This post was updated Feb. 19 at 10:52 p.m.

Recruiters from nonprofit organizations and students gathered in Ackerman Grand Ballroom on Feb. 8 for a professional networking event.

The Nonprofit Networking Night, hosted annually by the UCLA Volunteer Center, the Office of Student Affairs and the Undergraduate Students Association Council Community Service Commission, included a keynote speaker and alumni panel that offered attendees advice about careers in the nonprofit sector. The event also featured a networking session with recruiters from organizations including the American Red Cross and the Peace Corps.

Joyce Goh, the internal programs director for CSC, said the event sought to expand students’ accessibility to the nonprofit sector.

“We want to provide students with the opportunity to get involved with the community,” said Goh, a second-year environmental science student.

The event began with a keynote address from Natalie Samarjian, the president and CEO of Coro Southern California, an organization dedicated to leadership development in public affairs. Samarjian, a UCLA alumnus, answered questions and discussed the importance of mentorship, providing an example of when a professor encouraged her.

“A professor by the name of Michael Dukakis predates all of you here,” she said. “He was a presidential candidate and a phenomenal professor who saw my interest in public policy and recommended a program called Coro.”

After Samarjian’s remarks and a networking period, a panel of UCLA alumni spoke to attendees. Lynn O’Connell – a panelist and the vice president and creative director of TrueSense Marketing, a firm that works with nonprofits – said during the panel that building relationships in the nonprofit industry is important for success.

“Networking is important. Leading with kindness and respect for each other is important,” she said. “Take names. Take numbers. Follow up.”

As students had the opportunity to network with recruiters from the nonprofits, they were encouraged to give their resumes to and engage with potential employers.

Alexander Gil, a recruiter for the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County, said he attended the event to promote the organization’s internship program for recent college graduates. His colleague, Cristal Torres, a UCLA alumnus and project specialist with CCALAC, added that she got into the nonprofit industry because of her passion for helping her community and noted the impact of events like the Nonprofit Networking Night.

“Supporting nonprofits is super important,” she said. “It’s a way to serve communities or serve different missions.”

Earl Torres, a recruiter from the American Red Cross and another UCLA alumnus, said the event was also a great way for the organization to recruit other individuals who align with its mission and values.

Student attendees also discussed their interests in joining the nonprofit sector and their desire to speak to current industry members.

Adita Farahiyah, a second-year graduate student in business administration, said she wanted a career in the social impact sector, adding that she attended the event to network with some of the nonprofit organizations in attendance and potentially find an internship or full-time job.

“It’s a really great experience networking with people, as well as finding some new opportunities and learning more about organizations that I might have never heard (about) before,” Farahiyah said.

Isabella Patton, a third-year human biology and society student, said she attended to learn about the different nonprofit organizations in attendance and the opportunities that they have to offer. She said she was interested in public health and global development, adding that she was looking into pursuing opportunities with the Peace Corps after college.

Patton also said she appreciated the interactive nature of the event.

“I liked the layout. They had a really great turnout, in my opinion, and everyone was really engaged and aware and wanted to speak with you and find out more about what you’re interested in,” she said.

When asked if she would attend the Nonprofit Networking Night again next year, Patton was unequivocal in her answer.

“Absolutely. It’s something I wish I knew about earlier in my college career,” she said.