We wanted to honor the best and brightest young professionals in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area. And in order to do so, we knew we’d have to start with the companies who help young professionals thrive, both in and outside of work.
Companies large and small were nominated, and judges narrowed down the applicants to seven finalists. On January 21 at the YPro: Discovered Gala, three companies will be chosen as YPro Advocates of the Year.
Keep reading to learn ways each nominated company empowers its employees and consider integrating these ideas into your own company’s culture.
- Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union gives employees the opportunity to teach financial education in their communities through the Educator’s Group, enabling them to mentor those who attend the seminars. The group is comprised of employees across the organization, including young professionals.
- Genesys Works is committed to reducing disparities by recruiting students from populations who are underrepresented in the workforce in Minnesota, such as students of color and low-income students.
- GovDelivery pairs new employees with an established employee for an informal mentorship program. This helps new employees build connections outside of their departments, ease into their jobs, and get comfortable with their new culture.
- Hiway Federal Credit Union has a “President on the Hot Seat Breakfast” where a room filled with only young professionals asks the Hiway President questions ranging from personal experiences to direct questions about where the organization is headed. The direct access to management encourages young professionals to actively engage with their company.
- Minnesota Zoo staff have the opportunity to apply for the Ulysses S. Seal Conservation Grant Program, which provides funding for inspiring projects the staff want to impact such as travel to participate in wildlife conservation around the world.
- Venture Bank understands that culture is important to young professionals, which is why it strives to create and maintain a culture that values collaboration, encourages creativity, and facilitates growth. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal affirmed these efforts earlier this year, naming Venture Bank one of Minnesota’s “Best Places to Work.”
- Visit Saint Paul encourages professional development by enabling employees to attend various conferences and seminars, providing time and even financial support for registration and travel costs.
Don’t miss who wins! Register for the YPro Discovered Gala today! We can’t wait to see you there.