Networking Social Connects Young Professionals with Area Employers

Alumna Breonna Nimtz (’16) speaks with a William Penn University student (left) about a career in Human Resources during the Career Networking Social held April 20 in the Musco Technology Center at William Penn University. (photo provided)

(OSKALOOSA, Iowa) – Most job search experts consider networking to be the most effective aspect of a job search. Last Thursday, April 20, Career Services of William Penn University held a Career Networking Social in the Musco Technology Center on William Penn University’s Oskaloosa campus. Students were able to build and strengthen relationships with area employers, visit with attending faculty and staff, and develop networking skills for more success in finding and leveraging career opportunities.

“This spring’s Career Networking Social was the best yet,” said Debbie Stevens, Coordinator of Career Services. “We had a good mix of employers, faculty and staff, and the best turnout of WPU students since launching this event. I’m very pleased by comments from students about getting to meet area employers and talking to them about their studies and what employers found interesting.”

Stevens said William Penn University hopes to grow this event and continue connecting Penn students, faculty and staff with area employers. Over 50 individuals joined in for the social, including representatives from Clow Valve Co., Interpower, Musco Sports Lighting, LLC, Mahaska County YMCA, Mahaska County Conservation, the Oskaloosa Herald, MidWestOne Bank, Mahaska Health Partnership, and Crookham-Johnson Law Office.

Alumna Breonna Nimtz (’16), was present at the social as a representative of Clow Valve Co. Opportunities offered through Career Services, such as networking socials and paid internships, paved the way for her current position within the company as a Human Resources Clerk. While at William Penn, Nimtz double majored in Business Management and Accounting, with a minor in Economics.

“I started my internship [with Clow] through William Penn and I got the experience I needed to succeed. After the internship was over, [Clow] decided to keep me on,” Nimtz said. “It enabled me to do more than entry-level work right out of college, which not everyone gets to do because they still need to get experience.”

Employers interested in taking part in the next Career Networking Social are encouraged to contact Stevens by calling 641-673-2173 or by emailing stevensde@wmpenn.edu.