Often, logical thinking works best.
“Because alumni from the Master of Science in Finance (MSF) and Master of Science in International Real Estate (MSIRE) programs have much in common, in 2011 we held a networking event for both groups,” said Isabel Lopez (MIB ’06, BBA ’03), associate director of Finance and Real Estate Graduate Programs in the Chapman Graduate School of Business at Florida International University (FIU). “The idea worked so well that when we repeated it this March, our attendance went from 40 people to almost 70.”
Under the direction of Ferinelys Cabrera (MIB ’09), program coordinator for the Department of Finance and Real Estate, alumni gathered at the Tarpon Bend restaurant in Coral Gables for the MSF and MSIRE Alumni Networking Event on March 7, 2012, an evening of networking, socializing, hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
Melissa Myers (MSIRE ’07) appreciated catching up with classmates and also meeting a few current graduate students.
“Best of all, I got a terrific tip from a fellow alumni about how to overcome an obstacle in a real estate situation that I was working on,” Myers said. “Networking is fun and valuable.”
The gathering drew several faculty members including Chun-Hao Chang, chair of the Department of Finance and Real Estate, Shahid S. Hamid, professor in the department and William Hardin, director of real estate programs.
Raquel Wright-Mair (MSc ’08), the college’s assistant director, advancement, alumni and corporate relations, addressed the group about alumni opportunities and gave away raffle prizes.
The good idea will continue.
“After the great success of this event, we’re planning on offering a MSF and MSIRE Alumni Networking Event twice a year,” Lopez said. “We got positive feedback from attendees. Most of all, the increased attendance for the 2012 gathering showed that this is working.”
