The second annual NetworkBash will be held for students on Nov. 4 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Hendrix Student Center.

“The purpose of the NetworkBash is to bring students, industries and academia together to talk about jobs,” said Bobby Rettew, founder of NetworkBash.

NetworkBash is a day-long event designed to educate students on how to pitch themselves and how to use social media as a tool for building relationships and networking with professionals.

“So much about getting a job and being successful is making connections and networking,” said Ashley Cowden, business writing instructor. “This is such a huge skill for students to learn and they are going to use it.”

The event will consist of seminar style workshops in McKissick Theater and an interactive pitching session designed to help students craft, practice and even film their pitches. In the pitching session, industry professionals will be working one-on-one with students to help them learn to effectively pitch themselves.

“One of the hardest things to teach is how to network and how to build relationships,” said Rettew. “Students can go to a career day and hand out a resume, but if you want to learn how to sell yourself face-to-face, shake a hand, walk into a crowd and stand out; if you want to join the conversation about building relationships, then you need to be a part of the NetworkBash.”

The seminar sessions held in McKissick Theater will include workshops on Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs, face-to-face communication and a panel discussion. The event will commence with an after party where students will have the opportunity to give their pitches and network with industry professionals.

NetworkBash will give students the opportunity to not only learn about networking, but will allow them to practice networking. “A lot of people don’t know what they are going to do when they graduate and jobs are hard to come by right now,” said Cory Free, Clemson University advanced business writing student. “This would be a great opportunity for students to get a step up on everybody else,” said Free.

The event is completely student run and the advanced business writing class sections, English 304, are in charge of planning, marketing, crafting all documents and putting on the event.

“The goal is to have as many students involved as possible so they have some ownership over the event, and have the opportunity to get real world business writing experience,” said Cowden.

Rettew says that student involvement is essential if this event is to be successful and continue at Clemson University. “If it wasn’t for the students, the event wouldn’t happen,” said Rettew.

“I want NetworkBash to continue and grow,” said Rettew. “I am a Clemson grad so this one of the things I am very passionate about. This is my way to give back to the University.”

NetworkBash is an event available to all students, faculty and staff at Clemson University. In order to participate in the event, students do not have to attend the entire event from start to finish. Students are invited to drop in between classes and at their leisure. For more information or to register to participate in the individual pitch sessions visit http://clemson.networkbash.com/.