Connecting People

Hollins University Graduates Enjoy Being a Young Professional in Roanoke

The South Roanoke Circle neighborhood newsletter had an article entitled "The Stanley Avenue 20-Somethings" (on page 3) by Lindsey Bieging a 23-year-old Hollins graduate and native of Alexandria, VA. She mentions the wonderful time she and two other friends have had living in Roanoke after graduation. This example is a snapshot of how many other young professionals feel about living in Roanoke.

The local colleges and universities are still an untapped resource for talent, especially when a majority of the 60,000 college students are not natives of the region.

More stroies like these can assist us in communicating to college students that there are jobs available. things to do, and an enjoyable lifestyle in Roanoke. 

Thanks to Caroline (a young professional who moved backed to Roanoke from South Carolina) for sharing the article.

Wilmington NC - Where is UNC-W?

Having just visited Wilmington, NC on a recent excursion, I was impressed with the Riverwalk, unique shopping and dining options, picturesque views, and even the filming of a Richard Gere movie - a very pleasant Southern City.

However, I did not see one sign driving in or out that mentioned their university - UNC-Wilmington. Apparently, in talking to locals after visiting, it was not far from where we were, however never seeing the city how was I suppose to know. One of their region's strongest assets, an institution of higher-ed with thousands of young people was absent from my experience of the city.

Sometimes it is the most subtle things or minor details that make the biggest difference. 

Roanoke #1 on Kiplingers.com Best City Poll

The Kiplinger's online best city poll has been up for about a month now and Roanoke has a good lead over Madison, WI - Roanoke 715 votes to Madison's 509.

The greater Roanoke community had really shown its civic pride by letting the world know how they feel about Roanoke.

Roanoke 5 O'Clock Career Network - Monday, May 21

Roanoke Connect and Career Connection are teaming up to host a free workshop for seekers looking for job search strategy and technique assistance. This is the third event and the reviews by job seekers has been very good. This week's topic will be networking. A short presentation on why networking is beneficial, the different kinds of networks, how to be a successful networker, how to expand and maintain your network, and how to use your network to benefit others as well as yourself will be presented. This will be followed by a discussion session and an opportunity to expand your network. RSVP Dave at dcl@careersva.com if you would like to come to 111 Franklin Plaza, Suite 305 in downtown Roanoke on Monday, May 21 at 5 pm.

Kiplinger's Best City Poll - Roanoke v. Madison

As a result of Kiplinger's Best Cities article in their latest issue compiled by the research of Richard Florida, the publication's web site created an online poll for the Best City - period. It has been interesting to see Roanoke and Madison go back and forth to see which city will prevail. Currently as of this post, Roanoke has a slight edge over the state capitol of Wisconsin and home of the University of Wisconsin Badgers. If you have not voted, then please do so.

Jobs with the City of Roanoke

This file lists current jobs within city government at Roanoke.

Download ROACITYEmploymentOpportunities5-10-07.doc

For more info, contact angelia.vernon@roanokeva.gov or visit online at www.roanokeva.gov

Latest Job Offerings at Virginia Tech

The university puts this list out every week and we will post it here as an attachment Download classified_employee_bulletin2.pdf .

Free Social Events for Summer Interns

The NCTC, Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City of Roanoke are once again creating social and professional opportunities for college students this summer who will be in the Roanoke and New River Valley. There are three event scheduled.

Thursday, March 31 from 5 pm - 7 pm there will be a Business After Hours at the Salem Avalanche baseball game. College students attend for free and are able to network with business professionals from the region.

Thursday, June 7 at 12 noon at the Higher Education Center, listen to an expert panel discuss the Top 10 Mistakes College Graduates Make in Looking for their First Post-College Job. Free lunch will be provided.

Finally, on Thursday, June 21 mix with other young professionals at the Martin's Downtown Bar and Grill started at 5:35 pm.

Pre-registration is required and for more info, contact Lisa Link at the Chamber.

Are you talking to headhunters and staffing agencies?

Are you talking to headhunters and staffing agencies?

These people and firms talk to dozens of employers each day who outsource their staffing to these firms. A growing trend is occurring among these firms to place direct hire professional level individuals for their clients. These firms are not just recruiting for clerical and part-time positions any more. It is wise to make as many contacts as possible with these folks. Here are a few locally to get you going:

Express Personnel - Donna Tatum

Renick Group - Coy Renick

Bright Services - Brooke Perry

Manpower - Jayson McCoy

Career Connection - Dave Lloyd

Kiplingers Mention of Roanoke

Kiplinger's magazine, via our friend Richard Florida, recently recognized the City of Roanoke as one of the Best 5 Cities for Retirees. Florida uses a number of his unique indices to boast the claim. Certainly, with the content of this site, we would like to see the region show up as one of the Best 5 Cities for Young Singles or Mid-Level Professionals, but our region will take the nice publicity.

Online the magazine has a voter's poll. Click here and vote for Roanoke.