PRESQUE ISLE – Momentum Aroostook and the University of Maine at Presque Isle are teaming up to provide the area’s young professionals with a one-of-a-kind leadership development opportunity. The two entities will host the Young Professionals Institute, a professional development short course designed specifically for emerging leaders looking to hone their professional skills. The pilot program will be offered at the University during five afternoon sessions between March and April. The Wednesday sessions will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on March 5, March 12, March 19, March 26 and April 9.
“Momentum Aroostook couldn’t be more pleased about partnering with the University of Maine at Presque Isle on this project,” Nathan Berry, board chairman, said.
Momentum Aroostook is a group of highly motivated Aroostook County young people between the ages of 20 and 40, connecting for career, social and community betterment.
“The Young Professionals Institute will provide the area’s young people with the skills they need to be successful, whether they work in government settings, for non-profits or in traditional offices,” Berry said.
Participants in the Young Professionals Institute will learn through role-playing scenarios and hands-on activities how to write eye-catching proposals, deliver successful oral presentations, use best practices in written communication and work effectively with the media.
“The University is excited about our partnership with Momentum Aroostook,” President Don Zillman said. “Some of the outstanding professional leaders in the community will be partnering to teach rising young professional stars about key aspects of professional success – capable writing, effective oral presentations, teamwork and media relations. This will be hands-on work for the institute participants, not just listening to lectures. Our goal is to further connect and strengthen one of the County’s greatest assets – its young professional community.”
In talks with many different local businesses in the last year, university officials received an overwhelming number of requests for more training opportunities, especially for the younger professionals in offices across the region. With Momentum Aroostook working toward many of the same professional goals for its members, the University found the perfect co-partner to establish the Young Professionals Institute.
“We all see this as a way to build skills and encourage this younger generation of professionals to stay in the area,” Clare Exner, university business professor and one of the course designers, said.
The Institute will be facilitated by Zillman, members of Momentum Aroostook and several local business and community leaders who are excited about the course and how it has been tailored for young professionals.
“We applaud the University and Momentum Aroostook’s efforts in bringing this unique approach to building the professional skills set in the County,” said MMG Insurance’s Senior Vice President Matt McHatten. “We feel it provides an excellent opportunity for our young professionals to learn more about very important aspects to success in the workplace. The convenient time and compressed curriculum will assist in making it more accessible to many professionals unable to commit to traditional course work, and the creative case study and interactive approach should make it much more motivating for those participating.”
There are only 12 seats available in the inaugural class. Young professionals interested in taking the course must submit their name for nomination or have their business employer nominate them. The nomination deadline is Feb. 25. Selections will be announced Feb. 26. A $50 registration fee, paid by course participants or their business sponsors, is due by March 4.
For more information about the short course, which is not being offered for academic credit, contact the School of Business and International Studies at 768-9740 or e-mail linda.mclaughlin1@umpi.edu.