The GO Networking program offers students the opportunity to make new Forester connections in Chicago—and our Lake County backyard—at select networking events.
Did you know that 80% of jobs are not advertised? Now more than ever, most people find opportunities by speaking to people in their personal network: family, friends, and professional contacts.
The GO Networking initiative helps students take advantage of Lake Forest College’s unique proximity to premier networking opportunities to build connections. Students of all majors and class years can participate to develop conversational skills, learn about new fields, and meet like-minded professionals.
Bring a friend. Meet new people. GO Networking!
Find your next event.
Each student can apply for reimbursement for up to $150 per semester to cover costs of event registration and transportation (train/bus, rideshare, mileage reimbursement). Choose from the list of approved GO Networking events or propose your own!
Who should GO Networking?
- All majors and Career Pathways
- All class years
- Extroverts AND Introverts
- Everyone!
All current students in good standing are eligible to receive up to $150 per semester toward approved events while funding is available.
Which networking events qualify?
All networking events on this list are eligible for funding.
Thinking of attending a networking event that isn’t on the pre-approved list and want to know if it qualifies for reimbursement? Complete this form to submit this event for consideration. Submit events for consideration a minimum of three weeks prior to the event.
Qualifying events are those which encourage socializing with professionals and peers in a professional environment, and can have a professional development component. All events must be located in the greater Chicagoland area.
Examples of qualifying networking events include:
- Off-campus events with featured speakers
- Professional mixers
- One-day conferences or single-day conference attendance
The following types events or programs do not qualify for GO Networking funding:
- Certifications or courses
- Professional development workshops (ex. How to Network, How to Interview)
- Overnight or multi-day events
- Events outside of the greater Chicagoland area
Award Amount
The GO Networking fund will reimburse up to $150 toward event registration fees and transportation for approved events. Transportation options include public transportation (train/bus), taxi or rideshare, and/or mileage reimbursement.
Other costs, including meals, are not eligible for reimbursement. Receipts are required for all expenses. Mileage reimbursements are calculated based on the round-trip distance from Lake Forest College to the event location.
Important Deadlines
Reimbursements will be issued three times per year. Submit all receipts from approved events through our reimbursement form by these deadlines:
- June 1 (For events you attended December 1 - May 31)
- August 1 (For events you attended June 1 – July 31)
- December 1 (August 1 – November 30)
You will be reimbursed within three weeks of the deadline.
How does it work?
- Register for a GO Networking opportunity. Every semester will feature a curated list of networking opportunities to select from. Want to attend an event that isn't on the list? Submit it for consideration.
- Prepare to meet people. Use the CAC's networking resources to get ready.
- Network! At the event, talk to other students and professionals. Learn more about different industries, get to know others, and add the people you meet on LinkedIn.
- Submit your receipts for reimbursement. Save any receipts you get for registration and Metra tickets/transportation and upload them via the GO Networking reimbursement form by the semester deadline. You will be reimbursed within three weeks of the deadline.
Why should students GO Networking?
- Learn more about specific careers or industries.
- Practice talking to new people in a career-related context. Get comfortable introducing yourself and finding what you have in common—and what you can learn from each other.
- Expand your network in low-pressure environments. Bring a friend or go with a group. Pick the opportunity that feels right to you, whether it's a small coffee chat or a bustling conference.
- Grow your people power and gain contacts you can lean on in your internship or job search.
Helpful Links
Employer Resources - For Employers
- Recruiting Policies
- Post a Job or Internship
- Recruiting Interns
Student Resources - For Students
- Internships
- Career Resources
- Handshake for Students
About Our Office - Meet Our Team
- Explore Career Pathways
- Success Stories and Outcomes
- Employer Resources
- For Employers
- Recruiting Policies
- Post a Job or Internship
- Recruiting Interns
- Student Resources
- For Students
- Internships
- Career Resources
- Handshake for Students
- About Our Office
- Meet Our Team
- Explore Career Pathways
- Success Stories and Outcomes
Contact Information
Gorter Family Career Advancement Center
256 Brown Hall, Middle Campus
847-735-5235
careers@lakeforest.edu
Hours
Academic Year: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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