CSU, City Club tie-up
By Audra I. Stephen
In an effort to help Cleveland State students network with professionals, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Science (CLASS) and the Cleveland City Club are facilitating them to attend the club’s events for free.
The program known as City Club project, which began in spring, was initially targeted for CLASS students. But, it has been extended to students in other disciplines as well, according to Dr. Martin Plax, a faculty member in the Political Science Department.
The program was developed by Plax and Dr. Greg Sadlek, dean of CLASS, to provide an opportunity for students to mingle and network with professionals in the area.
In spring, about 20 students attended various events organized by the City Club, Plax said.
“If the students make certain to ask for business cards or phone and e-mail addresses from the people at the City Club, it may be possible to create a mentoring relationship with one or more of the well-connected persons he or she meets,” Plax said.
“If a student makes a good impression by simply asking for advice about career plans from the people the student meets, he or she will have the opportunity to begin developing a networking system,” Plax added. “The contacts in town open doors. Networking is crucial.”
Encouraging CSU students to stay in Cleveland was the best selling point in finding a way to fund the project, according to Plax.
Funding for the project is provided by Alvin and Laura Siegal because they want to see the young, talented people open doors for themselves.
“The Siegals are very active in the community,” said Sadlek.
When asked about how the networking project could help prevent brain drain in Cleveland, Plax said, “My intention in developing this program is to let Clevelanders who attend the City Club meet with CSU students (and find jobs locally). I am confident the students will make a good impression.”
Miriam Fitzgerald, a political science major, was one of the 20 students who had the chance to attend a City Club event. She was pleased with her experience.
“You learn ways to approach people. It was great to be there,” Fitzgerald said.
For the list of events at the City Club, visit cityclub.org. To attend any of the City Club events for free, contact Plax at m.plax@csuohio.edu.Reach this Stater reporter at a.stephen@csuohio.edu
-30-