The art of job networking has taken on a whole new meaning at DePaul’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.

Seeking new ways to bring area employers and students together for job networking events, the school’s Career Management Center (CMC) began last spring to host art shows featuring the works of MBA students who are also artists. The students, who are working professionals in the school’s part-time MBA programs, invite representatives from their companies and fellow full- and part-time students to view the art, mingle and discuss career opportunities. The center has hosted three events so far, each attracting about 50 people to view photography and paintings by students who work at BorgWarner, ABM AMRO and GlaxoSmithKline.

“The student art openings provide opportunities for students and company professionals to network in a relaxed atmosphere and for the center to get the word out about its services,” said Christa Hinton, CMC director.

The most recent art gallery show, held on Sept. 10 at the CMC offices in DePaul’s business school, featured colorful abstract oil paintings by part-time MBA student Eric Slagle of Arlington Heights, who is a sales representative for a division of GlaxoSmithKline. “The invitation to this event was sent throughout the entire company,” Slagle said. “It not only showcases an employee but also helps the company build its recruiting relationship with DePaul.” Slagle noted that GlaxoSmithKline currently is looking for sales representatives from DePaul.

Andrew Hallissey, an international marketing and finance MBA student who completes his degree in March and already has lined up a job at Trammell Crow Co., said the art gallery exhibits and other CMC networking events are crucial for making contacts. “The best way to find a job is to build relationships, and that’s why this event is a good idea,” said Hallissey, a native of Ireland, as he admired one of Slagle’s works. “It’s a relaxed and enjoyable way to network.”

The student art shows are part of a full slate of career services offered by the DePaul’s Career Management Center. The center sponsors career consulting, seminars and networking events, as well as job posting and application opportunities through DePaul’s online eRecruiting system, for evening, weekend and day students enrolled in DePaul’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.