Whether you’re a college graduate making the transition back to your hometown, or an entrepreneur looking to improve your community, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. In a competitive world where success is highly driven by connections, it can often feel isolating trying to make it on your own.
Fortunately, thanks to Young Professionals of Lewis County, aspiring professionals can connect with other like-minded community members, building social and professional relationships within their own neighborhoods.
Launched in 2010, the nonprofit group hosts networking socials once a month at its sponsorship sight, Riverside Golf Club, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The first hour is solely dedicated to networking and building relationships, while the second hour is dedicated to a keynote speech from a prominent community member or politician, such as Lee Coumbs, commissioner of the Southwest Washington Fair.
Currently, each mixer sees 20 to 30 members each month. Shedding the stigma that all professionals are “white collar,” the club is a home to a wide variety of professionals, including teachers, business owners, and real estate agents.
“It accommodates a wide spectrum,” said Matthew Swena, a club member and office manager at Express Employment Professionals.
Although the average club member is 25 to 30 years old, the term “young professional” has no defined age. The club is aimed at helping new professionals establish connections and begin their careers, whether they start straight out of college or in their 40s.
“A young professional is someone growing within their industry and fields and building those connections,” said club president Trevor Elliott, a producer at Virgil R. Lee and Son.
While consistent club membership helps bring in funding, Swena also hopes that members will use the club to springboard their interests and join other organizations in the community, such as Twin Cities Rotary and City Council.
“A lot of associations are coming out of it,” said Swena
In addition to building business connections, Young Professionals also provides a like-minded community for college graduates returning home indefinitely.
“Oftentimes, when someone moves back from college or does an internship, they don’t necessarily feel like they’re part of the community,” said Elliott. “But we know that once you plug in with people in similar shoes, you have a place to feel at home, build relationships, and grow in your field.”
Although many aspiring professionals overlook small towns in favor of big cities, Swena advises not to overlook Lewis County and its many benefits, such as affordable housing, family ties, and easy access to community involvement.
“The fact that we’re situated between two large metropolitan areas creates a lot of draw,” said Swena. “If you come back here, you can get further ahead in your career in a similar timeline.”
While a professional could spend 10 to 15 years working their way up to their ideal job, Swena and Elliott believe that the various opportunities to get involved within Lewis County could actually accelerate someone’s career. Because many professionals from Generation X have gone to work in metropolitan areas, a large portion of the job market is open to Millennials who will need to train for the positions Baby Boomers will vacate once they retire.
“There is a generation missing here. They are absolutely valued,” said Swena.
Additionally, another downside of establishing your career in a big city is the lack of connections and resources. However, in a smaller community, one can rely on the support of family and friends.
“Those connections that you’ve built as a child—those people who have watched your games and seen your recitals—building those relationships with them gives them the opportunity to show them what you can do,” said Elliott.
In the spirit of true leadership, Young Professionals of Lewis County also focuses on giving back within the community, donating money toward the Boy and Girls Club of Chehalis and sponsoring Business Week for high school juniors.
When asked what he would say to Business Week students, Swena emphasized training students to be leaders within their own communities.
“Realize your value in this community. So many times, people become educated and leave, but the future of this community values the knowledge of the young people that are here,” he said.
The next networking social for Young Professionals will be held on November 9, 2016, featuring Senator John Braun as a keynote speaker. The event is timely, following the heels of a major election, and will cover legislative updates, in addition to discussing the best practices for being diplomatic in business and having a successful career.
Each event has a casual dress code and is free to attend. There is no large networking social planned for the month of December, but a small mixer will be held following the conclusion of Business Week.
If you are interested in being involved in Young Professionals of Lewis County or want more details on upcoming events, please visit their Facebook page or call President Trevor Elliott at 360-520-2197.
