October 30, 2025
Meghan O'Toole
Seventeenth-annual Speed Networking creates over 4,500 networking opportunities
The Gorter Family Career Advancement Center’s signature fall event, Speed Networking, saw record-breaking turnout on Thursday, October 23.
Nine-minute rounds. Nine rotations. Thousands of connections made. This is the format for the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center’s Speed Networking, which aims to bring students and working professionals across industries together for an evening of connection and skill-building.
This year, close to 350 students and 160 professionals gathered in the Sports and Recreation Center, with 4,500 career connections taking place. Professionals included alumni, employers from across Lake County and Chicagoland, and other local community members.
Speed Networking provides students an opportunity to showcase their talents, gain insight into today’s professional world and hiring opportunities, and get connected to the Forester Network.
“Something I learned tonight is there is an unlimited number of people who are willing to help you,” said Bryan Dussault ’28. “Coming to this event, it’s really amazing.”
Professional networking for job-readiness
Associate Vice President for Career Advancement and Director for the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center Colleen Monks understands the power of a strong professional network.
“In today’s competitive job market, networking is more crucial than ever—with some reports indicating that up to 85 percent of jobs are filled through networking,” Monks shared. “That’s what makes events like Speed Networking and the connections within our close-knit Forester Network all the more impactful.”
Practicing professional skills in hands-on settings not only builds student confidence but also sets them apart during the post-college job search. The evening of practicing conversational skills was a new experience for Carolina Alonzo ’26.
“This was my first time attending Speed Networking, and I can definitely say it helped me get more comfortable with the idea of going into an interview,” she said.
Beyond providing students with robust networking opportunities, Speed Networking is also a key opportunity for the College’s employer partners to connect with talent. Many organizations’ representatives commented on the unique career readiness qualities Foresters will bring to the workforce.
“It was truly a privilege to be part of such a meaningful experience,” said Kelly Gallego, Executive Program Director at North Chicago Community Partners. “I also want to express my appreciation for the investment Lake Forest College continues to make in ensuring Foresters are well-prepared for success after graduation. I left the event inspired and hopeful for our future workforce after meeting so many students who demonstrated such maturity, curiosity, and drive.”
The other side of the table: alumni return to Speed Networking
This year, alumni turnout was especially strong with 72 in attendance, making up 45 percent of all professional participants.
“Just one year ago, I was on the other side of the table asking employers questions about their career paths,” Samuel French ’25, Inside Sales Representative at Rierden Chemical & Trading Co., said. “Now, I am one of the employers, and it’s been great talking to students and gaining that experience on the other side.”
Vice President for Career Advancement and Community Engagement Jackie Slaats said that she was particularly proud of the breadth and depth of alumni representation.
“I felt an incredible sense of shared Forester pride as several generations of Foresters, ranging from every decade from the 70’s to our most recent Class of ’25, made it a priority to come back and support our current students,” Slaats said.
Preparing for the future
Attending Speed Networking requires diligent preparation from students, who spend the weeks leading up to the event attending required prep sessions, polishing interview skills, and acquiring professional attire.
“Speed Networking goes far beyond a typical recruiting event—it’s about building meaningful connections, gaining insider perspectives on how industries are evolving, and ultimately, strengthening your competitive edge,” Monks said. “It’s also a powerful opportunity for our students to showcase their Forester Advantage: a unique blend of agility and human-centered career competencies, technical skills for tomorrow, and meaningful real-world experience that equips them to thrive in the future of work.”
View photos from the event
Interested in seeing more photos from the event? Check out our gallery!
