Story by Cassie Clark / Contributing Writer
Photo via MYP
The Middle Tennessee State University Ignite program hosted a panel featuring two Murfreesboro Young Professionals organization representatives on Monday, Oct. 25.
Chair of MYP Chase Salas and Membership Chair Tosha Price talked to MTSU students about MYP and the various opportunities within the organization.
MYP is an organization for young professionals aged 21 through 40 with four years of business experience or education at a post-secondary school. In addition, the organization offers networking opportunities and community outreach in the Murfreesboro area.
The organization offers many different opportunities for young professionals to network. For example, they host happy hours as well as family-friendly events for members with children. They also host a luncheon on the second Wednesday of every month and a yearly leadership summit held in the Student Union ballroom at MTSU. In addition to professional networking, Salas said that MYP has helped him make personal connections.
“Making friends as an adult is one hard thing to do. Because of the like-minded people in this organization, I’ve met some of my best friends,” he said.
Salas stressed the importance of being genuine while networking.
“People will be able to see right through you if all you’re doing is trying to get a sale out of them,” he said.
Price emphasized the importance of making personal connections with others in shared fields. She said that when it comes to job offers, “Once you build those relationships, they think of you.”
The MYP raises over $10,000 every year for local non-profits, and they have a different community initiative every month. On Saturday, Oct. 30, the organization will be at the Special Kids Race to raise money for the Special Kids organization. Price also said that the MYP does a toy drive every year for the Boys & Girls Club of America.
Price said her favorite part of being involved with MYP was volunteering.
“If you lead with a servant heart and servant mindset, it always comes back to you tenfold,” Price stated.
If students are interested in joining MYP but do not yet meet the age requirement, Salas and Price encouraged them to join organizations on campus and participate in the community.
“If there is something you are passionate about and you want to see a difference made in, reach out to the organization in the community,” Price told.
Students interested in joining can visit the MYP website for more information.
“There’s no end to the possibilities,” said Salas of getting involved.
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