Search meetup.com for business and technology-related events in the Washington DC area.
Attend three events over the course of the semester.
At least two events must be hosted by different meetup groups.
Use caution when choosing a meetup to attend. If you're stuck or not sure where to start, try an event offered by one of the following recommended groups:
Please add your own recommended groups to this list!
Write a short (2-3 page) summary of your experiences, to address at least the following questions:
- Which events did you attend, which groups hosted them, and what happened at each?
- What, if anything did you learn about contemporary industry challenges and practices?
- For each meetup group... Have you returned to attend subsequent events hosted by this group? Would you recommend the group to a friend? Why or why not?
You may attach or embed photos to your writeup to provide further evidence of event attendance.
Submit a .pdf file via Blackboard.
Full credit for submitting a thoughtful response that demonstrates evidence of event attendance AND insights into contemporary business and technology issues and practices.
Else 3/4 credit for submitting a response that demonstrates evidence of event attendance OR insights into contemporary business and technology issues and practices.
Else 1/2 credit for submitting a relevant response.
Else no credit.
If the idea of attending business and technology community events frightens you or makes you uncomfortable, you have another option.
You may propose and submit a custom assignment that demonstrates the same learning objectives as the meetup assignment.
If proposing a custom assignment, please compose a brief assignment description (including evaluation criteria), and send it to the professor for approval no later than the beginning of class on 10/5.
See below for examples of alternative assignments proposed by students.
Perform informational interviews with two active members of the business and technology community.
After the interviews, write a short (2-3 page) summary of your experiences, to address at least the following questions:
- Which professionals did you interview? Include their contact info and a description of their professional roles/duties.
- How are their professions relevant to the business/technology community?
- What happened during each interview? What relevant topics were discussed?
- How did your discussions relate to your own skills and interests?
- What did you learn about contemporary industry challenges and practices?
You may attach or embed photos to your writeup to provide further evidence of interview participation.