What is one of the best ways to expand your network and knowledge of Philadelphia? Join a Young Professional Organization! It’s also a great way for recent graduates and college students to find and build the community that’s just right for you!
Below, we’ve compiled seven diverse Young Professional Organizations just in time for JobFest on March 29! We encourage you to attend these virtual or in-person networking events, volunteer, join their email lists, and become a member. Finding your community starts now.
1. Independence Business Alliance
The Independence Business Alliance is an advocacy-based organization dedicated to making the Philadelphia region an influential and diverse LGBTQ+ business community with a focus on economic development, equal rights, and policy issues.
They directly serve the LGBTQ+ businesses and communities of the Philadelphia area, and the surrounding counties, by helping to promote and enhance financial opportunities, foster diversity, develop leadership and collaboration, and advocate for positive change. The IBA is also an official affiliate of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
Join now as a student member!
2. Philly SHRM
Philly SHRM is the leading Human Resources Young Professional Organization in the city for connecting and developing HR professionals. For over half a century, their business community has provided development and networking opportunities for the area’s human resource practitioners.
Their mission includes various initiatives which are perfect for college students and recent grads, including mentoring programs, certification support, scholarships, professional development workshops, and more. Check out the Philly SHRM Resource Guide to learn more about the benefits of becoming a member.
3. Young Professionals Council
The Young Professionals Council is an affinity group of The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia which connects ambitious young people with a diverse network of peers, mentors, regional businesses, and civic leaders. With nearly 2,000 young leaders working in diverse industries and environments throughout Greater Philadelphia, YPC is a great resource for young professionals to make meaningful connections.
Through consistent programming, leadership, and service opportunities, members will ultimately become more experienced, community-oriented, and connected.
Register for their upcoming information session for new or potential members on April 12!
4. NExT Philadelphia
NExT (Network of Extraordinary Talent) is an affinity group of the Urban League of Philadelphia, and is a network of young professionals who are committed to leadership development, economic empowerment, and community volunteer opportunities.
The organization’s mission is to empower African Americans and other underserved people to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power, and civil rights. Through education, development, and training, members of NExT Philadelphia are defining and leading this generation’s civil rights agenda.
Sign up for the next volunteer opportunity with NExT!
5. National Association of Asian American Professionals
The National Association of Asian American Professionals is an all-volunteer directed non-profit dedicated to the career advancement and leadership development of Asian American professionals in all fields through networking, supporting diversity, and community service.
As part of the national organization, NAAAP is the largest and fastest growing Asian American professional organization in the U.S. and Canada. NAAAP Philadelphia currently has over 400 active members!
Becoming a member comes with perks like access to career advancement events and numerous opportunites to volunteer and meet other professionals and entrepreneurs! Learn more about the organization today.
6. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization devoted to promoting the advancement and economic growth of Hispanic businesses and professionals in the Greater Philadelphia region.
The GPHCC has a Young Professionals Network that offers year-round programming, along with leadership opportunities for motivated and entrepreneurial-driven young professionals emerging in the Greater Philadelphia workforce.
The GPHCC has an overriding goal of helping young professionals capitalize on the many opportunities that their diverse educational programming offers. Visit their website to become a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Young Professional Network member!
7. The POWER of Professional Women
The POWER of Professional Women is a non-profit based in Philly with a mission to promote professionalism, interests, career development, leadership skills, and community involvement for all professionals in the city—especially those who identify as women.
POWER is here to develop the next generation of women leaders in the Greater Philadelphia region through informing and fostering the exchange of ideas and experiences.
Check out their events calendar for jam-packed programming opportunities from speaker series, networking sessions, workshops, and mentor circles, all which bring together regional leaders with diverse backgrounds and experience.
