Students took a brief break from co-op placements at area firms, corporations, government agencies, the courts and public-interest groups to hone their professional networking skills.

On March 3, the Co-op Program convened a training session that focused on techniques for getting the attention of prospective employers.

Led by marketing consultants Martin McLaughlin of Mosaic Partners and Alec Elmore of Open Gate Consulting, the session offered tips to help aspiring lawyers develop a "personal brand" that will help them stand out in a crowded field of job seekers.

The event was held in the Center City offices of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, one of the law school’s co-op partners.

Students practiced their newfound ice-breaking skills with attorneys from the firm during a mock mixer.

Steven Smith, a Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney shareholder, said the event provided a valuable opportunity.

"This is real world," Smith said. "In this day and age, when jobs are hard to come by, it’s especially important."