University of Florida MBA Program Welcomes Leading South Florida Companies to a Unique Networking Event

Business Wire, July 30, 1999

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 30, 1999--

In an effort to attract top talent to South Florida companies, the first University of Florida MBA Program - South Florida "Gator Get to Know Ya" event will take place on Saturday, July 31, at Quiet Waters Park in Broward County, Fla. This event is designed to attract second-year MBA students who will meet with professionals from such leading South Florida companies as Sensormatic Electronics Corporation, Cordis Corporation, AnswerThink Consulting Group, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Florida Power & Light Co.

The Florida MBA Program is working to reduce barriers between its students and prospective employers, and the South Florida "Gator Get to Know Ya" event was designed to benefit both parties. The event features activities that facilitate both teamwork and the opportunity for students and professionals to get to know one another in an informal setting.

Chris Muccio (MBA `95) is one of the event's organizers and, as the senior manager of finance systems for Sensormatic, is aware of the challenge in recruiting talented professionals in the South Florida market. He noted that due to the distance between South Florida and Gainesville, there is limited time and opportunity for students and prospective employers to get to know each other during the recruiting process.

"The event is a way to let students talk directly with a number of South Florida companies in a relaxed atmosphere, where they can learn about the benefits of working in this area," Muccio said.

As one of the premier MBA programs in the Southeast, the UF MBA program attracts impressive students, with an average of more than four years of work experience. As such, the program is committed to providing exceptional students with special opportunities for personal and professional development.

"Corporations recognize the value in these non-traditional recruiting opportunities," said Alex Sevilla, associate director for MBA Career Services. "Especially in tight labor markets, participation in non-traditional, `fun' events can help companies differentiate themselves from their competition."

Mike Donegan (Masters of Accounting `91), Sensormatic's senior finance systems analyst, feels that the potential benefits of the event are well worth the investment in time and effort.

"Students can get to know us and vice versa," Donegan said. "This new relationship shatters the old resume/interview paradigm."

Companies interested in participating in the next UF Regional Recruiting Event should contact Alex Sevilla of the Florida MBA Program at 352/392-7992.