Jones Leadership Academy students learn importance of networking

From left: Faith Osley, 17, Alexandra Robinson, 17, Pamela Walton, 17, and Makenzie Cleveland, 16, pass note cards to their fellow students during a listening exercise led by visiting Toledo professor Barbara Brotzki during a session of the Executive Scholars program Wednesday at Jones Leadership Academy in Toledo. Students in the program receive specialized training on business topics. Professor Brotzki spoke on the value and technique behind professional networking.

The Blade/Katie Rausch
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Fourth in a monthly series on the Young Executive Scholars program.

Faith Osley pinned her shoulders back, gave a firm handshake, and locked eyes with fellow junior Pamela Walton before introducing herself.

It was all part of an exercise that challenged Jones Leadership Academy students to take one minute to practice networking with their fellow schoolmates.

From left: Faith Osley, 17, Alexandra Robinson, 17, Pamela Walton, 17, and Makenzie Cleveland, 16, pass note cards to their fellow students during a listening exercise led by visiting Toledo professor Barbara Brotzki during a session of the Executive Scholars program Wednesday at Jones Leadership Academy in Toledo. Students in the program receive specialized training on business topics. Professor Brotzki spoke on the value and technique behind professional networking.

“This helped us understand how we should look and carry ourselves when we step into the networking world,” Faith, 17, said.

Wednesday’s lesson was the fourth in a series of monthly workshops highlighting a new program called Young Executive Scholars, a partnership between University of Toledo’s business college and Toledo Public Schools’ Jones Leadership Academy. The partnership is aimed at preparing high school juniors and seniors for success after graduation. The previous workshops focused on leadership, dining etiquette, and nonverbal communication. 

Lessons learned by the students can apply to both higher education and professional settings, said Selina Griswold, a UT associate professor of management and creator of the program.

“We want them to be comfortable in all environments,” she said.

Wednesday’s presentation centered around networking. UT instructor Barbara Brotzki walked the students through how to start a conversation, use proper nonverbal communication, and the importance of dressing appropriately at business functions. The 13 students will be traveling to UT’s business school next month to network with the university’s staff and faculty.

“I thought it was a good lesson to teach us because most of us would like to go to college, and these skills would allow some of us to already have a head start on some other students,” senior Tre'von Shelmon said.

Principal Ward Barnett said he couldn’t be happier that this program is taking place at his school.

“It teaches a lot of skills that aren’t taught in the classroom,” he said. ”It helps put our kids on a level playing field.”

Contact Javonte Anderson at janderson@theblade.com, 419-724-6065, or on Twitter @JavonteA.