Sonoma State University's Wine Business Program sponsored a standing-room only career networking event recently at the University Library on campus.
Over 100 Sonoma State students and alumni, vintners, and representatives of wine support businesses were on hand that evening. Attendees heard a panel of wine industry professionals discuss what attracted them to the wine industry and give their advice to students on how best to prepare for careers in the wine industry.
Mike Sullivan, on behalf of Wells Fargo Bank, presented the first annual "Outstanding Student Intern in the Wine Industry " award to Sonoma State business majors Brian Bean and Paul Finn, both seniors graduating in May 2001.
Guest speakers included: Ralph Colonna (CF Designs), Mike Fisher (Motto, Kryla Fisher), Diego Jimenez (Gloria-Ferrer), Judy Jordan (J Wine Company), Mike Sullivan (Wells Fargo Bank), Henry Wendt (Quivira), Lindsay Wurlitzer (Pacific Coast Farm Credit) and Phil Woodward (Chalone).
The next Wine Career Night is scheduled for September. To reserve a place at this upcoming event, please call Elizabeth Rice at (707) 664-2387.
The Wine Business Program was founded in 1996 to generate world-class, cutting-edge business solutions for the wine industry. The Program's mission is to develop knowledge, people, and programs to serve the needs of students, wine businesses and related support businesses.
More than 150 students take continuing education and academic wine business courses each year. Students also have an opportunity to receive credit for semester-long internships at local wineries and wine support businesses. For further information about the Wine Business Program, contact Becky Montrose at (707) 664-2260.
