Allison Conway of the radio station 92.5 The River and NECC 2018 graduate Nate Miller chat during the 4th Annual Networking Night.

Nearly 200 business professionals, alumni, and students mingled during the Northern Essex Community College 4th Annual Networking Night in the Hartleb Technology Center Thursday, May 17.

The evening provided an opportunity for students to learn about different career fields in a business casual setting, what to expect in an interview, and the value of networking and communication. It was co-hosted by NECC, and the Amesbury, Greater Haverhill, Greater Newburyport, Merrimack Valley, and Salisbury chambers of commerce.

Soon to be graduated from the Computer Information Sciences program, James Davis of Newburyport was working the crowd, as was Linda Goddu, of Salem, NH, who is graduating with a business degree. NECC alumna Charlene Woodard of Haverhill, who recently earned her master’s degree in education, also participated looking for advancement opportunities.

NECC alumnus Winfield Field (left) and NECC student Bryan Champagne connect during Networking Night.

“This event gets bigger every year,” said NECC President Lane Glenn in his welcome. “Our ambition is to make sure our students connect with professionals and learn a few things while doing it. I challenge all students tonight to get at least three business cards then send a note. Follow-up with these people.”

The corporate sponsor for the evening was Dietz & Lynch Capital. Brian Sullivan, of Dietz & Lynch, explained that Networking Night fits the company’s philosophy of service. “We are passionate about our clients having peace of mind. We like to remove fear…build plan…capture dreams.”

The keynote speaker for the evening was Lisa Christine Summerville of Newburyport, founder and CEO of 28 Carrots, an entrepreneurial feeder for women who are already in business or want to be, she explained. “We are all about collaboration over competition.”

She reviewed with the attendees what she called the “3 C’s” needed to build long-term relationships that deliver results. Her 3 C’s are connect, collaborate, contribute, and a bonus: community.

Summerville told the students not to be afraid to approach professionals for the purpose of networking. “Ask them questions like, ‘Is this your first time at Northern Essex?’ ‘How’s your week going so far?’ ‘What are you passionate about?’ ‘What do you do in your free time?’”

She quoted motivational speaker Jim Rohn, who suggests that the five people you surround yourself with will shape your life, and dictate the direction of your life as well as your income. “So, if that’s true, we must choose our success team wisely.”

The evening was hosted by NECC’s Office of Career & Experiential Education and Office of Alumni Relations. For additional information, contact Ashley Moore, director of academic, career and civic engagement at amoore@necc.mass.edu