About the SYPG Council

The Schmooze Young Professional Group Council is a volunteer committee of 12 young professionals who design, guide and run the SYPG’s program of activities.

The Council runs several events each year within a strategic plan, plus develop a Young Professional Awards and a Young Professional Ball.

The role of the SYPG Council is to:

• Run all SYPG events and activities and generate ideas for activities and events
• Prepare all communication materials include ads, twitter, facebook, website content and articles for the Schmooze e-news
• Promote the SYPG and encourage new members
• Advise Schmooze on the best way to promote the SYPG to young professionals
• Manage key relationships with sponsors and other young professional groups
• Provide support in running other Schmooze events on either a volunteer or paid casual basis
• Develop plans for SYPG promotion and events

The Benefits of Joining the Council

Besides all the benefits that come with Schmooze membership, Council members also:

• Receive a complimentary six month membership of Schmooze (pay for six months and receive six months free)
• A Schmooze lapel pin
• mentoring from Phillip Jones
• Profile on the Who’s Who page of the website and enhanced professional contacts and profile
• A personal program of activity based on their interests and professional goals
• Work experience and professional development opportunities
• Lots of fun and new friends!

How to get Involved

If you are interested in finding out more, or joining the Council, please contact its Chair, Casey Hamilton via email with some information about yourself, experience and what sort of activities you'd like to be involved with. 

We are always looking for outward going and friendly young professionals with a mix of skills such as writing, marketing, promotions, events, hospitality and the like- but its more important to be enthusiastic and willing to help out a few hours a week- we'll provide the training.

If you are not a member yet of Schmooze you'll need to join for six months and we'll give you another six months free.  We'll then arrange a time to meet and answer any questions you have and get acquainted.

Meet the Team

You can read information about some of the other Council members here and read an interview of Casey here.

Comments from SYPG Council Members

The thing that I have enjoyed most about my time on the SYPG Council is definitely working with the rest of the SYPG team! We have collected a bunch of wonderful, confident, intelligent and fun young minds and have formed a team that enjoys the work we do and each other. I look forward to our brain storming sessions and events and I feel very privileged to have met these councillors through Schmooze as I might not have met them otherwise and they have become my closest friends.

The people that I have met through Schmooze and the projects we have embarked on together have taken my career on a path I never expected…and I LOVE it!

There is so much opportunity in Canberra and Schmooze allows you to tap into what is out there and connects you with the people who can help you make it happen!

I think I have benefited greatly from Schmooze’s reputation for running exciting events professionally as it has resulted in me being asked to organise events for Schmooze members. I have also met many mentors who have provided me with priceless industry contacts and career advice. My involvement in Schmooze has also demonstrated to potential employers my involvement in the community and has helped get the edge on other Gen Y’s competing for jobs!  Casey Hamilton, Australian Medical Council

What I have valued most from becoming a Schmooze (SYPG) Council member are the contacts that I have made over the past few months. When I first came to Canberra a year ago, I knew few people, now I have a circle of friends and contacts. Schmooze has opened doors for me and good friendships have developed between the council members.

Schmooze is a fun way to get linked into what’s going on for young professionals in the Capital. I would recommend Council membership to anyone who is trying to increase their social network and CV at the same time. Lisa Murray, Communication and Media Branch & Media Branch, FAHCSIA