Networking: Young Professionals of Chattanooga grows despite pandemic

Young Professionals of Chattanooga had to change their game in a big way in 2020, but the professional development and networking group actually added members during the pandemic, says Austin Corcoran, talent attraction and retention manager for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.

"As part of our pivot, I've been connecting with [the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga] and Chattanooga State [Community College] and those young professionals, reaching into higher education to create that bridge," he says. Young Professionals of Chattanooga has more than 500 members, and fills a unique role that helps people find their place in the professional landscape as they transition out of college, he adds.

A young professional is generally considered 21 to 40 years old, but the group also welcomes members who are "young at heart," Corcoran says.

"At many of our events, I have seen a bigger influx of different age ranges, and I love that," he says. "This gives us the opportunity to connect our younger members with those who may be more established in their careers."

The group was first established in 2005, and was run entirely by volunteers until 2019. That year, the Chamber of Commerce took on the management of Young Professionals of Chattanooga, formally connecting resources to boost the organization, and helping the chamber with its mission of attracting and retaining young talent in the area.

Contributed photography / A networking event at Wanderlinger Brewing in September 2019 for Young Professionals of Chattanooga.

Before the pandemic, the group hosted monthly happy hours and regular lunch-and-learn events that combined social and professional development. During the pandemic year, the focus shifted more to online professional development opportunities, from goal-setting and finances to polishing a resume and tips for effective virtual job interviews, Corcoran says.

"We put out multiple surveys to engage our network to see what they need, and they related professional development was one thing they wanted right now," he says. "They find the benefit of the social events come more in person than virtual, so we pivoted more to the professional development side."

The group is starting to consider the post-pandemic networking scene, but it's a little early yet to know how it might look, Corcoran says.

"We don't know what the future holds, but my hope is to eventually host in-person, safely gathered events both social and professional development," he says.