Young Professional Groups are Popping Up All Over

As a result of publishing this blog, I have had the opportunity to meet with a number of young professional groups and individuals.  Some of them have been guest contributors on this blog.  The energy, passion and commitment they bring is inspirational.

When I was a young professional in my 20’s and early 30’s, there were very few young professional groups.  The only ones I recall were found through the Chambers of Commerce and the United Way.  That has changed dramatically.  Now, young professional groups in the Twin Cities seem to be popping up all over.

Why are these all groups being formed?  I am not a generation expert; nor have I done any research on this topic.  However, I have some ideas on why this has happened – social media provides many easy ways to connect and stay connected; young professionals today are facing many challenges; by working together they believe they can solve their problems and overcome their challenges.

Each of the young professional groups has their own vision and goals.  Yet, MinnPost has identified a need for these groups – to be aware of whom the other young professional groups are and what they are doing.  MinnPost created a Young Professional Network (YPN).  MinnPost’s YPN is “where emerging Minnesota leaders connect.”  They are building a directory of young professional groups.  There is no cost for the groups to be members.  They simply contact MinnPost about becoming a member – ypn@minnpost.com.  In addition, MinnPost invites “YPN member groups and individuals to submit material about topics of interest including upcoming events.”  By helping these groups connect, MinnPost is making it easier for young professionals to succeed through helping each other.

As a former young professional , I hope to learn more about some of these groups and individuals.  I encourage you to do the same.  Thoughts or suggestions?