Congratulations! Those four (sometimes six) years of hard work paid off; you’re a newly minted college graduate about to take a month off before starting your first ever full-time role. Now what? Or say you get that dream gig you’ve been vying for: Account Executive for the Redbirds, Public Relations for FedEx, or even gaining admission to one of the University of Memphis’s nationally renowned graduate programs. Congrats again! But, this means moving to an area where you know nobody. Again, now what?
I’m a social butterfly, but sometimes meeting people can be downright awkward and can often leave you with a night of drinking entirely too much Memphis Toddy from Old Dominick’s while continuing your Netflix marathon of Friends episodes with Webster, your three legged cat.
Luckily, Memphis has a slew of opportunities for young professionals – both creative and non – to network and strengthen their image in the city’s growing professional landscape. While we aren’t going to cover every wonderful group out there, here are a few of the coolest opportunities available. And whether you’re new in town or just looking to branch out and meet people, all are welcome here.
Creative Works
Whether it’s a free movie screening or a relaxing get-together at one of Memphis’s highly popular bars, coffee shops, or restaurants, Creative Works brings the creative community together.
The mission of Creative Works is to empower Memphis-based creatives to strengthen the creative community through meet ups, workshops, and an annual design conference whose attendees and presenters are from all over the world. Check out their Facebook or website for more details.
Undercurrent
From exceptional speakers who can rapid fire present on laugh-out-loud concepts in 5 minutes to just catching up with old friends while meeting new ones, Undercurrent is the tribe to follow for any social butterfly looking to mingle and mix with Memphis’ young professionals population. Each month, Undercurrent brings together the some of the most interesting young professionals from a variety of industries under one roof for a night of drinks, networking, and exploration of a cool Memphis venue. Some of their events, especially Ignite, fill up fast, so follow their Facebook to get the latest updates and RSVP notices for upcoming events.
Soundcheck
If career advancement is what you’re after, then Soundcheck is definitely an organization to put on your list. As the Young Professionals extension of the Greater Memphis Chamber, Soundcheck’s purpose is to connect budding professionals with business leaders and opportunities through fun and informative programming. From mixers and clean-up projects to shaking hands and swapping business cards with the top executives from around the city, Soundcheck puts young professionals in-the-know and helps you navigate the business economy here in Memphis. Learn more on the Chamber’s Soundcheck page.
