Written by Emilie Barnes
I’m a young professional, just like you.
I have work, family, friends, an attempted workout schedule, etc. In other words, more commitments than I can keep up with. So why should I give up valuable room in my calendar for YP Week?
Last year, I learned the answer: because it’s the community so many of us young professionals in Omaha have been looking for.
High school and higher education most often come with a built-in community. It’s when you hit the workforce that things get complicated. You might have coworkers that you consider friends, but they often come from all age groups.
Sometimes, you need someone who can relate to struggling with student debt payments, finding affordable housing, and the beginnings of your career all at the same time. Sometimes, it’s not even about finding solutions. Sometimes, it’s simply about recognizing that you aren’t the only one.
Alumni gatherings, corporate events, networking opportunities, and more can be great one-offs, but there is something to be said about recognizing faces and building familiarity. It can lead to a sense of belonging and support. At least, it did for me.
I worked for a company here in Omaha straight out of college for almost five years. Then, I spent two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco. Coming back to Omaha, I felt lost and isolated. As a young professional, I had to figure out how to fit in again. How to reintegrate into the community I was born into. (No, there isn’t a guidebook on that. I looked.)
I forced myself out into the world again. I went to those one-off events and made connections, but didn’t find that sense of community…until YP Week. Participating in events throughout the entire week, I not only met new peers everyday, but began recognizing faces and checking in with those I had already met. They remembered and asked after me and I did the same for them.
Suddenly, Omaha didn’t feel quite so big. I found people I could relate to and related to me. Now, I have friends I meet with regularly that I met through the Omaha YP program. They are young professionals like me, but outside of my industry. We encourage, support, and grow each other (and have plenty of fun along the way).
That all started with attending YP Week events. There is something for everyone and you don’t have to attend them all to benefit. I suggest picking three events over the course of the five days…
- Attend an event that will help you grow (such as a session on financial literacy or an opportunity to practice networking)
- Attend an event that simply sounds fun (such as volunteering at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo or playing yard games with fellow young professionals)
- Attend an event that is outside of your comfort zone (such as meeting executives or networking with military members)
I’m not alone. Neither are you. Find out for yourself just how many of us there are August 3–7 as we explore different parts of the city we call home. Register for YP Week events today before they fill up.
I’ll see you there,
Emilie Barnes
Omaha Chamber YP Leadership Team 2026-2028