Emerging Professionals Accelerator
July 28, 2026 (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM) (MDT)
Description
Kick off your career with a full day of learning, connecting, and getting career-ready — all in one place.
The Emerging Professionals Accelerator brings together Edmonton's next generation of professionals for hands-on workshops, expert panels, headshots, and real networking opportunities. This event is presented in partnership with Junior Chamber International, a global network that empowers young people to lead in their communities.
What you'll walk away with:
- A professional headshot
- Resume and interview skills you can use right away
- A better understanding of your strengths and career direction
- Connections with Edmonton's emerging professional community
- The ability to network comfortably in any setting and build valuable connections
The day at a glance:
The day kicks off with breakfast and an opening panel featuring:
- Cheryll Watson, President and CEO of Junior Achievement Northern Alberta
- Doug Griffiths, President and CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
- Jorgia Lindquist, Co-founder of Don'ya Ukraine's Kitchen and President of JCI Edmonton
Each panelist has built their career through different corners of the business world, and each is also active in a business group within Edmonton. This panel will break down the real value of a business group — what it means to go beyond the transactional nature of business exchanges and help build a stronger business community.
Next, the day moves into the Becoming Unforgettable Networking session, designed to help attendees turn a room full of strangers into meaningful connections. It's easy to treat networking as a numbers game, but this session is about building fewer, stronger relationships that actually last.
Attendees get to put those skills into practice right away — over a provided lunch, where you'll have the chance to form new friendships, connections, and colleagues. During that time, there will also be a headshot clinic to help you get the perfect photo for LinkedIn or any other platform.
After lunch, the program continues with Behavioural Elements: An Introduction to Personal Development, designed to help attendees understand their behavioural drivers and put them to work — both personally and professionally.
The day wraps with a final panel, Classroom to Career: What Actually Gets You There, featuring young professionals who've already built successful careers in communications, policy, and journalism. They'll share the real, practical steps that got them there. The decisions, setbacks, and turning points along the way. It's a grounded, honest look at what's ahead as you start or grow your career.
From there, we'll close the day with an end-of-day mixer — the perfect chance to put your new networking skills to use. After all, the best connections are made when the work is already done.
Reserve your spot today!
Interested in learning more about becoming a Program or Networking Sponsor? View our sponsorship opportunities.
Images
Members: $50
Future Members: $100
600 9990 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 1P7 Canada