Small Talk 101 was a fantastic afternoon dedicated to helping undergraduate and graduate students strengthen one of the most important professional skills of all: the art of conversation. Students had the opportunity to network with an incredible group of alumni and industry guests, gaining real-world experience in introducing themselves, asking thoughtful questions, and navigating meaningful small talk.
After an hour of lively conversation, we transitioned into a guided feedback session where our industry friends shared what worked, what stood out, and how students can level up their networking game.
A couple standout takeaways?
💡 Say yes to opportunities, even the unexpected ones.
💡 Remember that confidence grows when you stay present.
Those small moves can turn a quick hello into a real, lasting connection.
A huge thank you to our alumni, industry partners, and students who showed up ready to engage. The energy in the room and the genuine connections forged are what make the NMI community so special. We are especially grateful to Brooke MacLean and Marketwake for helping bring this event to life.
Couldn’t make it to the event or want to relive the moments? Check out our 2026 Small Talk 101 album!