GABC Young Professionals Group
In the summer of 2016, GABC leadership met with interested GABC members to found the GABC Young Professionals Group (GABC YP). The mission of GABC YP is to connect and empower young professionals through social and business networking opportunities in the German-American community of Boston and beyond. It is open to all students, recent grads, postdocs, interested mentors, and any members at the early stages of their careers.
As a priority right from the start, GABC YP also initiated a new Mentoring Program which brings together young and experienced professionals in purposeful, mutually rewarding relationships. The mentoring relationship is built on mutual trust, respect and communication, and involves engagement of both parties in exchanging ideas, discussing progress and setting goals for further development.
In addition to the Mentoring Program, the GABC YP organizes events that speak to their unique needs. These events are organized and hosted by members of the GABC YP Steering Committee, with support from GABC leadership, GABC members, the German Consulate General Boston, and members of the German-American professional community.
Young Professionals Steering Committee Charter
1) Objectives of the Young Professionals
The objective of GABC YP is to connect and empower early-career professionals through social and business networking opportunities in the German-American community of Boston and beyond. We are open to professionals at early stages of their careers, from industry and academia including students, postdocs and recent grads.
We envision the YP community as an entry point into the broader GABC network. We facilitate connections and networking opportunities to experienced professionals in the Greater Boston area from various industries.
“GABC Young Professionals – connect & empower”
2) Organization and Governance
The YPs are represented by the YP Steering Committee which recruits, appoints its members and meets on a regular basis. The Steering Committee elects a Chair, Vice Chair (or joint Co-Chairs) and a Secretary to the YP Committee for a 12–month term (procedural details are proposed in the appendix) .
Experienced GABC members may function as appointed YP Advisors.
One Steering Committee member may be proposed to serve on the GABC Board of Directors as the YP representative.
Subcommittees may be formed to lead efforts in the areas below:
- Social: Propose and organize events to build a connected YP community and to attract new members.
- Career Development: Propose and organize events to support YP members in their personal career growth.
- Mentoring: Empower YP members by connecting them with experienced mentors within the GABC community.
The YP Charter may be revised and amended by the majority of the YP Committee.
3) Membership Fee
A discounted individual GABC Membership fee is available for early-career professionals, including recent grads and postdocs. The YP-membership discount can be claimed for a maximum period of 3 years, before transitioning to a full GABC membership fee.
Why Join GABC YP? Six good reasons…
- Because GABC YP have formed their own steering committee to organize events, programs and speakers that are important to THEM. You have an opportunity to join this new group and have a say in the direction of the group.
- Because the German-American Business Council (GABC) has been around in various forms for almost 30 years and we have trusted relationships with executives, government officials, and decision-makers at high levels. No doubt, it could enrich and benefit your professional life to have access to these folks, both professionally and socially.
- Because members of GABC YP have decided that one of the things they want MOST from GABC YP is a mentorship program. We listened. In November 2016, GABC started a mentoring program—but it is only open to GABC members.
- Because GABC is full of interesting, intelligent people who get what it’s like to have your heart in one country, and your feet in another….to move fluidly between cultures… to be open to new friends, new ideas, and new experiences. These could be your new friends, partners, and colleagues.
- Because the YP are always busy organizing new social and business events, including private events just for members.
- Because GABC has just introduced a reduced membership rate for Students, Postdocs and Recent Graduates at $90/year ($150 regular rate)
Would you like to contact us? Send us an email at yp@gabc-boston.org
Ja! I’m ready to join GABC and start attending GABC YP events!