AdPR Connection: There’s More Than One Way to Network

By Blair Seigle

Students attend the AdPR Connection 2026 Career Fair

The term “networking” is all too familiar to college students. From career fairs to LinkedIn messages, students are constantly encouraged to make connections. Although networking does not always mean trying to land a job.

The Oct. 20 AdPR Connection event gave UGA students opportunities to meet industry professionals through keynote speakers, career fair sessions, and networking hours. Students planned and ran the event through leadership on the executive board, committees, and volunteer teams. For three students who attended, the event offered different perspectives on why making
professional connections is important.

Learning From People a few Steps Ahead
The graduating student networking hour gave students the ability to talk in a group setting with young professionals. For Emma Lovell, an advertising major, speaking with recent graduates made the transition into the workforce feel more approachable.
“It was reassuring to talk to people who were only a few years out of college,” Lovell said. “Because they graduated so recently, they were able to share unique perspectives on what finding a job post-grad really looks like.”

Exploring What Comes Next
To Marissa Rabin, a senior public relations major, the career fair was an opportunity to see what kinds of directions she could take her PR degree. Talking with professionals across various industries gave her a better idea of the types of roles available for someone with her skill set.

“It was helpful to hear what employers were looking for,” Rabin explained. “The conversations made me think more about how the skills I already have are transferable to different fields, and take note of ones I can continue to develop before I graduate.”

Building Relationships that Last
According to Evie Lewis, the 2026 AdPR Connection Co-Director, putting on the event gave her a chance to work closely with many industry professionals and UGA alumni. Not only was Lewis able to connect with people she may not have otherwise met as a student, but she has now created a network she can continue to establish throughout her career.

“Planning this event taught me that networking starts before you actually need a job,” Lewis said. “You’re not just meeting someone for their job title or what they can offer you. When you take the time to genuinely connect with someone, the relationship can become more than just a professional contact.”

Sometimes just one conversation can go a long way, even if it does not lead to an immediate opportunity. It can make the transition into the workforce feel more manageable, help students see where their skills could take them, or become the start of a relationship that grows over time.