Speed Networking

Can EMBA students find happiness—and business contacts—in six-minute meetings with colleagues? Columbia University thinks so

By Sonal Rupani
Photos by Marco Radice

Betsy Ducat

EMBA-Global 2009

"I did meet someone within the Berkeley-Columbia program involved with environmental consulting who I will most definitely keep in touch with. She had experience in working with similar industries to the one that I am involved in (transportation and third-party logistics) and works in reducing the impact to the environment through use of more efficient fuel and energy resources. Our company is always making efforts through our own initiatives to eliminate negative impacts to the environment as we grow our respective businesses."

Han Li

EMBA-Global 2009

"This 'speed affinity networking' from the Columbia EMBA program provides us an efficient and fun way to meet people with the same level of intelligence, ambition, passion, and energy. I met a gentleman who is a portfolio investment manager focusing on the energy industry. Not only did he give me some invaluable insights about investment in energy industry, but I could also parallel his investment philosophy in our business and in other markets."

Johannes Koch

Berkeley-Columbia 2008

"I went to the event quite skeptical that it would be more than an opportunity for some hors d'oeuvres. In fact, the event was a fascinating and effective new way to meet people. I met one person in a related industry who had some great ideas for a new business venture I am considering. I met a second person who works for a health-care company in my field of medical practice. I am hoping to provide some consultative work for the company in the future."

Catherine Atzen

Berkeley-Columbia EMBA 2008

"I found the interactions interesting because of the diverse backgrounds and nationalities of the attendees. We spoke about applying and adapting business models in different markets, in the U.S., France, India, China, South Africa, and Russia. I met a lawyer by trade who has successfully combined his business savvy with the practice of law as a founding partner of a startup."

Gunden Yilmaz

"Talking to influential and successful leaders and alumni in a variety of industries was quite useful for me to broaden my knowledge and experience about different businesses. The biggest take for me was to listen to people who changed their life and business experiences completely, like I am planning post-MBA. A colleague who was in medical industry became an investment banker, another who was in marketing in a [fast-moving consumer goods] industry became a strategic consultant post-MBA."

Oymen Gur

EMBA-Global 2009

"I don't think that there is another possible way to meet with this amount of people in a very limited time. The speed networking concept is great as it forces you to socialize. I met a senior philanthropic adviser who works at one of the world's largest philanthropy services company. As someone who plans work in the nonprofit sector, I cannot think of a better contact."

Xavier Morelle

EMBA-Global 2009

"Aside from the business content of the discussions, I met great people who all have an intense sense of life. It was a good breath of fresh air. I met a guy who was working for Hewlett-Packard in the marketing department. I would like to meet him again because within a few minutes he captured the issues I face and provided me with very thoughtful concepts that I would like to further develop. Obviously he had a lot more experience than me on the subject we discussed."