Career and Community Meet-Up: Your Gateway to Networking Success at UF 

Are you ready to take charge of your career while building meaningful connections? The University of Florida’s Career Connections Center (C3) is hosting the Career and Community Meet-Up (CCMU), an event designed to make networking approachable, purposeful, and beneficial for students just like you. 

What Is CCMU? 

The Career and Community Meet-Up is not your average networking opportunity. This exciting new event fosters open dialogue about career paths, internships, and full-time positions while emphasizing intentional conversations. 

Instead of formal booths and elevator pitches, this event is a relaxed, engaging space for students to connect with employers, explore career opportunities, and grow their professional network.  

Event Details: 

  • Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 
  • Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. 
  • Location: Reitz Union Grand Ballroom 

Whether you’re a first-year student exploring career paths and building your professional network, or a senior looking for your dream job, CCMU is the perfect place to start or advance your professional journey. 

Why Should You Attend? 

  1. Explore Career Pathways 
    Get insights into various industries and roles while learning directly from employers about their company culture, professional development opportunities and what they look for in aspiring professionals. 
  1. Build Community with Fellow Peers 
    Connect not only with employers but also with fellow students who share similar career goals. Exchange ideas, learn from each other’s experiences, and grow together as you explore career opportunities and professional development topics. 
  1. Practice Networking 
    Nervous about networking? This event is designed to make it less intimidating. Employers are approachable, and conversations flow naturally, making it a great space to build your confidence. 

How to Prepare 

Maximize your experience at CCMU by following these tips: 

  • Dress to Impress: Wear business casual attire to make a positive impression. Visit the Molm Family Gator Career Closet to spruce up your professional wardrobe.  
  • Bring a Polished Resume: Utilize Express Drop-In Plus during Career Ready Week to ensure your resume is in tip-top shape.  
  • Do Your Research & Bring Curiosity: Check Gator CareerLink for a list of participating employers and think about what aspects of the companies and professional development you might want to learn more about.  

What to Expect 

At CCMU, employers will have conversation prompts on their name tags, such as “Growth & Professional Development Opportunities” or “Company Culture.” This makes starting a discussion easy and enjoyable. The event is designed to feel more like a networking mixer than a formal fair, giving you the space to connect authentically. 

Ready to Build Your Future? 

The Career and Community Meet-Up is an opportunity to create connections that could shape your future. Mark your calendar, bring curiosity, show up authentically, and get ready to meet employers who are eager to meet YOU. 

For more details, visit the Career and Community Meet-Up info page.  

Your future starts at CCMU—don’t miss it! 

By Jason Tillotson
Jason Tillotson Career Coach for Early Engagement