Winning On Wednesday

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Networking Curriculum for Colleges and Universities


Would your students benefit from an experiential learning opportunity? We represent Winning on Wednesday (WOW), an online networking organization established before the pandemic. For the past four years, we have been successfully operating online, sponsored by well-known companies like M&T Bank and Jovia Financial Credit Union. WOW provides a platform for students to connect and learn from leading Long Island companies.

We have developed an internship-like experience that combines Zoom learning classes with real-world networking opportunities with business professionals. Our program includes nearly 10 weeks of valuable information and resources on topics such as networking, social media, standing out, being remembered, and creating an elevator pitch. This hands-on experience not only looks impressive on a resume but also offers students the chance to integrate their education with practical work experiences.

As we are launching a pilot program in a post-secondary educational institution this fall, we are currently offering it free of charge. We would love to discuss the possibility of your institution participating in this program or to identify the appropriate person to speak with about it.

Sincerely,

Amy Geffen, Ph.D., Career Coach and Author
Lisa Strahs-Lorenc, Career Counselor and Author
Juan Vides, President and Owner, Winning on Wednesday (WOW)


Partnering with a program like Winning on Wednesday (WOW) typically involves several key components for a college:

  1. Coordination and Communication: The college would need to coordinate with WOW representatives to align the program’s goals with the institution’s educational objectives. This involves regular meetings, updates, and possibly integrating feedback from students and faculty.
  2. Student Recruitment and Selection: The college would be responsible for promoting the program to students, handling the application process, and selecting participants based on the program’s criteria and the institution’s educational goals.
  3. Logistical Support: Depending on the program structure, the college might need to provide logistical support such as classroom space for on-site sessions (if applicable), assistance with scheduling, and technical support for online platforms like Zoom.
  4. Faculty Involvement: Faculty might be involved in various capacities, such as liaising with WOW instructors, integrating program content with curriculum, or providing mentorship to students participating.
  5. Evaluation and Feedback: The college would likely evaluate the program’s effectiveness, gather feedback from students, and report on outcomes to ensure the program meets educational standards and student needs.
  6. Resource Allocation: While the program is free, the college may need to allocate internal resources like staff time, marketing efforts, and possibly some technological resources to support the initiative.

Example

Networking

  • Objective: Understand the importance of business networking.
  • Activities:
  •  The basics of networking.
  • Discussion on the benefits of building professional relationships.
  • Overview of Winning on Wednesday and similar platforms.

Week 2: Effective Communication

  • Objective: Learn the skills required for effective networking.
  • Activities:
  • Workshop on communication skills.
  • Role-playing exercises to practice introductions and small talk.
  • Tips on creating a memorable elevator pitch.

Week 3: Building Relationships

  • Objective: Understand how to build and maintain professional relationships.
  • Activities:
  •  Following up! Trust and rapport-building.
  • Keeping conversation interactive to keep engagement.
  • Strategies for follow-up and staying in touch.

Week 4: Networking Tools and Platforms

  • Objective: Familiarize with various networking tools.
  • Activities:
  • Introduction to LinkedIn and other networking platforms.
  • Tutorial on setting up and optimizing LinkedIn profiles.
  • Overview of Winning on Wednesday’s virtual events.

Week 5: Participating in Networking Events

  • Objective: Gain practical experience in networking.
  • Activities:
  • Attend a live Winning on Wednesday virtual event.
  • Discuss the Networking Event experience.
  • Identify key takeaways and areas for improvement.

Week 6: Leveraging Your Network

  • Objective: Learn how to utilize your network for career growth.
  • Activities:
  • Lecture on leveraging connections for job opportunities and business growth.
  • Case studies of successful networking stories.
  • Create a personal networking plan.

Week 7: Advanced Networking Strategies

  • Objective: Develop advanced networking techniques.
  • Activities:
  • Workshop on advanced networking strategies.
  • Discussion on niche networking groups and industry-specific events.
  • Strategies for maintaining a long-term network.

Week 8: Reflection and Future Planning

  • Objective: Reflect on learning and plan for future networking.
  • Activities:
  • Reflective essay on personal networking growth.
  • Group discussion on future networking goals.
  • Create a personal action plan for continued networking.