(WNY News Now) – College students at SUNY JCC recently gained valuable career insights through a unique collaboration with Jamestown Young Professionals, bridging the gap between academics and the workforce.
Students at SUNY JCC recently engaged with local experts from various fields at a collaborative event held with the Jamestown Young Professionals (JYP).
Titled “Adulting 101,” a total of 10 working professionals met with students to discuss various aspects of the transition from college to career. The professionals spoke with students in informal, conversational “table talks.” The format allowed students to interact with multiple professionals, gaining a variety of perspectives on topics related to the work world.
At the event, held last Thursday, March 13, JYP presented a total of eight “table talks,” on various topics such as finance, networking, personal branding, entrepreneurship, how to nail an elevator pitch and how to pursue a career while embracing the unexpected.
“Collaborating with JCC’s Career Services for the ‘Adulting 101’ event was a fulfilling experience,” said Katie Castro, United Way of Chautauqua County Director of Advancement. “It’s inspiring to see our community’s professionals come together to mentor and guide the next generation.”
United Way of Chautauqua County is the backbone agency for Jamestown Young Professionals. Despite its name, JYP is the only professional networking group for young professionals in Chautauqua County and its membership and events go well beyond the city limits.
Together, UWCHQ and JYP are cultivating the next generation of leaders who believe strongly in giving back to their community.
The evening featured free pizza for JCC students from JYP and Bucket Brigade Pizza Company – whose owners Natalie and Eric Hastings also led a table talk about entrepreneurship. Other presenters included David Meekins, financial advisor at Edward Jones; Emma Steele, financial representative at Alliance Advisory Group; Oksana Miller, owner of CHQ Date Night, Lakeside Collective and Oksana Miro Creative; Daniel Siracuse, UWCHQ Community Relations Coordinator; Joe Rice, local artist and web & brand designer; Nick Dean, UWCHQ Communications Coordinator; Catherine Baglia, real estate agent with Howard Hanna Holt and owner of 716 Media Solutions; and Katie Castro, UWCHQ Director of Advancement and owner of Ally Co.
“This event with JYP was a fun way to provide our students with meaningful insights into the professional world,” said Annie Chartrand, Career Services Manager at JCC. “The event’s mentorship format allowed for meaningful connections and practical advice to help students make the transition from college to career. One student even asked if the event could be longer next time!”
The success of “Adulting 101” underscores the importance of community collaboration in supporting student development and readiness for the workforce. Both JYP and JCC’s Career Services Department look forward to future partnerships that continue to empower students and young professionals in the Jamestown area.
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