Fresh Out of College? Grow Your Career Here
The Robins Region, located in Middle Georgia, offers the resources to help young talent grow personally and professionally.
With a top-rated public school system and higher education opportunities, a diverse economy anchored by Robins Air Force Base, affordable housing and an enviable quality of life, the Robins Region is emerging as one of the best places in Georgia for young professionals to grow their careers and their families.
“The Robins Region is an excellent place for young professionals as it relates to valuable employment opportunities, affordable housing and great investment opportunities for land development,” says Crystal Allen-Joyner, a Warner Robins resident and founder of R.E.G.A.L. counseling services.
The Air Force base provides employment to over 23,000, and individuals with STEM skills have both federal and contract employment opportunities, Allen-Joyner says. “Plus the region offers easy access to larger cities like Atlanta without the pain of daily traffic and the usual hassles of city life,” she says.
Learning to Lead in Houston County, GA
Houston County offers a variety of professional opportunities and experiences often only found in much larger cities for residents, whether you’re a recent college grad or looking for a career move as you grow your family, says Aura Lee Durham, chief operating officer of the Robins Regional Chamber.
One such opportunity is the chamber-sponsored Leadership Robins Region program, which helps young professionals foster business relationships and teaches them about civic engagement and how to become leaders in the community.
“Leadership Robins Region is a great resource for young professionals on multiple levels. On the surface, it provides opportunities to develop leadership skills and learn the ins and outs of how our community works — what makes it actually function,” Durham says. “However, the true value of the program is the relationships that class members get to build, both with other class members and with the community and business leaders they meet.”
• 10 sessions include full-day instruction in leadership from community leaders
• On-site tours and visits with leaders in government, business and industry
Allen-Joyner, a 2017 Leadership Robins Region graduate, says the program enabled her to forge partnerships with other business owners to grow her counseling service.
“It gave me the opportunity to engage with local business owners and legislators, both locally and statewide, and I’ve been able to develop partnerships with other employers and serve as a liaison for veteran and spouse employment,” she says. “Being a member of the chamber has also afforded me the opportunity to stay abreast of current business trends in the Middle Georgia area.”
Take Skills to a New Level in the Robins Region
The Robins Region also boasts a wealth of educational opportunities that allow young professionals to learn new skills to advance their careers.
“It starts in our secondary school system with the career academy pathways,” Durham says. “Their mission is to create a seamless pipeline of workers from school to industry in high-demand career fields.”
The region also offers a deep pool of postsecondary institutions that includes Central Georgia Technical College, Georgia College, Georgia Military College and Middle Georgia State University, among others.
The presence of Robins Air Force Base also provides higher education opportunities. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Robins Campus, located at the air base, offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees programs as well as undergraduate certifications.
Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC), which has a Warner Robins campus, offers short-term training and degree programs in the region’s high demand career fields. Courses are offered in multiple formats to fit the needs and schedules of working adults, including online, in-person and a hybrid version.
“Many students come to us to begin their educational journey, but many come who may want to brush up their skills or earn a certification for advancement in their chosen career,” says Janet Kelly, assistant vice president of enrollment services, marketing and public relations.
“We know that we must consider that many of our students are juggling family life, a career and furthering their education, among other priorities. We work to make sure we’re offering the best options possible for students who are experiencing life changes while pursuing their education.”
Livability Robins Region
This digital edition of the Livability Robins Region is sponsored by Robins Regional Chamber.
