At first glance, a crowded room full of more than fifty young adults eagerly trading pieces of candy might not seem like a lesson in business. At the kick-off meeting of the Madison County Young Professionals Group (MCYPG), however, that is exactly what it was. The exercise was used as a hands-on demonstration of networking and set the stage for an evening of entertaining and educational experiences.
The October 8th meeting was the first of a continued series of monthly forums, designed to create opportunities for young professionals in Anderson and Madison County to network in order to develop professionally and personally. In attendance were a diverse group of individuals from the community, including business owners, CEO’s, marketing directors, stylists, job seekers, students, and more. The MCYPG has no age cap, and welcomes all who “think young” and want to participate as mentors.
Featured as keynote speaker for the night was Falls School of Business professor Dr. Wendell Seaborne. Seaborne shared a lecture on networking tips and tricks. Troy Jones, an AU MBA student and Mid Indiana Associate Director for the American Cancer Society, says the experience was both unique and beneficial. “It was a great opportunity for young professionals in the area to get together to network and meet each other,” says Jones, “because on a daily basis we often do not get the chance to connect with people who are already next door. It was a just a great time to get to connect with people that we don’t get to on a daily basis.”
Sherri Fields, Anderson University MBA Recruiter and Public Relations Director, explains the potential she sees for the group. “Madison County is filled with opportunities for young professionals,” she says. “We can be a bigger fish in a smaller pond and have many opportunities open to us that are not possible in a larger market. We now have a group that we can use to share opportunities, continue our education and build solid professional relationships.”
Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology. Falls School of Business is one of Anderson University’s largest academic departments offering eight undergraduate majors as well as MBA and DBA programs. The school is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and is a member of the Christian Business Faculty Association (CBFA).