What are young professionals doing to respond to the economy? – A “Boise Young Professional” column

The current economic recession is acutely impacting the local business community – and young professionals are not immune to its effects.  Given that the Treasure Valley is a smaller metropolitan area with a finite number of employment opportunities, young professionals have to be increasingly creative when it comes to retaining current jobs or finding new ones.  Some of the successful approaches used to maintain their employment viability in an ever-changing economy include: business networking, embracing social media, authoring publications, assuming leadership roles, furthering their education, and starting small businesses.
 
Young professionals understand the importance of networking to develop business relationships.  The Treasure Valley has plenty of opportunities to connect with individuals from a wide variety of disciplines, including involvement with organizations like the Boise Young Professionals, TechBoise, Kickstand, and ESTech, to name a few.  Engagement with these organizations provides them with exposure to new people, companies, and experiences they might not otherwise enjoy in their daily life.

The power of social media is being leveraged by young professionals to increase their visibility.  This includes publishing professional blogs to demonstrate thought leadership in their chosen profession, using tools like Twitter to gain exposure to and learn from other professionals, and engaging with colleagues through social networks (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, Ning, etc.).  Of course, it goes without saying that failing to maintain appropriate professional standards when using these tools can prove detrimental to one’s career.

Young professionals are also authoring articles for more traditional publications like trade magazines and business newspapers.  This allows them to reach segments of the population who might not utilize social media, while bolstering their public exposure and demonstrating expertise in a given area.
 
The importance of assuming leadership roles within their companies is recognized by young professionals.  By taking on additional responsibility, it allows them to be noticed by upper management while gaining the knowledge and skills necessary for later advancement to senior company positions.  Moreover, it may increase their ability to survive the next round of layoffs in a slow economy.

Young professionals are increasing their breadth of knowledge by enrolling in college courses, completing certification programs, or pursing advanced degrees.  In a knowledge-based economy having sufficient education in their chosen field is vital for success.  Moreover, it helps facilitate their ability to transition into other jobs if downsized.

Some young professionals are embracing their entrepreneurial spirit by starting small businesses that afford them the opportunity to pursue careers they are passionate about while meeting an unfulfilled market need.  This is especially important in a community where job loss within certain professions unfortunately requires leaving the area to find future employment.

Greater opportunities than ever before exist for young professionals to proactively enhance their career advancement.  But, it often necessitates leaving their comfort zone to identify and embrace opportunities to increase their competitive advantage.  While at times this can be unpleasant, if performed correctly and with an open mind, it can make the difference between thriving or failing.

Eric F. Shaver is a senior consultant with Benchmark Research & Safety Inc – a human factors and ergonomics consulting firm that specializes in user-centered design, usability, product and occupational safety, research and training.  He is also Chair-Elect of the Community & Civic Involvement work team for the Boise Young Professionals. 

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One Response to “What are young professionals doing to respond to the economy? – A “Boise Young Professional” column”

1. abercrombie Ireland Says:
   June 10th, 2011 at 5:55 am

   This was very informative. I have been reading your blog a lot over the past few days and it has earned a place in my bookmarks.