Students who attended the Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA) speed networking event last week were rewarded for making a good impression

It was the tenth Annual College Student Networking Event hosted by BIBA, the aim is to help students develop networking skills and introduce them to a wide array of jobs available on the Island.

BIBA's Acting Chairman & CEO, Cheryl Packwood said: "Success in life is determined by the relationships we build and the advisers we have."

The students participated in speed interviews where they were graded. On Friday the top students received their awards, with Jordan Commissiong coming first and winning a laptop donated by Applied Computer Technologies. Victoria Borges came second while Jana Outerbridge was third, they both won an iPod, which were donated by BIBA and BELCO.

And it wasn't just what the students said which was marked. Interviewers were paying close attention to what they wore too. Gladwin Omar Lodge, Jr. topped the list for the boys while Samantha Scott impressed judges with her sense of style and professionalism. They both received cell phones donated by Cellular One.

Amanda Burns won a travel voucher donated by PricewaterhouseCoopers for being the most enthusiastic student at the careers seminars and Alexander Smatt received an iPod from Trott & Duncan for being the best networker.

Shadhidah Shamsid-Dean won an iPod from Cox Hallett Wilkinson for her impeccable resume.

A handful of students also received internships as a result of the networking event. Katrina Darrell will start one with North Rock Communications, while Michael Paynter will intern at Dundee Leeds Management Services Ltd.; Lorin Tannock will learn about work at Independent Consulting Solutions; and Corey Minors will be placed in Comada (Bda) Ltd.

Over 220 students attended this year's event and Ms Packwood said: ""The support of our business community has been heartening and, indeed, overwhelming. The students have more than demonstrated their desire to learn, network and show their stuff. With these to winning combinations, Bermuda can only sore. I'm really looking forward to next year."