More Than a Conference: My Level Up Experience

One of the biggest lessons I've learned so far in my career is that some of the most valuable networking happens when you're simply willing to get involved.

Early in my career, I was looking for ways to improve my professional soft skills, which led me to attend the Louisiana Young Professionals Conference (LYPC). I learned how to build a personal brand, become a more successful and influential leader, and better understand the importance of networking in building a career. I got so much out of the conference that I joined the Natchitoches Young Professionals (NYP) group.

When the conference was rebranded as the Level Up Conference last year, I wanted to give back by helping it run smoothly behind the scenes as a volunteer. As a room attendant, I helped attendees find the correct breakout sessions and assisted one of the speakers, Dr. Donna Bailey, throughout the day. In the process, I formed a professional relationship with a coworker I don't interact with on a daily basis. It wasn't until after the conference that I realized I had been networking without even thinking about it.

Serving as the NYP Executive Committee Secretary this year has given me the opportunity to help plan and execute the conference. Seeing that process firsthand has shown me just how much work goes into an event like Level Up. The Chamber and the NYP Executive Committee are incredibly intentional when selecting speakers and planning activities, but one thing that has impressed me most is how open they are to ideas from the broader NYP membership. During our monthly meetings, members are encouraged to share suggestions and feedback, and those ideas are genuinely considered as we work together to create the best experience possible.

Professional development opportunities like Level Up are important to our community. Many similar events are held in larger cities with bigger budgets, but Level Up continues to offer a unique experience for professionals right here in Natchitoches. The conference is planned by neighbors, friends, and local leaders who are passionate about helping others grow, making it an event that reflects the needs and strengths of our own community.

Looking back, I have gained much more than professional development from attending the conference and becoming involved with NYP. Along the way, I have built meaningful relationships, grown more confident in my own abilities, and become more strategic about my career. For me, Level Up has been a pathway to become more involved in my community and discover that some of the greatest opportunities begin by simply getting involved.