SYRACUSE -- Hoping to help journalists who may be new to the area or new to the business in general, the Syracuse Press Club is launching a series of Young Professionals networking events. The meetings will be geared towards journalists from 21 to 35 years old, and will be open to any employee of any media outlet in the Syracuse Press Club's 21-county service area.
The first meeting is set for Thursday, June 7 at 7pm, at PJ's Pub and Grill at 116 Walton Street in Syracuse's Armory Square. There will be a $5 admission fee.
The idea to launch the "Young Professionals" unit came from Amanda Seef, a reporter/editor for Eagle Newspapers, who was recently elected Recording Secretary for the club. She said the idea is based on similar networking events staged after she and WHAM-TV reporter Rachel Barnhart started the Rochester Media Association.
"The meetings were very social, not work-heavy," Seef explained. "We talked about a lot of things that young media cared about. When I came back home, I wanted to get involved with SPC, but they didn't have an outlet similar to what we were doing in Rochester."
So, Seef pitched the idea to Syracuse Press Club leadership in December. She got the green light and says, "I've been working with them to tweak the final components."
Regarding the age group, Seef explained, "I chose ages 21 to 35 because I'd like to focus in on the people who have just moved here, or are just entering the markets." But, she adds, "the age group is not strictly specific, more of a guideline. We won't turn anyone away, networking is networking."
Seef says she's had help from other SPC members, including YNN's Josh Cradduck, Caryn Littler and Katie Gibas, along with CNY Central's Jessica Cain.
Right now, the first meeting is slated to be "a get-to-know-you type of event," Seef says. Although the monthly meetings are expected to carry an informal "happy hour" feel, organizers are hoping to focus on specific topics at future meetings. Possible topics being discussed include social media, a "meet and greet" with local public information officers or ways for multimedia journalists to share best practices and solutions to common challenges.
Any questions regarding these gatherings can be directed to Seef at 440-8373 or aseef@eaglenewsonline.com.