It’s no secret. In the current job market, College of Business Administration students and graduates need as many contacts and tools as they can get to make a mark in the marketplace.

Career Management Services (CMS) is helping—with a variety of scheduled events, including panel discussions designed to provide students with valuable connections into today’s business world.

“The panels bring together community business leaders and alumni who offer insights into business opportunities here in South Florida,” said Dawn Lazar (MS ’06), assistant director, CMS. “The events also provide excellent networking opportunities for the attendees.”

Most recent panel focuses on women in business.

On March 30, 2012, a group of local business women from Assurant, Office Deport, Paradise Farms, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Terramark, Office Depot and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission came together to offer their views and advice about “breaking the class ceiling.”

Ana G. Calvopina, studying international business, finance and management, described the CMS-hosted panel discussion as “inspiring.”

As the first in her family to attend college, Calvopina looks for role models to help her develop the leadership skills she needs to succeed in business.

“The professional women on the panel were very open to questions,” she said. “I was able to share my personal experiences and they in turn elaborated on their own experiences and challenges. These women have been able to accomplish so much, often while balancing the pressures of building a career and raising a family. It was extremely motivating.”

Calvopina makes every effort to attend CMS-sponsored events, which include not only the panel discussions but also mock interview programs and etiquette lunches and dinners.

“These great panels, workshops and other events are really beneficial,” she said. “I always encourage my fellow students to attend.”

Head to Facebook to learn more about upcoming Florida International University (FIU) Career Management Services activities.