It's not just about the network-it's also about how you use it. For the past 18 years, The McGill Marketing Network has been a highly successful student-based initiative helping students to connect with future employers. Though services provided by the University, such as Career and Placement Services, also exist to help connect students with recruiters, this organization is arguably just as-if not more-effectively placing students in direct contact with some of Canada's largest firms. This is done through opportunities for face-to-face contact in networking events the club establishes with companies looking to hire.
"There is nothing more rewarding knowing you helped someone in their professional development," says current MMN President Sonia Kovacic. "I received on a weekly basis e-mails from students thanking us for their first internship."
Like many clubs and services on campus, MMN's outlook wasn't looking too good in September. "It started off in quite the predicament," Kovacic says. "Our students were disappointed with us, our faculty did not know us and other universities did not want to work with us."
Nevertheless, the executive team was determined to keep the club going. "We were motivated to give students the opportunities we wished we had," says Kovacic.
The organization runs numerous events throughout the year to offer as many opportunities for their members to establish and connect with their network. Their most grandiose event was a business luncheon last weekend, sponsored by Ogilvy-One Montreal. "We heard that over a dozen students were contacted by companies for interviews," says Kovacic.
MMN acknowledges that management students are not the only ones capable of marketing. "We encouraged any student across campus who was interested to become a member and welcomed students from all faculties," Kovacic explains. A recent team composed of Management and Engineering students ranked first in a Ben & Jerry's ice cream challenge, keeping the podium clear of students from Concordia's John Molson School of Business, HEC and UQAM.
Despite this competitive spirit, MMN worked in collaboration with the equivalent organizations at these universities this year to provide greater possibilities and share resources.
"We weren't very involved with other schools before," explains Vice President Stefanie Rosenblatt, "but pooling resources is more beneficial for all."
Left on the table this year is Happening Marketing, a competition between a dozen universities in Quebec in different fields of marketing. "Over 500 students will be participating," says Rosenblatt.
Though the club is preparing for a shift of executives next year, Kovacic is pleased with the progress of the club this year. "All in all, I think we were able to reestablish our relationships with our students and faculty members. Other universities are already approaching us to help plan
future events."
2008 Woodie Awards
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