New Year’s resolutions aren’t limited to getting bikini-ready. Many people resolve to make a career move. The timing is right, too, since lots of companies start hiring a bunch in the beginning of the year. But so much of it comes down to who you know. With that in mind, we’ve listed seven of Chicago’s best networking groups below. Get your handshake ready.
New Year, New Job—7 Chicago Networking Groups to Help Get You Going
It's not what you know, it's who you know (and, yeah, what you know, too)
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Published Jan 18, 2017
1871
Best for Digital Entrepreneurs: 1871
Part tech incubator, part coworking space, part events organizer, 1871 is a fixture of the Chicago start-up scene. If you’re an aspiring business owner, start by checking out upcoming events. Who knows? Maybe you’ll wind up organizing your own one day.
Best for Tracking Down Start-up Jobs: Built in Chicago
Not everyone wants to run a start-up. Some just want to work for one. Built in Chicago posts news and job openings at local start-ups. It also hosts regular cocktail hours and panels, which can be a great way to get a taste of the fast-paced start-up life.
@samtofanelli/instagram
Best for Super-Social Creatives: Soho House Chicago
Easily the most glam of the clubs on our list, Soho House not only gets you entrée into an elite group of creatives, but it also offers a rooftop pool (um, hello). Beyond that, the $1,000-and-up annual membership includes regular programs and events, such as film screenings and artist talks. Did we mention there’s a pool?
Best for Finding a Mentor: Professional Women’s Club of Chicago
Tired of the old boys’ club? Join this awesome girls’ club of corporate executives, self-employed consultants and artists. Membership starts at $185 and gets you the usual luncheons, panels and network directory, but it’s the mentoring program (where you can give or receive guidance) that’s the real draw.
@ivyconnect/instagram
Best for Inspired Collaborations: IVY
The IVY mission “is to trigger transformative ideas and collaborations that lead to unprecedented human unity, progress, and fulfillment.” Wondering what’s in it for you? For $1,000 to $2,000 a year, you’ll gain access to curriculum and events on topics ranging from social impact to entrepreneurship, access to a global network and all the schmoozing you can handle.
Best for “Glengarry Glen Ross” Types: American Club Association
For about $400 a year plus event fees, you can join this exclusive association that gathers together professionals in sales and marketing, technology, human resources and leadership. Even if you’re not looking for a job, it can still be a great place to find sales leads or recruit new team members.
Chicago Interactive Marketing Association (CIMA)
Best for Marketing Professionals: CIMA
Membership in the Chicago Interactive Marketing Association will get you networking opportunities with industry leaders, résumé advice and insider resources. It will also get you discounted tickets to the annual booze cruise. And who doesn’t love that?
