Three Commonly Asked Questions From Young Professionals

By Robbie Banks, Young Professionals Manager, Columbus Chamber

I have the pleasure of meeting many young professionals (YPs) who are looking for opportunities to get involved in Columbus. While it is known that YPs value work/life balance, they sometimes need guidance on narrowing down the many available options for ways to get involved.

Three of the most common questions I am asked when I meet a YP are: 1.) "Do I qualify as a young professional?" 2.) "What organization(s) should I join or get involved with?" and 3.) "Where do I go to find out about the local YP and professional organizations?"

Here's how I generally respond.

Do I qualify as a YP? If you identify as a YP, then, by golly, you are! To take part in YP programming, you can self-select if you are a YP (or "young at heart"). For research purposes, a YP is often defined as 24-35 years old. Some young professionals' organizations (YPOs) may have age requirements that can range from 21 to 45.

What organization(s) should I join or get involved with? Before I respond to this question, I will ask you to give me your definition of "getting involved" and tell me about your interests and passions. Once I learn what makes you tick, I can help you identify organizations and events that you may want to investigate, For example, a YP in the finance industry may tell me that she enjoys sports, is passionate about children, and is interested in networking to meet potential clients. In response, I may suggest that she attend various networking events, join an organization's athletic leagues, and check out a couple organizations that are focused on children.

Where do I go to find out about the local YP and professional organizations? To help you in your search, view the Columbus Chamber's directory of YP and professional organizations. This handy directory features nearly 60 local organizations, along with each organization's mission or description, main contact's name and email address, Web site, Facebook, LinkedIn and/or Meetup groups, and categories that define each organization. Then, to be "in-the-know," you can register to receive the Chamber's weekly YP email, "Activities and Events for Young Professionals." The email is chock-full of volunteer opportunities, events, and more. Sign up for the email now and look forward to receiving a message from me in your in box each Friday.

Columbus is fortunate to have dozens of unique YP and professional organizations. Shop around for the organizations that are the right fit for you. Attend various events, and be sure to invite your friends and colleagues to go with you. Talk to the organization's leadership and members, and bring your business cards to each event. A number of the events are free to attend or cost very little. Whether you are looking for networking, social, volunteer, athletic, or professional development opportunities, I am certain you will find it by staying informed and getting involved!

Comments

[Derek Grosso]

Thanks Robbie, for all that you do within and for the Columbus area YP community!