The Young Professionals Council (YPC) of Philadelphia is a membership-based organization that connects ambitious young people across various industries with peers, mentors, and opportunities. They also offer programming, specialized events, and volunteer projects to help Philly’s next generation gain experience and build their network!
We asked REAL young professionals living and working in Philadelphia to tell us about their background, favorite things about the city, and advice they wish they would have had when graduating from college.
Read on to learn more, and learn more about the Young Professionals Council (YPC) here!
Christopher Crawford
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Occupation: Community Relations and Marketing at The Salvation Army
Hometown: Reading, Michigan
College: Eastern Michigan University
Why did you move to Philly?
I fell in love with Philadelphia the second time I visited. I was working for a men’s fraternity at the time visiting Drexel and LaSalle’s campuses, and I distinctly remember walking down Market street being overwhelmed by the size of the city (I’m from a small town), but something about it felt like home. When the opportunity arose to move here among several other options, I picked Philly without a second thought, and given the choice, will likely never leave.
First Job (if different from your current job)?
My first job was bussing tables at the restaurant around the corner from my first apartment. Eventually, I found The Salvation Army and joined their team as an administrative assistant. Since then, I’ve worked my way up!
Best Career Advice?
Do your best to build positive relationships with everyone you meet without an agenda. It’s simple and likely cliché, but no matter the industry, showing genuine interest in your colleagues and connections is hugely important.
Favorite Part of Your Job?
While I work at a desk most of the time, the nature of my work allows me to tell the story of those my institution serves, and hearing the stories of individuals who come to us for help is very fulfilling. It’s one thing to know the “why” behind your work, but the opportunity to see the impact of your work makes it easy to stay fully charged.
Bas Jackson
Pronouns: He/him
Occupation: Marketing Operations/Automation (Full Title: Marketing Automation & Web Operations Manager)
Hometown: Philly (PHL > South NJ > TPA > PHL)
College: UPenn
Why did you stay in Philly?
I came back for school and fell back in love with the city. It’s diverse in a number of ways, the cost of living is amazing (looking at you New York), and compared to some cities, I feel it’s easier to break into certain circles because of its interconnectedness (related to its walkability).
First Job (if different from your current job)?
Even though I call it my internship (I was there for three months) I was an IT recruiter for a staffing firm.
Best Career Advice?
Something that I find myself going back to over and over again is the advice from my first Marketing boss (applicable to 90% of careers and titles): “Bas, we’re not brain surgeons. The work we do may change lives, but it’s not life or death, so remember to keep your work, work, and your life, your life.” I love it because it’s solidified my desire to be firm with my work/life boundaries.
Favorite Part of Your Job?
I love that most days present new and/or challenges. I consider myself a problem solver, and being able to learn by solving problems (big or small) is great to keep my interest and switch things up.
Siah McCabe
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Occupation: Senior Strategy Consultant, Jefferson Health
Hometown: Westerville, Ohio
College: University of Cincinnati (Undergrad) & Xavier University (Grad School)
Why did you move to Philly?
I moved to Philadelphia after spending a summer here interning at CHOP. I loved the city, the energy, the summer festivals and decided to find a job and move back post grad school. I have stayed in Philadelphia because of the amazing network I have created and the opportunity to get involved.
First Job (if different from your current job)?
Project Lead for Practice Transformation at Mercy Health System (Trinity Health)
Best Career Advice?
Do not be afraid to ask for help or advocate for yourself – finding mentors in your industry and others is so valuable.
Favorite Part of Your Job?
Working with my team
Cam Robinson
Pronouns: He/him
Occupation: Business Owner/Producer
Hometown: Moved around a lot as a kid, no real hometown. Lived in NJ, MO, TN, AZ, and PA by the time I was 13.
College: Temple University
Why did you move to Philly?
I moved to Philly for College and got a job in Philly after graduating, but I stayed because Philly just felt right culturally and geographically.
First Job (if different from your current job)?
My first job out of college was as an Archaeologist. My first job ever, working at a grocer store.
Best Career Advice?
Don’t let fear or qualifications stop you from trying.
Favorite Part of Your Job?
My favorite part of my job is being able to live in someone else’s shoes for a day, and also being able to make my own schedule.
Will Becker
Pronouns: he/him
Occupation: Marketing Coordinator, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
College: University of St. Andrews/Kings College London
Why did you move to Philly?
My stepdad is from here and they moved back here 11 years ago. When I came back to the US I decided to try out Philly and fell in love with it. I’ve always been partial to robust cultural heritage/history and Philly has no shortage of that.
First Job (if different from your current job)?
Scholar In Residence, The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia
Best Career Advice?
Figure out what you like (or could like) about a given career path and explore it. It’s grueling to work a job or field that you have no interest in.
Favorite Part of Your Job?
The people, but also being able to be a part of making change in the city.
