It was a meat market attended by even the most vehement vegetarians.
Jewish professionals from all around the area crowded in to Houston Hall's Bodek Lounge on Monday for a "meet market" run by Jewish Heritage Programs. Students from Penn, Temple University and Drexel University met with mentors in their fields of interest.
Even City Controller Jonathan Saidel played matchmaker, emceeing the event.
The room was separated into four sections, each with a different group of professionals. Every seven minutes, students moved down one seat, and met somebody new.
Boasting nearly a one-to-one student-mentor ratio, the event allowed undergraduates to network, chat and learn about fields they intend to enter.
"A major component of what we do is to connect college students with mentors in the Jewish community," said Jewish Heritage Programs Executive Director Rabbi Menachem Schmidt.
Students and mentors alike were energized about the unique opportunity.
"I love the idea of mentoring," business mentor Steve Katz said. "I wish I had it in college. The organization is very giving without asking for a whole lot in return. This is a chance to give back to the community. This helps keep [students] in the Philadelphia area."
The students who attended were predominantly Jewish Heritage Programs members.
"I came here to ask questions and hear different perspectives," said Tara Brenner, a Wharton senior and prospective law school student.
The Jewish Heritage Programs also sponsored the event to showcase the role of Judaism in professional life.
Amanda Abrams, a Wharton senior and head of Jewish content for the group, emphasized this role.
"I make sure there is an educational component to everything," she said.
Saidel reinforced the idea behind the "meet market" best.
"You are the future of our city, our state, and our country," he said.
The purpose of the Jewish Heritage Programs is threefold -- planning Jewish social events on campus, organizing community service and providing mentoring.
