New Community Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI) hosted its first Speed Networking Event on Sept. 18, giving students an opportunity to practice their interviewing and networking skills with professionals from a variety of industries.

The event brought students together with professionals in healthcare, automotive and construction/building trades. Through a series of brief conversations, students had the opportunity to introduce themselves, answer questions and gain experience communicating with professionals in a setting designed to mirror real-world networking and interviewing situations.

“We’re trying to get our students acclimated to interviews and learning how to sell themselves in a short period of time,” said NCCTI Director Dermel Warren.

The event was part of NCCTI’s efforts to prepare students not only with the technical skills needed for their chosen fields, but also with the professional skills that can help them successfully enter the workforce.