(L-R) Caoimhe McCarthy, Deputy Head of Mission at Embassy of Ireland; Joe Huggard, Chairman of ILCC; Jean McDonald, Irish Ambassador to Luxembourg; Credit: Jazmin Campbell, Chronicle.lu
Thursday 3 July 2025 marked the official launch of the Irish Young Professionals’ Network (IYPN) – Luxembourg.
Hosted by the Embassy of Ireland in Luxembourg, the launch event brought together 40-50 young Irish professionals working across a range of sectors in the Grand Duchy. Attendees had the opportunity to meet, socialise and learn more about the network’s goals and upcoming initiatives.
Following a warm welcome by Irish Ambassador Jean McDonald, Caoimhe McCarthy, Deputy Head of Mission, presented the IYPN, which “aims to provide opportunities to its members to connect, to learn about job opportunities, and also to hear from guest speakers, from experts about career guidance,” among other things. Led by the Embassy of Ireland in Luxembourg, the network targets Irish professionals at the early and mid-stages of their careers in various industries.
Ms McCarthy noted that there are currently about 2,500 Irish nationals living in Luxembourg, many of whom are young professionals who moved here for work. “That is really what inspired the idea to create this network,” she explained, “to create a connection that we can all gather together.”
“We [the embassy team] have loads of ideas,” she said, while emphasising that it was important that the network was “member-led”, designed to reflect the needs and interests of participants. A recent survey indicated that networking and making professional connections were key priorities for members, and she confirmed these would be integrated into future events.
These will follow different formats, from bringing in experts and guest speakers to facilitating mentorship. The IYPN also welcomes collaborations with individuals, employers and organisations, who may for example co-host an event, provide a guest speaker or offer a venue.
The Irish Young Professionals’ Network – Luxembourg LinkedIn group already has more than 200 members, with growing engagement. “The response we have had has been fantastic,” Caoimhe McCarthy noted. “I hope that the LinkedIn group will be a really good hub to connect people and have a landing base for everyone to go to”, whether for posting job opportunities, exchanging advice or just staying up to date on IYPN events.
She also encouraged members to attend “as many events as possible, because it’s really the in-person events where the connections are made, problems are solved and opportunities are created.”
The next IYPN event will take place on Wednesday 24 September 2025, featuring guest speaker Andrew McDowell, Director General of EIB Global and former Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB). There will also be a networking element.
Caoimhe McCarthy also directed guests towards leaflets about the Irish government’s EU careers strategy, including support for EPSO competitions and scholarships for the College of Europe.
Also speaking at the event was Joseph “Joe” Huggard, Chairman of the Ireland Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ILCC), who expressed his organisation’s support for the IYPN. Mr Huggard presented the ILCC’s activities as a bilateral chamber and announced free membership for IYPN members. “It’s something we want to keep dynamic,” he said. “We really would like to have young people involved.”
Networking continued over drinks and light refreshments.
Similar Irish Young Professionals Networks exist elsewhere in Europe, notably Belgium and Germany (Berlin).
