Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Charlotte Networking Week (CNW)
What is Charlotte Networking Week? Who can attend? Is it only for business students?
Charlotte Networking Week is a networking event bringing together current OHIO students with current OHIO alums living and working in the Charlotte, NC area. First and foremost this event was set up to serve as an opportunity for students to NETWORK with alumni living in Charlotte and to learn about an area that is rich in both OU (and Ohio) alums. The goal of this event is to give students an opportunity and forum to visit with various companies and school districts in the Charlotte area allowing them to see the current Charlotte job market. This event is open to all current OHIO students (graduate and undergraduate). It is not exclusive to business students.
Should I bring my resume with me to CNW?
Yes please bring your resumes. However, please remember that this is a networking event and NOT a job fair. The purpose of Charlotte Networking Week is to assist OHIO students in networking with Ohio University Alumni who live and work in Charlotte. This event also allows students to visit various companies in Charlotte to get a better understanding of the Charlotte job market and industries available. Please check with the alumni or contacts during company visits how best (if applicable) to provide your resume for consideration.
Will I have an opportunity to conduct interviews during CNW?
Historically, some companies have conducted interviews for open positions with current OHIO students during Networking Week. This practice is not common and students should not attend CNW expecting to participate in job interviews. If any companies decide to pre-screen candidates and interview during CNW, that information and specific instructions will be available at http://www.ohioalumni.org/charlotte-networking-week.
Where can I register for Charlotte Networking Week?
Registration is online only at: http://www.ohioalumni.org/charlotte-networking-week usually 4 weeks or more prior to the event. Historically the registration window is open for 2 weeks, 24/7.
When can I find out which companies will be represented at CNW?
A list of company visits and descriptions will be available on the main CNW homepage, http://www.ohioalumni.org/charlotte-networking-week. Once this list is finalized, registration will also open for CNW. Please also look for emails from the Ohio University Alumni Association (OUAA) regarding specific timing and dates.
What is the Registration Fee for?
The Registration fee covers costs associated with visits around Charlotte, event operating costs, alumni banquet and venue dinner, alumni happy hour, raffle gifts, etc.
I registered for CNW and now I can’t attend. Can I get a refund?
Refunds are at the discretion of the Charlotte Chapter leadership, but generally no refunds are given. The Greater Charlotte Chapter Network is a not-for profit organization and all accommodations are made based on the registration of students and alumni.
When will I know what visits I will be attending?
We will make available each student's final schedule 1 week before CNW in a large packet form that includes a list of students attending each visit. The document will include the time, location, directions, and the alumni escorts (if applicable) who will be meeting you.
Are Visits Mandatory?
YES. During Charlotte Networking Week students are not only representing themselves to professional contacts and current alumni, but they are also representing the University and their respective Colleges and Departments. Alumni volunteers choose to participate in Charlotte Networking Week for a variety of reasons, but largely due to the quality of current engaged OHIO students and their participation in this program. When students do not show up for assigned/registered visits, it reflects poorly on both the students and the alumni. If you registered for CNW, then you are required to attend all assigned visits whether the visit was your first choice or your last choice. Alumni are instructed to take attendance.
Why didn’t I get the visit I signed up for?
Sign up for your visits will be on a first come first serve basis. It is important to rank your preferences. Most visit opportunities are limited to the number of students they can host/accommodate. Once a visit is full students will be assigned another company visit during that time slot. You will be expected to attend each of the sessions for which you are registered or assigned. Visits are mandatory!
I don’t like the visits that I was assigned, can I skip the visits?
NO. Students who registered for CNW are required to attend all assigned visits. Students are reminded that the goal of CNW is to provide an opportunity for students to network and learn about the Charlotte job market. Although the visit assigned may not be your first choice, the Greater Charlotte Chapter asks that you attend and positively represent yourself and Ohio University as well as support the alumni who organized the visit.
What is the dress while I am in Charlotte?
Business casual or professional dress for all company visits (no jeans). The Alumni Banquet is business professional. The Alumni Happy Hour and the Bobcats NBA game are casual attire events.
Where should I stay while in Charlotte?
Travel and hotels are booked separately by each student or collectively by student groups. The Greater Charlotte Chapter Network is not responsible for booking or coordinating student travel and hotel accommodations. A list of recommended hotels will be available at http://www.ohioalumni.org/charlotte-networking-week.
How do I get to Charlotte, NC from Athens, OH?
- Take Route 33 East all the way to West Virginia
- Cross the bridge and honk when you leave Ohio ☺
- From here, continue to follow the ‘To I-77 South’ Signs
- Take I-77 South all the way to Charlotte, NC