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Speed Networking Event

Author: Audrey Whitman, Communications Studies Student Worker

ISU Communication Studies students talk with alumni.

On Tuesday, September 16th, the Communication Studies Department hosted their first-ever Speed Networking Event. This event was designed to bring COMST alumni together with current students, providing an opportunity to gain real-world insight and better understand the potential career paths they can pursue with their COMST degree. Structured in a “speed dating” format, the event allowed groups of students to spend 10 minutes with each alumni, fostering meaningful conversations and connections within a short amount of time.

How this event was born

Dr. Kelly Odenweller, a professor in the Communication Studies program, organized the event. She was inspired by her experience with a similar event at a previous university. Drawing on that background, she brought the idea to Iowa State University to benefit our current students. 

Dr. Odenweller brought in eight alum from various graduation years and career paths: 

Dellen Burk-Flores, 2017
Shane Cooney, 2015
Cooper Doerrfeld, 2022
Krista Klocke, 2016
Jackson LeRoy, 2022
Megan Moore, 2013
Kimberley Strope-Boggus, 2017
Monique Washington, 2020

What did the students think?

“I really enjoyed my experience at the Communnication Studies Speed Networking Event. I had the opportunity to speak and connect with individuals across multiple professions. These connections broadened my perspective and helped me to feel more prepared in my post-graduation job search.”
– Madison Lewis, a senior in Communication Studies

A big thank you!

Thank you to the students and alumni who attended our Speed Networking Event. We are truly grateful that you helped us make history! We hope to continue this meet-up opportunity to better the future of our students and continue to foster the connection between alumni. Check out the event photo gallery below!