
Networking BINGO Icebreaker
Goal
This icebreaker activity aims to engage learners in a dynamic networking session while encouraging them to discover commonalities and differences in their career journeys. The bingo cards are designed to spark conversations, promote networking, and create a lively atmosphere for participants to learn more about each other.
Materials
Instructions
Introduction
Introduce the purpose of the networking icebreaker.
Emphasize the goal of fostering connections and discovering shared interests among participants.
Bingo Card Distribution
Provide each learners with a networking bingo card.
Explain that the goal is to fill in the bingo card by finding individuals in the room who match the descriptions in the squares.
Networking Session
Instruct learners to move around the room and engage in conversations with others to discover who fits the descriptions on their bingo card.
Encourage open and friendly communication, and remind learners to ask follow-up questions to gather more details. Learners should also practice small talk and use getting to know you questions, rather than simply asking if a person fits a certain square of the bingo card.
Each person can only be used for one square.
Complete the Bingo Card
Learners should aim to fill in as many squares as possible during the networking session.
Encourage them to write down the name of the person who matches each description.
Sharing and Debrief
Bring the group back together and invite volunteers to share interesting connections they made while networking.
Facilitate a brief discussion on the diversity of experiences and skills within the group.
Background
Preparation
Print or distribute the Bingo cards to participants. See Appendix A
Technology Considerations
This activity is best suited for in person groups.
Additional Context
Highlight the inclusive nature of the Bingo cards, incorporating prompts relevant to various career stages and interests.
Emphasize that the goal is not only to fill the card but to engage in meaningful conversations and learn more about fellow participants.
Tips for Localization
Adapt the prompts to align with cultural, regional, or industry-specific nuances.
Consider adding prompts that reflect local or regional career opportunities and challenges.
Debrief Questions
What connections surprised you the most during the networking activity?
How did this icebreaker help you learn more about your fellow participants?
Were there any common themes or trends in the types of experiences shared?
What strategies did you find effective in approaching new people during the networking session?
How might the connections made during this activity be beneficial in your career exploration or professional journey?
Appendix A: BINGO Cards
Use a bingo card generator to generate cards that would resonate with the experiences of your learners. Alternatively, a few examples have been created and provided below.
Has a side hustle or passion project.
Is currently studying or pursuing further education.
Speaks more than one language fluently.
Has participated in a volunteer or community service project.
Is passionate about environmental sustainability.
Has completed an internship or work placement.
Enjoys coding or has basic programming skills.
Is a creative thinker or enjoys brainstorming ideas.
Has experience with social media content creation.
Has attended a professional development workshop or webinar.
Is interested in a career in technology or innovation.
Is a member of a professional or student organization.
Enjoys public speaking or has participated in a speaking event.
Has a favorite motivational book or podcast.
Has experience with graphic design or multimedia production.
Is interested in pursuing a career in healthcare or wellness.
Has participated in a hackathon or innovation challenge.
Is a member of an online learning or skill-building platform.
Is interested in starting their own business someday.
Has an existing business/organization
Is attending their first networking event
Is looking for funding
Has a unique business idea
Is looking for a mentor
Is involved in a non-profit
Is passionate about community involvement
Is a mentor/wants to be a mentor
Has overcome a major business or life challenge
Has experience with government grants/funding
Is interested in freelance work
Has a service-based business
Is looking to change careers
Is good at marketing
Has harvested a moose
Has tanned a hide
Has gone dog sledding
Enjoys ice fishing
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