Young Professional Events are More Than Free Appetizers: Why They Matter
By Heather Halligan, Marketing Manager and Michelle Hoffman, Business Development Coordinator.
Do you avoid traditional networking events because they’re awkward or salesy?
Networking events can be intimidating when you’re new in your career. But that’s where young professional events come in.
They offer the same networking opportunities, but in a fun and lively environment. And it’s not just about free appetizers — though that is a nice bonus. You’re meeting people of similar age and experience, and there is no pressure to secure a referral or lead.
Just have fun, develop relationships, and improve your networking skills.
Let’s discuss why it’s important to start building relationships early with young professional events.
Building with People on Your Level
Young professional events typically attract individuals between the ages of 20 and 40. They’re fresh out of college (or still new in their careers), no kids, no other evening commitments, and looking to develop professional relationships.
If you go to a regular networking event, you’ll run into CEOs, directors, board members, and other high-ranking professionals who have developed their network and have experience attending these events.
It can be quite overwhelming as a 20-something-year-old to walk into these events and try to have an intelligent and engaging conversation with someone much older and much more experienced.
As a young professional, you’re going to have much more in common with other young professionals. That familiarity immediately lowers the stakes, allowing you to relax and enjoy the event.
Young professional events are meant to be fun, stress-free environments. So don’t worry about getting leads or referrals. Focus on building relationships.
Networking While Having Fun
Young professional events almost always have an engaging activity to encourage people to come. Whether it’s a rooftop bar, a golf simulator, or bowling, a fun activity lowers the anxiety that is natural when attending networking events.
You might not even talk about your careers, or anything work related, and that’s OK. The point of young professional events is to build relationships, gain confidence in networking, and practice engaging in conversations.
Who knows? You might even pick up a new hobby you never thought you’d be interested in.
Relationships Take Time to Develop
Even with fun activities, relationships don’t happen instantly.
Starting your networking early will help expand your base with referrals. If you regularly attend a specific event, it can lead to leadership roles, such as joining boards or organizing events.
Those early opportunities for leadership positions will make networking easier when you start to advance in your career.
You’ll likely start seeing the same connections if you attend events regularly, making it easier to strike up conversations.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t make any connections during your first event. Attend a few more and then reevaluate if you’re still struggling.
Let’s Connect
Young professional events are meant to be fun, stress-free environments. So don’t worry about getting leads or referrals. Focus on building relationships.
Want more tips on how to make young professional events more productive? Let’s talk about how we can help your organization flourish!
