Students and faculty enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, virgin cocktails and professional small talk during a networking information event held by Binghamton University’s Career Development Center on Wednesday in the Old Union Hall.

Wren Fritsky, a career counselor at the CDC, gave a presentation on networking, set up in 10-minute intervals that allowed time between sessions for students to practice networking skills with faculty members.

According to Fritsky, more than 70 percent of all opportunities are networking opportunities, and events such as “Handshakes and Hors d’oeuvres” are good, safe ways to practice networking.

“You only have one chance to make a strong first impression and it is a skill to be practiced,” Fritsky said.

When networking, Fritsky said that it is most important to listen for a connection to find common ground. He noted that networking is essentially binding what you have in common with others.

“Before you get to the first impression, research who you are meeting, dress appropriately, have questions ready, and have introductions ready to share,” Fritsky said.

When considering students for hire, Marty Wygmans, director of the TRIO Programs and Veterans Services, said that what she looks for is if the student arrives on time, dresses appropriately, uses proper language, and what the student does with his or her cell phone.

“If a student is not dressed appropriately it says that you don’t take care of yourself, or that you’re a rebel,” Wygmans said.

To allow for conversation, Fritsky suggests that students appear welcoming by smiling, having an open posture and having their right hand open and ready for handshakes.

“When introducing yourself, make this first move to shake hands and maintain eye contact,” Fritsky said.

According to Fritsky, icebreakers for initial conversation include common topics such as the event itself and food. To learn more about someone, she suggested asking about his or her winter break plans, recent books or movies seen, current events and hobbies. However, she notes that it is important to keep conversation casual and avoid “deep” topics.

“Sharing first makes you seem more trustworthy,” Fritsky said.

Fritsky said that body language and non-verbal communication make up 55 percent of first impressions, and because of this, it is important to pay attention to your facial expressions, posture, personal space, tone and volume of voice and body-mirroring.

Jenny Fu, a sophomore majoring in management, said that a lot of students outside of the School of Management do not know how to network, and since the Handshakes and Hors d’oeuvres event was held by the CDC, it was open to a lot of students.

“Regardless of what field you’re in, you need to know how to network,” Fu said.

Ryan Omoruyi, a sophomore majoring in graphic design, attended the event hoping to learn how to be more professional in a laid-back environment.

“I wanted to know how to be professional with casual talking, when less pressure is on what is being said,” Omoruyi said.