2024 LEAP! Networking Event Connects WSU Honors College Students with Alumni and Industry Professionals

By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu

The Honors College at Washington State University hosted its annual LEAP! Networking Event, providing students with a unique opportunity to develop their professional skills ahead of the upcoming Fall Expo career fair. The event, held in an interactive and engaging format, was designed to help students practice networking with industry professionals, many of whom were Honors College alumni. Through conversations about career paths, goals, and accomplishments, students gained invaluable insights to prepare for their professional journeys.

The LEAP! event was structured as a series of rotating 12-minute sessions, where students worked in small groups and interacted with mentors from a wide range of industries. This allowed participants to experience different styles of professional engagement—whether through conversational interactions or more formal interview-style exchanges. “I really appreciated the variety of ways the interviewers engaged with us,” said one student. “It felt like real-world practice, and being in a group helped me feel more comfortable.”

The Honors College is deeply grateful to the industry professionals who took time out of their schedules to attend the event and share their expertise. Their contributions were instrumental in making the event a success, and many were Honors College alumni themselves, providing a relatable perspective for current students. “It was both inspiring and valuable,” shared one student. “I walked away feeling motivated and more prepared for my professional development journey.”

Following the speed networking sessions, the event featured a Q&A panel where the industry mentors shared career tips, discussed the challenges they’ve faced, and offered advice on navigating today’s competitive job market. Students asked questions about how to present themselves to future employers, stand out in interviews, and build lasting professional relationships.

LEAP! is not only an opportunity to build important networking skills but also serves as a practical stepping stone for students as they prepare for the Fall Expo career fair and other professional engagements. The event provided critical practice in delivering elevator pitches, making meaningful connections, and articulating career goals, helping students gain confidence in their abilities.

The LEAP! Networking Event exemplifies the Honors College’s mission of preparing students for leadership roles and professional success. By bringing together dedicated industry professionals, many of whom were once in the students’ shoes, the event fostered a collaborative and supportive environment for growth. The College sincerely thanks these professionals for their time, generosity, and commitment to helping the next generation of leaders at WSU.