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Current Leeds MBA students had expressed a strong interest in a career-building networking event specifically for MBAs, for students to meet alumni as well as past employers of Leeds students. The student-run MBA Association (MBAA) heard the request and began to organize. The result was the first inaugural Buffs2Business networking event last Tuesday, November 15^th at Rembrandt Yard in Boulder.

At the helm of the initiative was Stephani Carlile, VP of Employer Relations. Stephani worked closely with the director of MBA career management, John Helmers, as well as a committee of dedicated second year students made up of Kaly Trupp, Allie Ahearn, David Wishinsky, Matt Leckey, and Amanda Leavitt.

In describing the purpose of the event, Stephani explains:

“Buffs2Business was a great way to collaborate within the MBAA - we connected students to alumni and community members while enhancing our employer relations. Collaboration was a big theme for our class this year, and Buffs2Business provided us a way to come together and help our amazing graduate students connect with industry leaders who wanted to meet them.”

The event was a huge success, with 75 alumni registering for the event, 115 current students and 60 past or current employers of Leeds students.

Kaly Trupp, committee member and VP of alumni relations reports:

"We had an incredible turnout from our alumni community. It was a great opportunity for alumni engagement and our current students were thrilled to make meaningful connections."

Student committee member Matt Leckey explains his motivation for involvement:

“From my end, the fun part about organizing was reaching out to alumni as well as my previous colleagues and managers.  I really enjoyed reconnecting and strengthening these bonds.”

Students, alumni and employers were able to get to know one another through open networking over drinks and hors d'oeuvres, before splitting into smaller groups for breakout sessions based on job industry, job role, and stage of firm.

After the event, employers are emailed a digital collection of the resumes of all students in attendance. An abundance of business cards were exchanged, and students had numerous new contacts to reach out to as they move forward in their job search.

Stephani reflects:

“There is no way this event could have worked without our amazing committee members. Everyone was so committed to making this event a success and put hours into the planning, marketing, and recruitment. Our other MBAA members, club presidents, and students who helped to promote the event helped make the event a success as well. I hope to see the event continue in years to come and look forward to returning as an alumni to support our future Leeds grads.”