Opportunities for Young Professionals are Abundant

by Kerri Cooke

The importance of networking is often a skill overlooked by recent graduates or those new to the workforce. 

However, especially in an areas with a small populations like SWLA, knowing those involved in government, mingling with local business owners and interacting with up-and-coming peers greatly enriches the lives and potential opportunities for local professionals. Community members and mentors can provide essential support for your business, advice in your time of need and use their connections to help surround you with the right people. 

Taylor Beard Stanley, president of Fusion Five, encourages young adults to take advantage of these local relationships. She says, “I always recommend starting with Fusion Five, Southwest Louisiana’s only young professionals organization. It’s a great way to network and build your professional skillset, but it also serves as an introduction to other community organizations and businesses to help identify where your passions are and how to get involved and support their respective missions.” 

Fusion Five has weekly coffee networking, coffee field trips, a monthly after hours meetup, and lunch and learn events. Not only is Fusion Five great for meeting professional peers, you also learn about the work nonprofits in the area do and hear from experts on topics relevant to the evolving work force. 

Another great group for young professionals to join is the Rotary Club. Amy Gardner, president elect of the Rotary Club of Lake Charles says, “Rotary offers young professionals a unique and valuable opportunity to expand their networks, both personally and professionally. Through regular meetings and community engagement, members form lasting relationships that often evolve into meaningful friendships and business connections. Beyond networking, Rotary provides a platform to make a real impact—locally and globally. As an international service organization with clubs in over 150 countries, Rotary’s reach is powerful. While many join for the connections, most stay for the heart of the organization: service.” 

The Rotary Club raises money every year to provide scholarships for high school seniors looking to attend either McNeese State University or SOWELA Technical College. Members are also involved in assisting local nonprofits, and, at weekly meetings, listen and learn from guest speakers. 

Being active in local events can also assist young professionals with making connections. Stanley recommends “checking out the numerous festivals and events happening every weekend across Calcasieu Parish. You can certainly volunteer in planning, but there’s plenty of action to be enjoyed at the events regardless of if you’re going solo, with a group of friends or looking for family-friendly fun.” 

Don’t be afraid to reach out to nonprofits directly either as they’re always looking for volunteers. Organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank are making a significant impact for local families dealing with food insecurity. Not only can you give back by joining the fight, but you will also make valuable connections and receive more than you can imagine.  

The key to growing as part of the young professionals community in SWLA is to get involved in a group or organization. You don’t have to do everything, but you should do something. It’s not always about what you know. Who you know can make all the difference for present and future career opportunities and personal fulfillment.