Meaningful Connections, Made Easy

Casual, virtual networking sessions between gener8tor Skills graduates and professionals from various fields. Sign up to meet new people, build relationships, and connect with your community's best and brightest.

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What Are Lightning Rounds?

Lightning Rounds are fast-paced, virtual networking events that connect talented job seekers with employers and mentors across industries. Each session features a series of short, high-impact conversations designed to spark meaningful professional connections, mentorship opportunities, and potential career matches.

Through these structured yet personal exchanges, participants can showcase their skills, gain insights from experienced professionals, and explore new career pathways—all in a dynamic, supportive environment that promotes growth and opportunity.

How it Works

1. Sign Up

Identify your role as a Host or Attendee and complete the corresponding Sign-Up Form to join gener8tor Skills Lightning Rounds. Once submitted, our team will review your form and confirm your participation.

2. Get Scheduled

Our team will schedule your session based on your availability and send you a calendar invite with your event link and details. Log in a few minutes early to prepare and connect.

3. Join & Connect

Participate in two short 25-minute sessions designed for genuine conversation and connection. Share insights, ask questions, and build professional relationships that can lead to mentorship, collaboration, or new opportunities.

Who Attends?

Each Lightning Round pairs experienced hosts with motivated attendees, creating space for mentorship, networking, and meaningful professional conversations.

Lead. Mentor. Hire. Make an Impact.

Join professionals and employers nationwide who are empowering the next generation of talent. As a Lightning Rounds Host, you’ll spend one hour connecting with motivated gener8tor Skills graduates, sharing insights, mentorship, and opportunities that make a real impact. Whether you’re hiring now or paying it forward, your voice helps build a stronger and more inclusive workforce.

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Choose Your Role

Choose whether you’re a Host or an Attendee to see what’s most relevant to you.

Why Host Lightning Rounds?

Expand Your Network and Influence

Connect with talented professionals and industry leaders who share your passion for growth and mentorship. Every conversation broadens your reach and strengthens your professional presence.

Build a Future-Ready Talent Pipeline

Meet skilled, motivated job seekers who could be the perfect fit for current or upcoming roles. Discover exceptional candidates through genuine, low-pressure conversations.

Empower and Mentor Rising Professionals

Share your experience and career lessons to help others navigate their next steps. Your guidance provides clarity, confidence, and inspiration for the next generation of talent.

Champion Community and Visibility

Showcase your company’s culture, values, and commitment to professional growth while making a measurable impact on your community’s workforce and future success.

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Why Attend Lightning Rounds?

Build Professional Connections

Connect with employers, mentors, and fellow participants from across industries to grow your network and open new doors for your career journey.

Gain Real-World Insights and Advice

Learn directly from industry professionals, hiring managers, and mentors who share practical tips, perspectives, and experiences to help you move forward with clarity.

Practice Networking and Storytelling

Build your confidence and communication skills in a friendly, low-pressure environment that encourages authentic conversation and professional growth.

Explore New Career Opportunities

Discover potential roles, industries, and pathways that align with your skills, interests, and goals — all through genuine, one-on-one conversations.

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Lightning Rounds Host FAQs

How long is each round?

Each Lightning Round lasts one hour, broken into two 30-minute conversations. Think of it like speed networking — meet someone new every 30 minutes!

What does it mean to be a Lightning Rounds Host?

Hosts lead short, high-impact conversations with gener8tor Skills graduates. Join as an Employer Host to represent your company or as a Mentor Host to share professional guidance.

Who can serve as a Host?

Professionals, mentors, hiring managers, or recruiters who want to give back, share insights, and connect with emerging talent.

What’s the difference between Employer Host and Mentor Host?
  • Employer Host — represent your company, share hiring insights, and discuss opportunities.
  • Mentor Host — focus on offering career advice, personal stories, and professional guidance.
What happens during a Lightning Round?

Each round lasts about one hour and includes two 25-minute sessions. You’ll remain in your breakout room while attendees rotate in for engaging conversations.

How should I prepare?
  • Join early and test your setup (Zoom, lighting, audio).
  • Plan a short introduction and talking points.
  • Be ready for open, authentic conversations.
What support does gener8tor provide?

The gener8tor Skills team handles scheduling, invites, and support before and during the event. We’re here to make hosting seamless and rewarding.

Lightning Rounds Attendee FAQs

How long is each round?

Each Lightning Round lasts one hour, broken into two 30-minute conversations. Think of it like speed networking — meet someone new every 30 minutes!

What are Lightning Rounds?

Lightning Rounds are fast-paced, virtual networking sessions that connect gener8tor Skills graduates with professionals, mentors, and employers. It’s a space to share your experiences, gain insights, and build meaningful career connections.

Who participates in Lightning Rounds?

Each round brings together:

  • Attendees: gener8tor Skills graduates growing their networks and exploring new opportunities.
  • Hosts: Professionals, mentors, and employers who offer advice, insights, and career guidance.
What happens during a Lightning Round?

Each session lasts about one hour and includes two 25-minute breakout rounds. You’ll rotate between Hosts to discuss your career goals, learn from their experiences, and expand your professional network.

How should I prepare?
  • Review your invite and join 5–10 minutes early.
  • Test your Zoom setup (camera, mic, lighting).
  • Prepare a quick 1–2 minute introduction: name, background, and goals.
  • Think of a few questions for Hosts about skills, careers, or industries.
  • Dress business casual and keep your camera on—it helps engagement!
What kinds of questions should I ask Hosts?
  • “What skills are most valuable in your field right now?”
  • “What makes a candidate stand out during interviews?”
  • “What advice would you give someone entering your industry?”
  • “What’s one thing you wish you’d known earlier in your career?”
What should I expect from Hosts?
  • Employer Hosts share insights about their company, hiring practices, and open opportunities.
  • Mentor Hosts offer career advice, lessons learned, and professional guidance—no hiring agenda required.

Have a Question about gener8tor Skills Lightning Rounds?

Contact Tia Toles via email at tia.toles@gener8tor.com for any inquiries regarding gener8tor Skills Lightning Rounds

Tia Toles headshot

Tia Toles

Associate VP, gener8tor Skills