| Join Us! Make New Friends! Find Great Job-Search Help & Then Get Lost Fast! BY: Stephen R. Clark
[As Seen in EMPLOYMENT WEEKLY] One day you’re whistling while you work, and the next you’re not—whistling or working. You’ve been fired, downsized, outplaced, re-engineered, or bought out of your job. You’re dazed and confused, feeling very alone, and not certain what to do. There are times in our lives when we can use all the help we can get and all the friends we can find. Being engaged in a job search is one of these times. And where can you find both help and friends? Easy! The Business & Professional Exchange (BPE) of greater Indianapolis.
Founded in 1991, the Business & Professional Exchange (BPE) is a networking organization for those in career transition. More than 1500 individuals and businesses have benefited from affiliation with this volunteer, non-profit organization. States Jim Teer, past President of the southside BPE chapter, "We’re probably the only organization in Indianapolis whose goal is to lose members faster than we gain them!" The southside BPE chapter meets every Wednesday at 8:00 AM at the Greenwood Community Center, on Surina between Meridian and Washington, in Greenwood.
The BPE exists to provide practical support and encouragement to individuals in career transition, and to provide an easily accessible pool of talented professionals to Indy-area employers. BPE gives individuals and employers the opportunity to network with a wide variety of professionals. Weekly BPE networking sessions feature top-notch informative and motivational speakers. Area employers, recruiters, and other hiring resources also regularly attend the meetings looking for candidates.
The meeting goals are to network, get job leads, and learn about practical methods for conducting an effective job search. Wearing their best business attire, each attendee has the opportunity to stand and give a 30-second introduction telling who they are, what they’ve done, and what they’re looking to do. The weekly speakers address how to network, stay motivated and healthy, prepare for interviews, and hone your resume. Post-meeting workshops offer more depth on these and other practical job-search related topics. Speakers and workshop leaders are business executives from Indy area companies, career consultants, and Human Resources professionals.
"The BPE offers employers an excellent resource for obtaining quality, readily available middle and upper level management people without having to pay costly recruiting fees," says Pam Chase, President of the northside chapter. "Potential job candidates can even be pre-screened at the meetings. Plus the BPE offers those in a job search an opportunity to share their knowledge and to showcase their abilities by involvement on BPE committees." The northside BPE chapter meets every Monday at 7:00 AM at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, at 100 W. 86th Street (1/2 mile west of Meridian), in Indianapolis.
A special bonus is the opportunity to share job search experiences,
tips, and leads with others who are dealing with the same issues
as you. You’ll find encouragement, support, and guidance. Membership
doesn’t cost a fortune, either. There is a one-time registration
fee of $25.00, plus quarterly dues of $5.00.
BPE alumni can be found in companies throughout Indianapolis, across the country, and around the world! Those finding jobs through the BPE often come back looking to hire others. "We hope you’ll hurry up and join because we can’t wait to see you leave!" says Teer. "After all, that’s the goal of the Business & Professional Exchange. We can’t wait for you to stand up one week, and instead of giving your usual introduction, make that exciting announcement, ‘I’ve got a job!’ We know it’ll happen—sooner than you think, too!"
Further information on both chapters can be obtained by calling (317) 252-9947. |
