Q-camp goes virtual
The pandemic didn’t stop Robins School students from learning professional skills at our 13th annual Q-camp.
Daria Torrenti, ’23, attended Q-camp as a newly declared business major. She was thrilled to network with professionals, and learn the soft skills required to succeed in the industry, all in a virtual format.
“I can confidently say that all of the sessions and experiences allowed me to learn about myself and expand my knowledge of the business world,” Torrenti said.
Q-camp, typically held over a two-day period at the Westin Hotel in Richmond, pivoted seamlessly to the virtual format, ensuring students had opportunities to get to know one another, and learn more about professional development opportunities through the Robins School.
“Given the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to shift to virtual recruiting, interviewing, and internships, we felt that it was important to give sophomore business students a chance to learn and practice effective virtual skills,” said Shelley Burns, director of career programs.
She, along with Andi Minor, special events manager for the Robins School, worked tirelessly for months to ensure students received the same, if not better, experience they would have had if the program were conducted in person.
“Student feedback suggests that despite being virtual, students were pleasantly surprised at their high-level of engagement with volunteers,” Burns said. “Sessions such as mock interviews and speed networking afforded students the chance to build relationships with alumni, corporate partners, and faculty.”
Alex Cabezas, '22, attended Q-camp in 2020, and served as a Q-ambassador this year.
"While we all would have enjoyed being able to meet in person, the students were able to practice virtual interviews and networking which are critical skills now as the pandemic has shifted everything to being online," Cabezas said. "I think the ability to practice virtual interviews as well as networking with alumni and corporate partners has provided this year's students with an excellent advantage as they are better prepared to navigate internship and job applications in the age of the pandemic."
Students attended sessions reviewing virtual communication and online presence, claiming personal strengths, acknowledging unconscious bias, as well as participated in mock interviews and speed networking.
“I am extremely grateful for these opportunities and am excited to put these skills into action in the future,” Torrenti said.
For more information on Q-camp, visit the Career Programs website.