Thinking about joining Young Professionals of Knoxville? Keep reading for the top ten reasons to join!

Reason #1: Networking

YPK is the largest, premier group for young professionals in Knoxville. Each month YPK organizes several opportunities for you to meet other young professionals as well as connect with community leaders. Networking opportunities range from events where YPK members hear from influential keynote speakers to monthly happy hours. 

Every YPK event will have time set aside for you to network – making friends, clients, and connections for life!

Reason #2: Service to the Community

Young Professionals of Knoxville is a group of young men and women taking an active interest in the development of the Knoxville community. Through community outreach events and donation drives members are introduced to many local organizations as we give back to the community.

Recent community outreach events have included volunteering at the Knoxville Ronald McDonald House, cheering on participants of the Knoxville Covenant Marathon, and participating in the South Knoxville Cleanup through Keep Knoxville Beautiful. Donation drives are a component of most YPK happy hours -- recent donations drives have benefited the Friends of Literacy and East Tennessee Kidney Foundation among others. 

Reason #3: Professional Development

YPK offers exclusive professional development events for members to hear from and network with executive level leaders and prominent local companies. Recent professional development events have been a LinkedIn Seminar, After Hours with Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, Bush Brothers & Company, McGhee Tyson Airport, and Behind the Scenes Access to WATE.

Reason #4: Friendships

Members range from those who are brand new to Knoxville to those who have spent their lives here, and everyone in between. All members have something in common though: they want to plug into the Knoxville community even further. Don't be afraid to start a conversation with a stranger at an event or sign up to volunteer not knowing anyone ahead of time. By the end of the day, you'll have made new connections and possibly lifelong friends. 

Reason #5: Jobs Board

You and your company have the opportunity to post open positions (for free!) to the YPK job board which reaches thousands of young professionals each month. Looking for a new opportunity? The job board is a great place to start your search. 

Reason #6: Exclusive Member-Only Events

A general membership meeting and night safari tour at Zoo Knoxville; a conversation with Becky Huckaby, Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) Vice President of Public Relations; and a catered Summer Party at the Tennessee Smokies Stadium (while enjoying a game of course) are just a few of the previous member-only events.  Most member-only events will have free or discounted food and drink, swag, and the chance to rub elbows with community leaders. 

Reason #7: Leadership Opportunities

We work hard to provide quality professional development events, volunteer experiences, and networking opportunities to members, and we need your help to make it happen! We're always seeking committee members and board members who want to lead YPK into a brighter future (bonus: you'll meet other awesome people by getting more involved). In addition to leadership positions within the organization, YPK offers formal leadership training through the Leadership Certificate Program open exclusively to members. 

Reason #8: Discounts

Get the most out of your membership! In addition to exclusive member-only events and food and drink discounts throughout the year, YPK members receive a complimentary membership to the Alliance for Better Nonprofits and Knoxville Racquet Club as well as discounts to the Knoxville Sports & Social Club.

Reason #9: FREE T-SHIRT!

Among other free swag, YPK members receive the coveted YPK shirt! Who doesn’t love a good t-shirt? 

Reason #10: Free Admission to Impact Awards

Our city is enriched not only by our outstanding young professionals but by the community leaders who have mentored and guided them. Each November the YPK Impact Awards ceremony honors and celebrates organizations and individuals that impact young professionals in Knoxville. One of YPK’s largest events of the year, the YPK Impact Awards ceremony includes music, food, and drinks….free for YPK members! 

Are you ready to start enjoying the benefits of membership?