In partnership with Career Services, the Young Professionals of Johnson City is launching an on-campus initiative. Within the community, the group services ages 21 to 40 by being on campus they hope to reach students and help them with professional development.

Elizabeth Haselsteiner, coordinator of experiential learning for Career Services, shared that the collaboration’s goal is to help students feel like they belong in professional settings.

Photo of Elizabeth Haselsteiner. (Contributed/LinkedIn)

“It can be very intimidating, walking into a career fair or networking event on campus,” said Haselsteiner. “But we’re hoping YP can help prepare students and make them feel more comfortable and feel supported through that transition.”

Director of Young Professional Development, McKenzie Templeton and Nathan Farnor, chair of Young Professionals, approached ETSU with the idea of collaborating. They hope the collaboration will bridge the gap between ETSU campus and the community and inspire students to remain in Johnson City after graduation.

Templeton shared that an important aspect of the collaboration will be exposing students to the career opportunities in Johnson City and the region. The Young Professionals group will also throw professional development related events like workshops on LinkedIn, email etiquette and personal branding. Students will be able to give their own input and suggestions for events they feel would beneficial.

“We want this to be fun,” said Haselsteiner. “We don’t want this to be a chore, we want this to be meaningful.”

The Young Professionals group will function as a student-run organization with opportunities for students to hold leadership roles. Students gave the group their ideas at an interest meeting on April 25. They were encouraged to share how they would like the collaboration to function on campus and give suggestions.

“We’re really excited about how these students are putting forward ideas of being put in rooms and board meetings,” said Haselsteiner.

Templeton shared she looks forward to students learning smalls skills that impact professional careers greatly. “Those little wins are going to be great,” said Templeton.

(Contributed/Young Professionals of Johnson City Facebook)

Students involved in the Young Professionals initiative on campus will receive a discounted membership for the Young Professionals of Johnson City program. “We’re making this as easy as possible that students get involved early on campus, but when they graduate, they’re not just going to drop off,” said Templeton. “There’s going to be a transition.”

For further student feedback, Career Services will be sending out a survey to students soon. Any students who are interested in the Young Professionals group on campus are encouraged to contact info@ypjohnsoncity.com and haselsteiner@etsu.edu.

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