J U M P ·· A R O U N D
DEFINE WHO YOU ARE ·· MASTER NETWORKING ·· CHOOSE YOUR WORK ADVENTURE
PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH ·· TAKE A MENTAL BREAK
INTRODUCTION
Once you define who you are, you have to get yourself out there! Start off by setting up networking chats with other professionals.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
- How to network (In 5 easy steps!)
- Networking resources
- A list of local (Atlanta) networking organizations and communities
- Top US-based professional media organizations and conferences
How to Network: In 5 Easy Steps!
- Start small: Connect with your peers, teachers, family, and friends.
- Make the first move: Put yourself out there! Take the initiative to set up the networking call.
- Create a pre-networking routine: If you suffer from anxiety, try practicing what you’re going to say in front of a mirror or with a friend before your professional networking chat.
- Come to the conversation with theme/topics prepared: Write down a range of questions that you can ask if you’re struggling to keep the conversation going.
- Check in on your connections often: Find your connections on any social media (i.e. LinkedIn) and get connected! Interact with other commenters, and like posts, you find amusing or inspiring.
Networking Tools
The best way to build a network is to get out and network. Here are a variety of virtual and IRL communities and spaces that you can join.
Social Networking/Communities
- Lunch Club: an AI super-connector.
- Meet Up: in-person and virtual events for people with similar interests.
- Bumble Biz: Career opportunities come about when you expand your network. On Bumble Bizz, you can pursue a career change, meet collaborators, or become a mentor.
- Elpha: Elpha is where women succeed at work together.
- Mac N Cheese Productions: Mac & Cheese inspires groups and individuals to take charge of their lives and to learn, grow, and become even more delicious versions of themselves.
Local Community Organizations (Atlanta)
- Atl_Friends: Helping you make friends in Atlanta.
- Concept Factory: Creating spaces for visual storytellers.
- Creative Mornings ATL: The world’s largest face-to-face creative community.
- Choose Atlanta: A group of ATL enthusiasts came together and developed a grassroots movement to shine a light on what makes Atlanta special.
School Clubs/Organizations (UGA)
University Alumni Associations(UGA)
Industry Professional Organizations
- Writers Guild of America
- Public Relations Society of America
- National Association of Black Journalists
- The Association for Women in Communications
Coworking Spaces (Atlanta)
Coworking spaces are usually paid or private spaces that you can work from. Coworking spaces offer a mix of free and members-only events, workshops, and talks.
- The Gathering Spot: Curated communities that serve as hubs for collaboration, connections, and experiences in cities.
- Atlanta Tech Village: Atlanta’s Startup Hub. Startups can feel lonely, which is why the Village was created.
- Switchyards ATL: The country’s first neighborhood work club.
Mixed-Used Complexes / Food Halls (Atlanta)
Mixed-Used Complexes are open spaces where you can eat, work, and play. Mixed-use spaces normally host events in partnership with other local organizations. Food Halls on the other hand offer open space to work and a variety of food options. Think of these like cafeterias. You’ll meet people, but there will rarely be public events.
- Ponce City Market (Mixed-Use)
- Colony Square (Mixed-Use)
- Atlanta Dairies (Mixed-Use)
- Atlantic Station (Mixed-Use)
- The Avalon (Mixed-Use)
- The Battery (Mixed-Use)
- Krog Street Market (Food Hall)
- Chattahoochee Food Works (Food Hall)
Conferences/Events
J U M P ·· A R O U N D
DEFINE WHO YOU ARE ·· MASTER NETWORKING ·· CHOOSE YOUR WORK ADVENTURE
PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH ·· TAKE A MENTAL BREAK
