Beyond Small Talk: My Experience at the VCPEP Networking & Alumni Event

Learning What True Networking Really Means

Today, I had the chance to attend the VCPEP Networking and Alumni Event at Deakin — and it was an experience that made me reflect deeply on what true networking really means.

Breaking the Ice: Small Prompts, Big Insights

From the moment we arrived, we were networking — not just by shaking hands, but through fun, thoughtful prompts like “What did you have for breakfast?”, “What’s the last movie you watched?” or “What are you studying?” At first glance, these seem trivial, but they turned out to be powerful conversation starters.These small details reveal so much: a protein shake might hint at a gym habit; a certain movie choice might reflect someone’s taste in art, culture, or values. Noticing these subtle cues helps build a clearer picture of who someone is — and allows you to steer the conversation in a way that feels natural, personal, and authentic.

Practicing Active Listening Through Games

The icebreaker games were not just fun, but an exercise in active listening. We had to remember what others had shared earlier — testing how present and attentive we were.

Connecting Across Diverse Experiences

One highlight for me was reconnecting with scholars I’d met before at other VCPEP events and meeting new ones with fascinating backgrounds. I loved hearing about alumni who had studied abroad, worked on diverse research projects, or gained professional experience overseas — like one scholar’s stories about working in Dubai. These global perspectives broadened my own thinking and reminded me how much wisdom exists in each unique journey.

Finding Common Ground in Unexpected Topics

A special moment for me was when an alum spoke about her interests in public health and LGBTQ health— a topic not directly in my field but one that sparked a link to inclusive education, which I’m deeply passionate about. This one word became an anchor for a deeper, meaningful exchange, and she even offered me a contact doing related research — a perfect example of how listening closely opens unexpected doors.

Understanding the Hidden Job Market

Another valuable lesson was understanding the hidden job market — how so many opportunities come through word of mouth, not just online applications. This means authentic networking — staying in touch, exchanging ideas, and building trust over time — is more important than ever.

Personal Growth and Moving Forward

These events have helped me step out of my comfort zone, become more vocal, and grow in confidence. I still have much to learn about presenting myself and expanding my network, but I’m excited to keep building these skills while staying true to myself.

Final Reflection: Connections Over Contacts

In the end, networking isn’t about collecting contacts — it’s about cultivating connections. Real, honest, human connections that last. Thank you, Deakin and VCPEP, for creating such an enriching space for us to learn, grow, and connect.