Inside the Sports and Recreation Center, the buzz was unmistakable. Hundreds of voices blended into one steady rhythm of curiosity, ambition, and shared purpose. This was not just another college event, it was Lake Forest College’s Speed Networking night, where conversations last nine minutes, connections can last a lifetime, and confidence finds its place at the table.

This year’s turnout was record-breaking. Nearly 350 students met with 160 professionals from across Lake County, Chicagoland, and the college’s alumni network. In just a few hours, more than 4,500 career conversations took place. For many students, it was their first real glimpse into the world they were preparing to enter.

Lessons That Go Beyond Resumes

Speed Networking is designed to help students practice the art of introducing themselves, asking questions, and learning how to turn small talk into opportunity. But what really happens at those tables is something deeper.

“Something I learned tonight is there is an unlimited number of people who are willing to help you,” said Bryan Dussault, a first-year student. “Coming to this event, it’s really amazing.”

For others, the evening helped replace anxiety with self-assurance. “This was my first time attending Speed Networking,” said Carolina Alonzo, a sophomore. “It helped me feel more comfortable with the idea of going into an interview.”

The Power Behind Every Handshake

Colleen Monks, who leads the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center, knows exactly why such moments matter. “Up to 85 percent of jobs are filled through networking,” she said. “That’s why events like these—and the strength of our Forester Network—can change the course of a student’s career.”

Her message is simple: real-world practice builds real-world readiness. Every handshake, every short conversation, is a step toward learning how to navigate professional spaces with confidence and clarity.

A Win for Employers Too

While students left with valuable lessons, professionals had their own takeaways. “It was truly a privilege to be part of such a meaningful experience,” said Kelly Gallego, Executive Program Director at North Chicago Community Partners. “I left the event inspired after meeting so many students who showed maturity, curiosity, and drive.”

For employers, it is not just about recruitment. It is a window into the next generation of thinkers—those who are eager to learn, adapt, and lead.

Alumni Return, This Time as Mentors

The most powerful sight of the evening came from the alumni tables. Seventy-two former students returned to sit across from those who now stand where they once did.

“Just one year ago, I was on the other side asking employers about their paths,” said Samuel French, now working in sales at Rierden Chemical & Trading Co. “Now, I get to guide others. It’s a full-circle moment.”

Vice President for Career Advancement and Community Engagement, Jackie Slaats, called the alumni turnout “a moment of shared pride,” with Foresters from every decade since the 1970s joining in.

Preparation Meets Opportunity

Students do not walk into Speed Networking unprepared. They spend weeks practicing interviews, learning how to present themselves, and fine-tuning the small details that make a big difference.

As Monks explained, “Speed Networking goes far beyond recruitment. It is about building connections, gaining perspective, and understanding how industries evolve. It helps our students discover their ‘Forester Advantage’—a blend of human-centered skills, technical ability, and real-world experience that prepares them to thrive in the future of work.”

In the end, it was not just about exchanging business cards. It was about finding confidence, making genuine connections, and realizing that every conversation can open a new door.