Back by popular demand, the second annual Mocktails and Mingling [a practice networking event for students] had over 75 attendees during the two-hour event last week. Mocktails and Mingling provides students with a relaxed environment to practice making conversation among peers in a professional manner. The Communication Center, in collaboration with the Communication Department, provided refreshments and raffle prize drawings to students of all ages and academic disciplines who showed out to practice their networking skills in the Johnson Center Bistro.
At each table, suggested conversation topics and networking tips were provided, along with designated Communication Center consultants and faculty members to provide guidance and encouragement. The list of prompts on the tables were designed to be relatable and give simple conversation starters to nervous networkers.
Photo by: Jane Holloman
“This was my first experience with Mocktails and Mingling and I had a lot of fun.” Rue Quick, a senior and Communication Center consultant, reflected on their experience. “I met a lot of people today from different backgrounds and walks of life. It’s nice, since it can be easy to get stuck in your social circles at a big school like George Mason.”
Communication Center Director Shelby Broberg facilitated the event by announcing cues for participants to switch tables over a microphone every seven minutes. She also raffled off prizes provided by the Communication Department to those in attendance who entered their names. She hopes that hosting Mocktails and Mingling each spring will make the Communication Center a go-to resource for students to refine their professional communication skills and gain confidence in networking through low-stakes practice.
Photo by: Jane Holloman
Communication Professor Dana Siller brought his entire class to participate this year. As a public relations practitioner, he understands the importance of polished professional communication experience. Communication Center consultant and senior Brooke Gorman expressed her excitement about seeing her favorite professor at the event, “It was good to see him and ask him questions about working in the field. He even said he could help me get a job after graduation.”
Thanks to everyone who came out to join us for this highly anticipated event! Mocktails and Mingling would not be possible without the planning and dedication of Megan Edmondson, Maria Carabelli, Cathy Wright, Shelby Broberg, Sachita Pandey, Jane Holloman, and all the hardworking Communication Center consultants.
March 28, 2025