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We believe in the power of networking and are working on a list of current regularly meeting events! If you know of an event that is not listed, please let us know! Be sure to check out our resources page for additional support. Additional tips and resources are listed below.

Upstate South Carolina Career Transition Networking Events Guide

updated 04/24/2026

1. GVL Connect

  • Format: In-person monthly networking
  • Location: Venture X Greenville – Plush Mills, Greenville, SC
  • Schedule: Monthly, typically Thursday evenings, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Cost: FREE (donations accepted for food/drinks)
  • Description: Community networking event featuring nonprofit spotlights and interactive discussions on American values and community building. Includes food, drinks, and meaningful connections with local residents, business owners, and civic leaders.
  • Organizer: Joanna Reese
  • Registration: Available on Eventbrite
  • Website: Search “GVL Connect Eventbrite” for current events
  • Parking: Free at Venture X

Recommended Networking Resources for Career Transition

Professional Networking Groups

2. LinkedIn Local Greenville

  • Format: In-person and virtual
  • Focus: Professional networking for job seekers and career changers
  • How to Find: Search LinkedIn for “LinkedIn Local Greenville” groups
  • Typical Schedule: Quarterly or monthly meetups

3. Upstate SC Professional Networks

  • Greenville Chamber of Commerce Networking Events
  • Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce

4. Tech Community Events

  • CoWork Greenville
    • Location: Various locations in Greenville
    • Hosts regular networking and professional development events
  • NEXT Innovation Center
    • Focus: Tech and innovation networking
    • Location: Greenville, SC

Career Transition Support Groups

5. SC Works (Upstate Locations)

  • Greenville Office
    • Address: 301 University Ridge, Suite 2000, Greenville, SC 29601
    • Phone: (864) 241-0050
    • Services: Job search workshops, resume assistance, networking events
    • Cost: FREE
  • Spartanburg Office
    • Address: 1550 John B. White Sr. Blvd., Spartanburg, SC 29301
    • Phone: (864) 585-9144
    • Services: Career counseling, job fairs, skills training
    • Cost: FREE

6. Library Career Centers

  • Greenville County Library System
    • Hughes Main Library Career Center
    • Address: 25 Heritage Green Place, Greenville, SC 29601
    • Services: Resume workshops, job search assistance, computer access
    • Regular workshops and networking opportunities

7. Faith-Based Career Support

  • Many churches in the Upstate offer career transition support groups
  • Buncombe Street United Methodist Church (Greenville)
  • First Presbyterian Church (Spartanburg)
  • Check local church websites for current programs

Industry-Specific Networking

8. Upstate Manufacturing & Technology Groups

  • Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) – Upstate Chapter
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
  • Technology Association of South Carolina (TASC)

9. Women’s Professional Networks

  • Professional Dimensions
    • Focus: Women’s professional development
    • Location: Greenville area
  • Women in Business Network
    • Various chapters throughout Upstate SC

10. Young Professionals Groups

  • Greenville Young Professionals (GYP)
    • Age range: Typically 21-40
    • Regular networking and social events
  • Spartanburg Young Professionals

Online & Virtual Networking

11. Meetup.com Groups

Search for:

  • “Greenville SC Professional Networking”
  • “Spartanburg Career Development”
  • “Upstate SC Job Seekers”
  • “Greenville Entrepreneurs”

12. Facebook Groups

  • Greenville SC Job Network
  • Upstate SC Professionals
  • Greenville Career Connections

Regular Job Fairs & Career Events

13. University Career Services (Open to Community)

  • Clemson University Career Center
  • Furman University
  • University of South Carolina Upstate

Coworking Spaces with Networking

14. NEXT Innovation Center

  • Address: 116 S. Main Street, Greenville, SC
  • Regular member events and networking opportunities

15. Venture X Greenville

  • Multiple locations
  • Hosts various networking events including GVL Connect

16. Iron Yard Greenville

  • Tech-focused coworking and events

Industry Associations

17. Upstate LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce

  • Monthly networking events
  • Inclusive business networking

18. Hispanic Alliance

  • Professional development and networking for Hispanic professionals

19. African American Chamber of Commerce of the Upstate

Tips for Finding Current Events

Online Resources to Check Regularly:

  1. Eventbrite.com – Search “Greenville SC networking” or “Spartanburg professional”
  2. Meetup.com – Filter by location and professional interests
  3. LinkedIn Events – Search by Greenville, SC area
  4. Facebook Events – Search local networking events
  5. Greenville Journal – Local business publication with event listings
  6. GSA Business Report – Upstate business news and events

Weekly/Monthly Event Calendars:

Recommended Weekly Routine for Job Seekers

Monday

  • Review job boards and apply to positions
  • Connect with 5-10 new people on LinkedIn
  • Plan to meet at least 5 people in person during the week.

Tuesday

  • Attend virtual or in-person networking event (if available)
  • Follow up with contacts from previous week

Wednesday

  • Professional development (online courses, certifications)
  • Update resume/portfolio

Thursday

  • Attend evening networking events (many scheduled on Thursdays)
  • GVL Connect or similar events

Friday

  • Accountability check-in (consider forming your own group if “Hopeful Fridays” isn’t currently active)
  • Week review and planning for next week

Creating Your Own Support Network

If you can’t find the specific events mentioned (Tech After Five, Networking over Coffee, Accountability and Hopeful Fridays), consider:

  1. Starting your own meetup group on Meetup.com
  2. Creating a LinkedIn group for Upstate SC career transitioners
  3. Organizing coffee meetups with other job seekers
  4. Forming an accountability group that meets weekly

Additional Resources

Career Coaches in Upstate SC

  • Search for certified career coaches through:
    • International Coach Federation (ICF)
    • National Career Development Association (NCDA)

Resume & Interview Prep

  • SC Works (free services)
  • Library workshops (free)
  • LinkedIn Learning (many free courses)

Mental Health Support During Transition

  • NAMI Greenville – Mental health support
  • Upstate Family Resource Center
  • United Way 211 – Connect to local resources

Contact Information for Key Organizations

SC Works Greenville

  • Phone: (864) 241-0050
  • Email: Check scworks.org for current contact

Greenville Chamber of Commerce

Spartanburg Chamber

Notes

  • Event schedules and availability change frequently. Always verify current information on official websites or by calling directly.
  • Many organizations resumed in-person events post-pandemic but may still offer virtual options.
  • Free events are marked as such; others may have membership or attendance fees.
  • Some events mentioned may be seasonal or may have changed names/formats since 2026.

Last Updated: April 2026

For the most current information, please check organization websites directly or contact them via phone/email.

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