company itself.
• The only sounds should be voices. This is a simple one that some people could forget. Cell phones, laptops, iPads, etc. should either be turned vibrate, silent, or off. It’s pretty embarrassing when talking to an employer and having your phone keep dinging.
• Time is of the essence. This means two things: time with the employer and time without the other employers. The time you spend with one employer is time taken away from the others. While you’re with one, get all the quality information you can, but only do it in a couple minutes. You may really like one, but your third or fourth choice may offer you the best position.
• Follow up. If you’re really interested, send them a quick email a day or two after the event. Thank them for their time and clarify that you enjoyed speaking to them and are interested in possibly pursuing a career with them in the future.
• The handshake. It’s simple, yet so important. A firm handshake and a friendly smile will go a long way. 

Nick Rush ’20 is studying Sports Management and plans on minoring in another business area. He plays baseball for MU, and he plans on working in the sports industry after graduation.