Students network over games at annual carnival

Featured Events | Feb 03, 2016 | Gabelli School of Business

A record-setting number of students attended this year’s Gabelli School of Business Networking Carnival, held on Jan. 29, 2016. (Photo by Bailey Link)

By Bailey Link

It is rare that students have the opportunity to meet recruiters without the nerves that come with looking for an internship or a job.

Providing that chance was the purpose of the Gabelli School of Business Networking Carnival held this week in McGinley Ballroom. Sponsored by the Fordham chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the international honor society for accounting, finance and information systems students, the carnival featured food, games and prizes and was open to everyone.

Organizers said the turnout was the best of the four years they have been holding the carnival.

Fourteen firms from a variety of different industries ran the games, including Landing Point and Target’s corporate division. The Big Four accounting firms – Deloitte, EY, PricewaterhouseCoopers and KPMG – came, too.

“I really want to work for a Big Four company someday, so I came here to learn about applications, requirements and upcoming dates from the recruiters,” said Tyler Fiore, BS ’17, a member of Beta Alpha Psi.

Students and recruiters played carnival games such as ring toss, and participants were asked not to bring their résumés. Sophomore business students were required to attend.

Students enjoyed an afternoon of informal networking at this year’s carnival. (Photo by Bailey Link)

For the sophomores, the carnival provided “a level of preparation and an outlet to begin career exploration since they are new to networking,” said Tara Naughton, who along with Clinical Assistant Professor Kelly Ulto, is a faculty adviser to Beta Alpha Psi. “There are many different industries here to help students discover their likes and dislikes.”