Professional Networking Opportunities in New Orleans

When it comes to career success, sometimes it's not what you know, but who you know. The people you already know can be a great resource in helping you find new career opportunities. But what if the number of people you know is too small to be useful, or the people you know aren't in relevant fields to be of assistance? That's when you have to find new connections. LinkedIn is a great online resource, but it helps to have a physical community, too. Here are some groups for professional networking opportunities in New Orleans that will help you build new contacts.

IABC New Orleans

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) has a New Orleans chapter that brings together professionals to improve their communication skills and expand their network. Membership in this group also provides access to professional development courses and certifications that can bring new career opportunities.

The Junior League

The Junior League is such a hallmark of women's social networking in the South that the New Orleans chapter has been around for more than 90 years. The group performs a range of charitable work, such as sponsoring courses for children to teach safe babysitting skills, how the justice system works, and how to be safe in the kitchen. Networking is a natural outcome of the important shared work of doing good for the community.

504ward

This collaborative group of businesses and community organizations works to bring together motivated young professionals. The goal is to keep young talent in New Orleans by connecting them with area leaders, peers, organizations and job opportunities. A large number of groups including City Year, Greater New Orleans Inc, and The Business Council of New Orleans, encourages young professionals, age 23-35, to invest their time and talent here in our city.

Emerging Young Professionals (EYP)

While monthly meetings, networking, and building relationships is what you’d expect when you join this organization, you’ll find there’s much more to the EYP. Whether it’s holding fundraisers for the American Cancer Society, gathering school supplies for underprivileged children or sending care packages to local deployed military, this diverse group of 21-40 year-olds is passionate about making a difference in New Orleans.

Urban League of Greater New Orleans

Small business owners will benefit from the many resources at the Business Resource and Entrepreneur Center. This partnership of public, private, and nonprofit groups provides technical assistance and mentoring in essential skills for small businesses, such as applying for loans, marketing and business growth strategies, and business organization.

Know of other networking events for professionals in the area? Share it in the comments below.