Titled “Adulting 101,” 10 working professionals met with students to discuss various aspects of the transition from college to career. The professionals spoke with students in informal, conversational “table talks.” The format allowed students to interact with multiple professionals, gaining a variety of perspectives on topics related to the work world.

At the event the Jamestown Young Professionals presented a total of eight “table talks” on various topics such as finance, networking, personal branding, entrepreneurship, how to nail an elevator pitch and how to pursue a career while embracing the unexpected.

“Collaborating with JCC’s Career Services for the ‘Adulting 101’ event was a fulfilling experience,” said Katie Castro, United Way of Chautauqua County director of advancement. “It’s inspiring to see our community’s professionals come together to mentor and guide the next generation.”

United Way of Chautauqua County is the backbone agency for Jamestown Young Professionals, the only professional networking group for young professionals in Chautauqua County and its membership and events go beyond the city limits.

JYP Planning Committee member David Meekins, center, speaks with JCC students in this photo from the recent “Adulting 101” collaborative event coordinated by JYP and JCC. Meekins is a financial advisor at Edward Jones and spoke to students about the basics around benefits, specifically “Mythbusters & The Scoop On What To Opt Into.”

The evening featured free pizza for JCC students from JYP and Bucket Brigade Pizza Company – whose owners Natalie and Eric Hastings also led a table talk about entrepreneurship. Other presenters included David Meekins, financial advisor at Edward Jones; Emma Steele, financial representative at Alliance Advisory Group; Oksana Miller, owner of CHQ Date Night, Lakeside Collective and Oksana Miro Creative; Daniel Siracuse, United Way of Chautauqua County community relations coordinator; Joe Rice, local artist and web and brand designer; Nick Dean, United Way of Chautauqua County communications coordinator; Catherine Baglia, real estate agent with Howard Hanna Holt and owner of 716 Media Solutions; and Katie Castro, United Way of Chautauqua County director of advancement and owner of Ally Co.

“This event with JYP was a fun way to provide our students with meaningful insights into the professional world,” said Annie Chartrand, career services manager at JCC. “The event’s mentorship format allowed for meaningful connections and practical advice to help students make the transition from college to career. One student even asked if the event could be longer next time!”

Jamestown Young Professionals Planning Committee member Catherine Baglia, left, speaks with a student at JCC recently during a collaborative “Adulting 101” event. Baglia is a real estate agent with Howard Hanna Holt and owner of 716 Media Solutions and spoke with students at JCC about Housing and “How To Prep For Living On Your Own.”