Making Connections
Giving young professionals a boostIn 2001, when university graduate Daryl Ching was entering the workforce, he noticed a dearth of networking avenues for young careerists. |
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 [ 2004-03-03 ] |
Through YPAC, young careerists can network and pick up valuable career strategies at events such as this recent dinner, which featured guest speaker Peter Currie, vice-chairman and CFO, RBC Financial Group.
"I wondered about how I could unite young people my age, who were upwardly mobile and ambitious," says Ching, 25.
He gave it serious thought and devised an action plan. In December 2002, he approached RBC Financial Group vice-chairman and CFO, Peter Currie, in December 2002 about corporate sponsorship.
Before long, Young Professionals Association of Canada was born, and had its official launch in July 2003.
"We had more than 150 people attend and the idea was very well received," says Ching of the launch held at Toronto's Left Bank restaurant.
Through an organized e-mail bulletin system and word of mouth, YPAC has become a dynamic way for young people to connect with their peers as well as potential employers, and learn strategies of success.
YPAC regularly holds social events such as wine tastings, dinners, art gallery tours and more to allow people to connect in an informal setting.
It also holds monthly seminars featuring speakers who speak on a wide range of relevant topics, including entrepreneurship and investing.
"We have three main goals: socializing and networking; education and community involvement, and we are making strides in all three," Ching says.
On Monday, March 8, Sherry Cooper, chief economist at BMO Nesbitt Burns, will provide an update on the Canadian economy and discuss how it may affect your career and portfolio. The event will take place at 6 p.m. at 1 First Canadian Place, 100 King. St. W. in the Skylight Room.
On April 20, Harry Rosen will speak on dressing for success at Scotia Plaza, 40 King St. W., and on May 3, David Crisp, former vice-president of HR at The Bay, and David Creelman, chief of research at HR.com, will address how to manage your career in an ever-changing job market.
"This has gone beyond my expectations," Ching says. "We are looking at more ways to help young professionals."
To find out more, visit www.ypac.ca or call 416-763-9090.
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