A record number of students attended the annual Bermuda International Business Association's College Student Networking Event (CSNE).

This is the tenth year BIBA has staged it and a record total of 206 students pre-registered for the event, with more students showing up on the night.

So many students were eager to network with professionals that BIBA president Cheryl Packwood had to organise extra sessions to accommodate all the students.

CSNE connects Bermuda's future and current workforces and gives college students the opportunity to "speed interview" with business and Government representatives to determine which field might be the right fit for their future.

The speed-dating/interviewing technique gave students the opportunity to quickly find out more about the various career options that are available to them in a wide variety of industries. The event is known for providing a unique opportunity to meet key business contacts all under one roof.

Law student Jordan Knight, 22, said he found the evening useful: "It has really shown me the importance of networking. I think there should be more of these types of events. Not everyone has business connections so it gives everyone the same chance even if they weren't born with the connections.

"I am doing the Kent programme through the Bermuda College and I have definitely met some interesting people who have given some great suggestions."

Markez Laws is interested in entering finance when he finishes at Brock University. "It has been a really great night," the 22-year-old said. "I have learned that you really have to network so that people can know who you are and you can learn about their line of work.

"My advice to students is to read all the promotional material, as that can answer a lot of your questions before you even get to the interview."

Along with the students, BIBA invited representatives from accounting, legal, banking and finance, investment, trust fund administration, hospitality, information technology, government, advertising and marketing, insurance and not-for-profit sectors.

Michael Dickinson, who is a part of the graduate training programme at the Bank of Bermuda and was invited to tell students about his position in the Bank said he was impressed with the calibre of students this year.

"They have asked a lot of interesting questions," the 25-year-old said. "The students seem really eager to learn about what is available. I spent the evening telling them about the opportunities available at the Bank for young professionals."

Premier Ewart Brown participated in the speed interviewing along with Labour Minister David Burch, Opposition Leader Kim Swan and Deputy Opposition Leader Patricia Gordon-Pamplin.

Ms Packwood said: "I think the evening went really well and the students were really exceptional. There has been so much demand that we have had to set up a third speed interview session so that everyone can participate.">