Networking Resources
Building a network is an important key to success in your job search, yet for many job seekers, it’s the most painful aspect of career transition. Our confidence is strongly linked to our careers, and being out of work makes us feel somehow less worthy of notice.
An effective network of contacts is critical to your success in finding that next job. But how do you know whether your network is big enough, or has the right people in it? One way to know is to ask yourself some questions about your current job search:
- How long is it taking?
- Have you had good interviews?
- Has your network provided you with information and leads?
If the answer to these last two questions is “no,” it might be time to look at creating a more effective network for yourself.
To start building your network, connect to organizations and people in your industry. They will be knowledgeable about the current market for employment. Think about building your network through volunteering for local causes or by joining social organizations as well. These groups are filled with interesting members who can connect you to people you might not ordinarily meet.
Chambers of Commerce
Amelia Island Chamber of Commerce
The Amelia Island Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to improving our community's economic climate and quality of life. We want to help you enhance your personal growth through interaction and leadership skills.
Baker County Chamber of Commerce
The Baker County Chamber of Commerce promotes your business and helps build up your business network. Chamber membership is a business investment!
Clay County Chamber of Commerce
The Clay County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to leading, advocating and promoting economic growth and vitality in our community.
First Coast African-American Chamber of Commerce
The First Coast African-American Chamber of Commerce seeks to create and promote programs and services which stimulate economic growth and development in the African-American business community in Jacksonville and throughout the First Coast region.
First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's mission is to encourage and promote sound, ethical, and successful business practices in the Hispanic community.
First Coast Indo-American Chamber of Commerce
The First Coast Indo-American Chamber of Commerce is a coalition of businesses representing various sectors of the economy in Jacksonville. We believe that like our community, the strength of our organization is found in its diversity.
Greater Nassau County Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Nassau County Chamber of Commerce will be the catalyst for successful business, economic and community growth.
Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce
The Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce is focused on the future and dedicated to ensuring that Northeast Florida is a fantastic place to work, live and play. As a leader in regional economic development, we foster a positive business climate and provide fundamental resources that create, enhance and expand Northeast Florida’s businesses.
Putnam County Chamber of Commerce
The Putnam County Chamber of Commerce has demonstrated its success in community leadership and organizational strength by being among the top in the nation for financial and membership growth as well as making a demonstrable impact on key community priorities in areas like economic opportunities, education, transportation, health care, and cultural vitality.
St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce is to deliver continuous value-added service to our members and the community, resulting in a business environment and quality of life where existing businesses have the opportunity to prosper, and new businesses find it attractive to locate in St. Johns County.
Networking Organizations for Professionals
American Society for Training & Development
The American Society for Training & Development Northeast Florida Chapter is a resource organization committed to providing learning and performance solutions to chapter members, training professionals and the community.
Florida Public Relations Association
The mission of the Florida Public Relations Association is to develop public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida.
International Association of Business Communicators
Members of the International Association of Business Communicators include public relations and communication professionals from Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, communication agencies, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, advertising and promotion agencies; audio visual professionals; web developers; as well as freelance writers and consultants to the industry.
International Institute of Business Analysis
The International Institute of Business Analysis is the independent nonprofit professional association serving the growing field of Business Analysis.
Jacksonville Women's Business Center
The Jacksonville Women's Business Center (JWBC) started operations in November 2004 to advance the success of women entrepreneurs at every stage of business development. Both aspiring and existing business owners gain access to education, capital, resources and networks to help them become more successful. Programs are designed to deliver these benefits in support of women as they launch and grow their businesses. The JWBC serves clients in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties.
Jacksonville Chapter of the American Marketing Association
The Jacksonville chapter of the American Marketing Association (JAMA) is a professional organization serving marketers of multiple disciplines, including market communications, advertising, innovation, research and academics. The Jacksonville Chapter was just approved to launch in 2009, and has already grown to 90 members. With monthly meetings, quarterly networking events and special programs, the organization provides excellent networking and educational opportunities for marketers. JAMA meets the fourth Thursday of every month at the Fairfield Inn by Marriot – 4888 Lenoir Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32216.
Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida
The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida enables a thriving nonprofit leadership, facilitating collective action and enhancing public understanding.
Project Management Institute Northeast Florida
The Project Management Institute of Northeast Florida is a dynamic group of that is committed to increasing the level of professionalism in project management and creating a greater awareness and dependence to our profession. We are committed to “making project management indispensable to business results.”
Public Relations Society of America
Headquartered in New York City, the Public Relations Society of America is the world's largest organization for public relations professionals. The Society's more than 17,000 members represent business and industry, counseling firms, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations.
Small Business Development Center at UNF
The Small Business Development Center helps businesses become more successful and meet the challenges of tomorrow. Whether you are starting a business, buying a business, growing a business, selling a business or looking for financing, we can help you.
Society for Human Resources Management
The Society for Human Resources Management is committed to creating awareness for the human resource profession and providing continuing education and support to our membership.
The World Affairs Council of Jacksonville
The World Affairs Council of Jacksonville is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote understanding of the world and its people and to engage citizens of Northeast Florida in becoming informed participants in the global community.
Networking Organizations for Young Professionals
Cultural Council
The Cultural Council advances the appreciation and expression of art and culture by increasing community awareness of cultural activities and issues; providing arts education programs to area students; and offering funding and technical assistance to cultural organizations and individual artists.
Downtown Vision
The mission of Downtown Vision is to build and maintain a healthy and vibrant Downtown community and to promote Downtown as an exciting place to live, work, play and visit.
The Florida Jaycees
The Florida Jaycees (Junior Chamber) is an organization for young people between the ages of 18 and 40 that teaches leadership development and business skills through community service and individual development activities.
HandsOn Jacksonville
HandsOn Jacksonville, formerly Volunteer Jacksonville, is Northeast Florida's local knowledge leader on volunteering. It's the place where citizens can find the most up-to-date opportunities to serve, and nonprofit organizations can get help with promotion and support of their volunteer programs.
IMPACTjax
IMPACTjax is the young professionals program of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the premier venue for Jacksonville’s next generation of leaders to connect with each other and the community.
Jacksonville Community Council, Inc.
Jacksonville Community Council, Inc. (JCCI) is a nonpartisan civic organization that engages citizens in dialogue, research, consensus building and leadership development to improve quality of life and build a better community in Northeast Florida.
JCCI Forward
The mission of JCCI Forward is to empower emerging leaders and community-minded individuals to affect positive change in Northeast Florida through a platform of results-oriented issue forums and leadership development programs.
Leadership Jacksonville
Leadership Jacksonville works to develop youth and adult leaders to assume greater responsibility as community trustees who improve the quality of life for self, family, and community.
OPUS
OPUS is the Jacksonville Symphony’s young professionals group. Events are planned at some of downtown’s best night spots around a variety of JSO concerts. Members meet before the performance to enjoy a few drinks, hors d'oeuvres and socializing, and then head over to experience live symphonic music in Jacoby Hall.
The Rotaract Club of Florida’s First Coast
Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for professionals ages 22 to 32. Rotaract addresses the physical and social needs of the community while promoting international understanding and peace through a framework of friendship and service.
Social Spirits
The mission of Social Spirits is to provide Jacksonville's young professionals with a fun environment in which individuals with similar social and professional interests have the opportunity to interact.
Up & Cummers
The Cummer Museum's Up & Cummers organization offers young professionals and community-minded individuals, between the ages of 25 and 45, the opportunity to experience The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Membership in this group is an outstanding way to network with other professionals interested in expanding their cultural awareness and stewardship through social and educational events with like-minded Up & Cummers.