Your network is your net worth (English version)

YGP Professionals event on Friday 11 October 2013

On Friday the 11^th of October, Young Ghanaian Professionals (YGP) held a professionals event at the Holiday Inn in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The event was held to introduce the YGP and her objectives to mainly a new audience. Unlike previous events organized by YGP, which were held with a theme and a guest speaker, YGP chose to hold the event solely to introduce YGP, involve the audience in the presentation and meet new members.  The program started at 7pm and the official opening started 15 minutes after. 

Kofi Baffo (board member) started the program by welcoming the guests and gave a short presentation about the importance of networking. Though the audience was quiet silent at the beginning, the event took a more interactive form as the program continued. 

“Your Netwerk is your Networth”

After Kofi Baffo welcomed all guests, Ama Carr (board member) explained about how YGP begun. YGP started in 2010 among 5 Ghanaian professionals: They spoke frequently about the lack of a good network among young Ghanaian professionals and students. Based on these conversations, YGP started growing among more young professionals. YGP has been launched officially as a network and is going to organize events to build the network, of which her members can benefit from. Ama also gave some examples of Ghanaian professionals who have a successful career, which we can all be proud of. She also emphasized the importance of networking.

“We must celebrate more success stories. There are plenty of Ghanaians who are successful. A good network will help build your career.”

Ama  continued by introducing the rest of the board members: Frenck Gyamfi (founder and chairman of YGP) , Kofi Baffo (board member), Evans Boadi (board member), Augustina Austin (secretary and Communications coordinator) and Ama Carr (board member). Read more about the organization here.

Kofi Baffo took over the presentation again and talked about the goals and vision of YGP. He also showed the audience job vacancies that are available at the moment in various companies. This was meant for the people in the audience that are looking for a job or an internship. Also, Frenck Gyamfi (CEO of CSS & Partners and Information Africa and chairman of YGP) is looking for employees. During the networking hour, the guests  had the chance to consult him about these vacancies.

At the End of the presentation the audience were given the opportunity to ask questions and give feedback. The following main questions were asked.

-          Is Dutch the main language spoken at YGP events?

The main language is Dutch. But YGP is aware  that there are students and professionals who do not speak or understand Dutch. In case necessary, English will be spoken.

-          Do you have a policy?

YGP has a policy. This policy describes the objectives and plans of YGP. Part of this policy is described on the official website.

There were a lot of good ideas given by the audience which can help YGP. After the question round, the networking hour started  and also the guests had the opportunity to fill in a form to become a member of YGP.

A successful evening

At the end of the evening, the majority of the guests agreed on one thing: we need a good network of young Ghanaian professionals and students. And there should be a follow-up event as soon as possible. The evening was a successful one. 

We would love to get your ideas and feedback about YGP. Do not hesitate to leave a comment in the message board.