Young professionals (YPs) find Tech Valley to be an ideal location to advance their careers and enjoy a high quality of life and a low cost of living. YPs receive support from a number of Young Professional Organizations (YPOs) that provide social and business networking opportunities, mentorship programs and connections to the resources needed to have a successful career and fulfilling life in the region.
YPs are also actively involved in shaping the region’s economic growth and have a strong voice – through their YPOs – in the business community.
For YPs that formerly called Tech Valley home and wish to return to the area, check out Discover Tech Valley, Rediscover Home, an initiative to attract young professionals, who may have left the area, back to Tech Valley to take advantage of rewarding career and business prospects, world-class educational and research facilities and a fantastic quality of life.
Adirondacks/North Country
Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton and Warren Counties including the cities of Plattsburgh and Glens Falls and the villages of Lake George, Lake Placid and Speculator.
This area has a long history of welcoming and nurturing entrepreneurs. The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce and Adirondack Community College provide employee training and professional development opportunities for area businesses. The Network for Enterprising Women helps participants to regularly meet with their peers in order to develop lasting and productive business relationships and help their companies to succeed, grow and thrive. The network also provides access to speakers who discuss trends and technical expertise that is of direct value both personally and professionally.
Capital Region
Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Washington Counties including the cities of Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady and Troy and the towns of Bethlehem, Colonie, Guilderland, Greenwich, Mechanicville and Schoharie.
A shared initiative of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Schenectady County, the GenNEXT Council is dedicated to promoting the region's economic vitality through the attraction and retention of young professionals and business leaders throughout Tech Valley. The GenNEXT Mentorship Program connects ambitious, young professionals with seasoned, high-level business executives charged with supporting them in their careers and personal development. GenNEXT mentors are matched with young professionals, who meet several times during the course of the program to facilitate career growth and development.
Hudson Valley
Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange and Ulster Counties including the cities of Hudson, Kingston, Newburgh and Poughkeepsie and the town of New Paltz.
For young professionals looking to expand their business network, local Chambers of Commerce offer numerous opportunities to develop new business relationships. Through participation in such events as business networking blasts, general membership breakfasts, small business roundtables, networking luncheons and business after hours, tomorrow’s business leaders meet with their peers, as well as the business leaders of today, as they establish contacts and become active players in the business community.
Mohawk Valley
Herkimer, Fulton and Montgomery Counties including the cities of Amsterdam, Gloversville, Herkimer, Johnstown and Little Falls.
Each month, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce gives young professionals many opportunities to network, meet new people and catch up with their peers. Business After Hours and Business Breakfasts are some of the networking opportunities available to young professionals. These events bring young professionals together to promote their business/organization face-to-face with local business leaders and government officials.