Business students gain ‘cultural capital’ and impress professionals at networking event

Business students were given the opportunity to network with professionals and discover career pathways at a motivational event held at New City College.

The employability day, held at Hackney Campus, aimed to develop students’ confidence, communication and reflection skills while giving them the chance to ask questions and meet business leaders.

While networking with the internal and external professionals, the students were able to practise their conversation and social skills as well as build on the ‘cultural capital’ that inner city and disadvantaged young people sometimes lack.

Business BTEC Senior Curriculum Manager, Evelyn Chronicle, who organised the event, said the business representatives gave the students advice about the different ways of accessing careers and the importance of work experience. They shared how they could prepare for interviews and what they could expect from a job or apprenticeship in the business or financial sector.

Five young professionals who had only just started their careers, spoke about the challenges they had faced at college and university, giving tips on how to overcome these – and emphasising that good literacy and numeracy was crucial.

Without the students’ knowledge, the visitors had been asked to assess the quality of their communication, engagement, professionalism, conduct and knowledge of their BTEC Business course – and they were rated high in all areas.

Max Almquist, from Statista, said: “The students all showed great confidence and asked good questions. I could tell they were eager to learn and make the most of the networking opportunity. It was really impressive to see, because even professional adults find this type of event daunting.”

Valerie Tulloch, from Children’s Homes Quality, said: “It was a truly impressive and inspiring occasion. Evelyn’s passion and desire to provide students with a rich education experience was palpable. I am sure the event will enhance their learning and career prospects.”

Business Level 3 student Zenarah said after the event: “I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the opportunity to learn more about potential future study and career pathways. It was inspiring to hear from people in the industry and it has motivated me to explore different options.”

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