I attended my first YPC event in February of 2010, part of the CEO Breakfast series. It was well attended, around 40 people or so, who joined me in the early hour for coffee, networking, and to hear the CEO of a multinational firm speak about his experience and rise to the title. The CEO was very engaging, and spoke to us on a very real, and down to earth level; no posturing or puffing. When he closed his speech, we were invited to speak to him further, and we networked as we waited our turn to ask him questions. When I finally met him, I told him a little about myself; who I was as a young professional and what I wanted to do. We exchanged business cards, and he actually took my resume, right there! Four weeks later, I was working in that very CEO's firm, and was promoted in just a year. I'm proud to say that I still work for this company, and truly believe that attending that YPC event, and being prepared to network, attributed to my success in my current role. I made several connections that day, and almost 3 years later, we remain in touch. Because I believe in YPC, I joined the professional development committee and have been working ever since to see others reap the same benefits I have from the organization. Note: These events are only as fruitful as you make them. You can't just come and stand there. You have to be purposeful and willing to make real connections with people who can help you, or who you can help. That's what networking is. Exposure to CEOs, Managing Directors and other executives is a key benefit of professional development events. Take advantage! read more

I think this organization may have gone belly-up. I recently bought a "lifetime membership" for several hundred dollars and haven't had a single event to attend. It looks like they stopped having events at the end of 2013, and their website hasn't been updated since about the same time. Most of the site display the below fatal error message. Their Facebook page's last post was from 4 months ago and is a link to an online quiz for "TIP FOR MANAGING MILLENNIALS OR ADVICE FOR PUPPY OWNERS?" "Fatal error: Allowed memory size of 67108864 bytes exhausted (tried to allocate 122880 bytes) in /home/ypclive/public_html/wp-content/plugins/s2member/includes/classes/querys.inc.php on line 125" http://ypchicago.org/events/ read more

Young Professionals of Chicago (YPC), a non-profit, all volunteer organization, is dedicated to building a better Chicago. The organization is made up of motivated, energetic young professionals certain to become the community's future leaders. YPC encourages members to get involved and make a difference by becoming active participants in the professional, civic and social aspects of their city. YPC offers its members a way to link their personal passions with professional ambitions. The group is the one professional, civic and social organization that drives positive and real change in Chicago, while giving young professionals a chance to make a significant impact in the community. For more information, visit www.experiencechicago.org. read more

Young Professionals of Chicago - Social Clubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I joined YPC on a whim during one of those bone-melting winter days. Why not? I thought, might as well meet some people. I got so much more! The programming is really diverse and has something for everyone and the people who attend them are generally friendly and outgoing (no standing in a corner unless you make a concerted effort to!). At every event I went to, I was approached by someone on a committee asking me if I was new, if I liked the event, if there was something they might offer that I would like. I was so inspired, I joined the programming committee! In short, this group isn't just about going to some lame talk and passing out a handful of business cards. It's about getting engaged in events that you really want to go to, meeting people who are interested in reaching out to you, and growing as a person. I've never been to a panel or talk that the speaker(s) was/were not ready and happy to take questions and talk to people after. I've also made quite a few good friends from these events and, although I didn't join YPC with the aim of getting a job, I feel like someone who would want to has access to a large pool of people who are ready to talk and learn more about you. I would highly recommend this group to anyone looking to expand their networking circle, learn some new (immediately applicable) work skills, or just have a group of young professionals to go do stuff with. read more

Young Professionals of Chicago has really turned around. The calendar of events continues to post at least 2 networking opportunities a month with advanced notice. YPC has taken instrumental steps in partnering with other prominent organizations in the city, such as ILCPAS, YREP, Met Club and the Union League Club to provide even more networking occasions for Chicago's young leaders. Additionally, I've learned that there is a Mentoring Program associated with YPC that is offered to members. An application is required, but the cost is minimal and connects young professionals with peers and mature business leaders in the community. This is really the only program of its kind from what i can tell. read more

I have attended a few events and each have been very well attended and well-run. The speakers were engaging and the material presented was relevant and educational. There was also plenty of time to network prior to the presentation as well as after and the speakers always stick around to speak with each individual after and answer any and all questions. These have been beneficial for my own professional growth and I will be attending the upcoming events! read more