The Wharton Club of New Jersey (WCNJ) is comprised of dynamic, multi-faceted individuals whose pursuits broadly span the business landscape and whose interests go well beyond the realm of the business world and much further than Wall Street. If you’ve ever been asked the questions: “What things interest you?” or “What do you do in your spare time?” or “What are your hobbies?” - the answer is never simple or a monosyllabic word like ‘SPORTS’. More than likely, you are involved in a myriad of activities and sometimes wonder how you accomplish it all!

It is with this belief that WCNJ launches Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to further enhance the value of membership within the Club. The Club’s primary objective will continue to be business focused, as will many SIGs. But SIGs will bring additional elements to the group that address the varied interests of the membership at large. SIGs will allow members to interact more often; coordinate and participate in smaller, more intimate events; and help develop and encourage more networking among members.

Join one of the specific SIGs listed below, or initiate a group with a SIG focused on a specific industry, or small business owners. Additionally, SIGs may be centered on such hobbies as wine-tasting, reading (a book club), theater, or cooking. The options abound and are limited only by the interests, needs, and desires of the WCNJ members.

So now, you may be wondering: How do I start a SIG? How do SIGs operate? How do I become involved in SIGs? What SIGs are currently available? The answer you really want to hear is the answer we can provide: easy, no hassle, we’re here to help.

Current SIGs
Executive Master's in Technology Management. If you don’t know EMTM, you should. Part of the Wharton family, it is the Executive Masters in Technology Management degree from Penn Engineering co-sponsored by Wharton and focused on the intersection of management and technology. The program combines state-of-the-art management practice with insights into emerging technologies in Biopharma, IT, Telecommunications, Nanotechnology, and other fields that are driving global innovation and change. We are excited to welcome the EMTM-NJ alumni group and its members as they officially decided at their mid-January meeting to restructure their organization within the SIG framework.

Careers In Transition. The Careers in Transition SIG will have its inaugural meeting on February 7. We are frequently in search of new employment opportunities, whether it’s branching out on our own or moving to a new organization. Members of this SIG will have a network of peers and guidance from HR managers to help in that transition.

Central Jersey. We are in the process of developing a group in the New Brunswick – Princeton area to satisfy widespread interest to coordinate some events further south of the Morris/Essex County hub of our activity. The first meeting is being planned for late February.

Joining a SIG
Future plans for SIG initiation and participation will include an “opt-in” option in your profile when you register on the WCNJ website. Until we implement that functionality, if you are interested in joining a SIG, contact Kimberlyn Dennis Smith (the Club’s SIGs Coordinator, part of the Programming & Events Committee) and she’ll get you connected. If you have an idea for a new SIG, read on…

Starting a SIG
To initiate a new SIG, simply connect with Kimberlyn to share your idea. If you’re ready to initiate a group in the northern geography (similar to the Central Jersey SIG) or have an idea for a new SIG, Kimberlyn is waiting to hear from you… she will help you get rolling. She will meet with the initiator of the SIG, help hone the intent/purpose of the SIG, and communicate it to the membership at large to garner interest from other members. In order for an idea to become an official SIG, we anticipate five or more members must show interest in the group. As members express interest in the SIG and the SIG gains momentum, a group facilitator will be established from the SIG’s membership who will then liaise with Kimberlyn. Kimberlyn will provide guidance in establishing the SIG, and help orchestrate and communicate the SIG’s events to the general membership. Continued operation of the SIG is the responsibility of the group’s members, with continuing support from Kimberlyn and others.

More information
More information on SIGs will be forthcoming on the website and news blasts. Are you ready to start a SIG or get involved in the ones that will be launched? Then contact Kimberlyn.