How to meet people + get connected in Birmingham post-graduation

Getting connected in your city after college can be hard. Coming from school, where opportunities to get involved are being thrown at you from every direction, it’s a little harder to meet people and get involved in the “real world.” Whether you’re new to the city or starting fresh after graduation, read on for some of our fave ways to get connected in Birmingham.

1. Junior Boards are a great way to get connected in Birmingham

One of the best ways to get involved post-graduation is to join a junior board. Junior boards are affiliated with larger organizations or nonprofits and give young professionals amazing opportunities to jump in.

As a junior board member, you’ll establish relationships with other young professionals and give back to the community through volunteering and fundraising. Plus, the events are always a blast. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Birmingham Botanical Gardens
• The Bell Center
• The Exceptional Foundation
• Easterseals
• Freshwater Land Trust
• Mitchell’s Place
• Ronald McDonald House Charities

2. Get involved in local sports leagues

Believe it or not, the Birmingham community sports scene is more alive than ever. Whether you want to take it back to your middle school days and join a kickball league or leave it all on the ultimate frisbee field, this is a great way to meet new people, enjoy friends and play in a non-intimidating, social environment.

• Birmingham Ultimate Disc Alliance
• Birmingham Track Club
• Birmingham GO Kickball
• Women’s Outdoor Club
• Pickleball at the YMCA

3. Volunteer with local organizations

The Magic City has is full of phenomenal volunteer opportunities. Find an organization you like and make some friends while doing some good for the community. Talk about a win-win!

• Feed BHM
  • Volunteers retrieve good food from local places to reallocate is from a trip to the landfill and onto the plates of the food insecure.

• Ronald McDonald House Charities
  • Volunteers contribute delicious meals, either made in the Ronald McDonald House kitchen or catered by local restaurants, for families with sick children.

• United Ability
  • Volunteers assist with community outings, work side-by-side in a classroom, or serve on facilities projects.

• United Way of Central Alabama
  • Volunteers help make a difference in the community through various agencies like Meals on Wheels, Success by 6 and the Area Agency on Aging.

4. Join a young professional organization for incredible networking opportunities

Young professional organizations allow you meet people across a wide range of industries and professions while also helping further your career. There’s no better way to network, have fun and experience both personal and professional development.

• The Rotaract Club of Birmingham
  • For professionals 35 and under, Rotaract’s mission is to foster responsible citizenship and positive change by offering opportunities to learn from diverse leaders, bond with committed young professionals and serve the Birmingham community.
  • They host a variety of events, like luncheons, mentor opportunities, service days, happy hours and more.

• Young Professionals of Birmingham
  • YPBirmigham exists to connect, socialize and network with young professionals in the Birmingham area. Whether you’re new to the city or a long-time local, their mission is to help grow your career and have a little fun while doing so.
  • They host monthly socials, volunteer days and have member benefits at various local retailers.

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