Brandon University has recently launched a new virtual networking site for career-related interaction and mentoring opportunities.   BU has invited students, alumni, industry partners and friends of the University to join them at the BU Café to build relationships in a safe community-minded way.

Grant Hamilton is Director of Marketing and Communications.  He says the time was right for a soft launch for the University, given the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 restrictions.

“It’s a virtual way to bring people together in a casual environment,” says Hamilton. “We wanted to mimic that relaxed feel that you would have getting together for coffee with someone that you might know a little bit, but you may not know well.  So, it’s not a formal interview but it’s an icebreaker, casual conversation over a cup of coffee so you can get to know somebody and get to networking that way.”

The new virtual meet n’ greet is a terrific tool for students and alumni of Brandon University and Hamilton says the new virtual networking site has great potential for mentoring - and job placement connections.

Keeping connections alive with fellow students and staff, no matter where you are in the world, is what this online venue offers.  Hamilton says its much more than just that.

Hamilton says honing people-skills can be achieved through networking, and the BU Café is a great place to ask those questions and seek advice.

“We know that education is critical for moving into your career, but also building those soft skills, like how you present yourself, how you conduct yourself, the things that are part of the culture of an organization that aren’t necessarily a part of your formal education.”

Hamilton says they use co-op programs and internships with a variety of businesses and organizations to model that kind of hands-on learning which is part of the University education.

“But there’s so many advantages for people coming at in a non-student perspective too,” he says. “There’s a lot of reward to being a mentor and for giving back to the community that may have given you a leg up in your early days.  It’s quite rewarding to get into that 1-on-1 with somebody who is looking at things with fresh eyes and you can really help them out.”

Hamilton shares that in many ways COVID-19 has forced us to embrace technology, but in other ways it has brought to light the need for building relationship.

“Especially these days, we are all relying on technology to stay connected. This can make it difficult to meet new people or to have meaningful conversations,” said Carla Eisler, BU’s Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs. “We know we have to work harder to build the new relationships that BU’s small size and great community normally provide our students and alumni.”

After signing up for BU Café, participants answer a short series of questions about where they are in their career, the types of networking and mentorship that they are looking for or can offer, and their connections to BU. This information is used to match people together and provide them with a discussion prompt. A new match is made each month for students and youth to ask questions, practice their soft skills and expand their network.

“We know that relationships and soft skills help build career success and it is important for us to provide our students with the tools to improve those skills and enhance their network,” said Cora Dupuis, BU’s Co-operative Program Coordinator. “Through the BU Café, you can help our students while also helping yourself stay connected. It just takes an hour a month for a coffee, a phone call or a virtual meeting.”

The BU Café is powered by Ten Thousand Coffees and is supported by RBC’s Future Launch initiative for youth.

For more information on the BU Café visit the Brandon University website www.BrandonU.ca/Alumni/BU-Cafe