UMass Magazine Online

Spring 2006

Departments

Alumni Association

Features

Getting There from Here

Full Steam Ahead

Beyond the Bluster

Cashing in Her Chips

The Art & Science of Diversity

Twins Be Nimble

Alumni Association

Talking it Up




	Eric Friedberg ’90 put his outgoing personality to good use showing students the benefits of networking.

ERIC FRIEDBERG ’90 BELIEVES THAT networking is a part of life. “You have to be willing to network 24/7,” he told a large gathering of UMass Amherst students eager to learn how to identify contacts and leverage relationships to build their careers. The presentation last semester was a part of the Alumni Association Campus to Career Series. The series’ goal is to expand learning beyond the classroom by introducing students to alumni willing to share their professional experiences.

Friedberg is a partner at Cohen-Friedberg Associates, a marketing firm specializing in traditional, retail-specific, and online promotions for national and regional clients like Jolly Time Popcorn, Pizza Hut, and Dunkin Donuts. A graduate of the Isenberg School of Management with a degree in sport management, Friedberg credits UMass Amherst with helping him to hone his business skills.

“Networking is about maintaining top-of-mind awareness and creating an environment of information sharing,” he told the group. Even with today’s technology facilitating instant communication, Friedberg emphasized the importance of good social skills. “Talk with your friends, network with UMass alumni, and approach people you don’t even know to start conversations… you never know where it will lead.”

To emphasize his point, Friedberg gave the students time to network amongst themselves. The room buzzed with chatter as the students launched into introductions and conversation. After a time, he called for volunteers to share what they had learned. “I’m interested in commercial real estate development,” said one student, “and I just met someone whose father does that for a living. I asked for an e-mail address so I can contact him.” Similar scenarios were recounted, and there was general consensus that the networking principles learned that afternoon would be put to good use.

Kyle Higgins ’06, a Hospitality and Tourism Management major, found the Campus to Career presentation very useful. “Eric stressed the importance of networking in today’s business world, and he pointed out the possible avenues for making contacts, such as through the Alumni Association,” says Higgins. “He was a very good speaker.”

The Campus to Career Series will continue to coordinate alumni guest speakers to bring real-world perspectives to the campus. If you would like to share your success story and expertise with students, please contact the Alumni Association at 800-456-UMASS or alumni@admin.umass.edu.

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Talking it Up