College to Career: Young Professionals are Making Big Moves Here
Greater Tampa Bay is one of the hottest places to live and work as a young professional.
As many companies start up or settle in here, there are countless opportunities to begin and advance a career. The local economy is growing by leaps and bounds and spurring the demand for more young talent to keep the vocational ball rolling.
A common priority among young professionals is the work-life balance. The all-work-and-no-play mentality is fading. Studies keep revealing that professionals in their 20s and 30s seek out places rich in food, drink, art and nature. There are countless ways to spend time off the clock here, between some of the world’s best beaches, championship-winning NHL, NFL and MLB franchises, dazzling nightlife and outstanding eateries.
With so many young professionals in the area, there are numerous networking groups dedicated to this demographic, and many places to connect with peers in general. In addition, the cost of living in GTB is significantly lower than in other metros of this size.
GTB has found that sweet spot between “just right” affordability and career growth options. With so much to offer, it is no wonder the bay area is surging with energy and possibilities.
Top 50 U.S. Cities for Young Professionals
- No. 29 — Tampa
- Top 100 — St. Petersburg
- Top 200 –– Clearwater
— The Muse, 2022
Strong Support Systems
Networking opportunities and support groups for young professionals can be found in every GTB community.
- Clearwater Young Professionals
- More than just a networking group, this initiative through Amplify Clearwater brings up-and-coming professionals together for mentorship, volunteer opportunities, events and collaboration. Membership is free for three years.
- South Tampa Chamber Young Professionals Group
- This group hosts happy hours and educational events every other month for South Tampa’s emerging professionals between the ages of 21 and 35. The purpose of this group is to provide opportunities for the city’s next generation of leaders to build relationships with one another in a relevant environment.
- St. Pete Young Professionals
- This young professionals group through the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce connects young leaders for opportunities in leadership, service and advocacy. Networking, professional development, promoting diversity and inclusion, events and opportunities to get involved and impact the community are just a few benefits of joining this group.
- Bay Area Young Professionals
- This group for members ages 21 to early 40s gets together for happy hour socials, lunch and learn events, open networking, breakfast events and fundraising for local charities with the goal of developing leaders and networks of professionals who positively impact the bay area’s future.
- Tampa Connection
- This nonprofit is operated by volunteers who aim to promote leadership and volunteerism in the community of local young professionals. The three main pillars of Tampa Connection are leadership, relationships and community.
- Leadership AMPLIFIED
- This nine-month program through Amplify Clearwater trains young professionals to become elite leaders in their community. Members in the program will join an empowering and supportive group in making personal discoveries through new professional and personal challenges.
- ULI Tampa Bay Young Leaders Group
- The ULI of Tampa Bay welcomes members under age 35 for networking and educational programs geared toward the local real estate industry.
- Emerging Leaders — Tampa Bay Chamber
- The Tampa Bay Chamber’s young professional leadership program offers those ages 21 to 35 the opportunity for community engagement and involvement in the chamber. Networking, professional development and community outreach are all benefits of the Emerging Leaders group.
- Young Skal — Tampa Bay Chapter of Skal International
- This young professionals group for travel and tourism provides training and camaraderie for those between ages 20 and 29 who aspire to work in these industries.
- Greater Pasco Young Professionals Group
- Young talent ages 21 to 40 connect in the Greater Pasco Young Professionals Group to foster leadership skills, interact with leaders, get involved with the community and network with their peers.
- Manatee Young Professionals
- As a part of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, the Manatee Young Professionals group is Tampa Bay’s longest-running young professional group. It is geared toward those 21 to 40 years old. They provide business, social and community resources.
- Bay Area Young Professionals
- Formerly known as the Tri-Chamber Young Professionals, Bay Area Young Professionals is dedicated to providing resources to the up-and-coming workforce. It is a chamber-affiliated networking group for those 21 to 40 years old.
- YEA Young Entrepreneurs of America, Tampa Bay Chapter
- This group is made up of entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs. They host a monthly meeting on second Tuesdays at the Entrepreneurs Collaborative Center to bridge the gap between an exciting social life and a thriving professional one.
- Pinellas Realtor Young Professionals Network
- For aspiring Realtors, this member-driven group is perfect. Pinellas Realtor Young Professionals Network connects emerging workers with the community through volunteer work and networking.
- Emerge Tampa Bay
- Emerge Tampa Bay operates through the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and recruits emerging leaders ages 21 to 35. From meetups to workshops, the group provides professional development, networking and community outreach. Access to business resources, educational opportunities and community partnerships are also available.
By Harper Warner.
