MBA students need to take advantage of every opportunity they have where they are able to meet with prospective employers. These experiences can be few and far between, so maximizing networking opportunities can be very beneficial to aspiring business professionals. Entrepreneur* magazine composed a list of ways MBA students can be better networkers when opportunities arise.

Be independent

Too often, students in business degree programs head to networking opportunities with a friend or a group, and are hesitant to break away from the crowd to talk to prospective employers. While it may be more comfortable to hang with a group, being alone forces MBA students to immerse themselves in the event.

"When you’re solo, you’re forced to talk to people, it's easier to insert yourself into conversations, and you're less intimidating to mingle with," Priyanka Sharma, marketing director for a Flash web-browser app for the iPad, iSwifter, told the magazine.

Drink in moderation

At many networking opportunities, alcohol is served. However, MBA students that want to make a strong impression should stick to only one or two drinks or choose to not drink at all. While MBA students may feel that a little booze can loosen them up, staying sober will allow students to stay on top of their game.

"The last thing you want is to wake up the next morning and wonder, 'What did I say?'" Sepideh Nasiri, a director of off-line activities at Women 2.0, told the magazine.

Stay in touch with prospective employers

MBA students that feel they made a strong impression with certain employers should make an effort to stay in contact with them. With communication methods such as Twitter, Facebook, email and LinkedIn, MBA students have multiple avenues through which they can make sure they stay fresh in the minds of those they have met at the networking event. Staying in touch with those who host the networking events can also be beneficial, and could garner another invite to a similar opportunity.

According to Mashable**, another smart practice while attending these opportunities to ask open-ended questions to employers, which can get human resource professionals talking about their company and industry.