PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Young Professionals Institute, a partnership between MMG Insurance and the University of Maine at Presque Isle, is accepting nominations for its 12th year of fast-paced, interactive learning.
UMPI’s Employer U program facilitates the institute, which will be offered this year on Wednesdays from Feb. 27 to April 10. The online nomination/application form is available at www.umpi.edu/ypi. The nomination deadline is Monday, Jan. 28.
The Institute provides a seven-week short course designed to help emerging leaders refine the skills that will bring them long-term success in their careers. Participants hone their professional skills through hands-on activities, on-the-spot public speaking assignments and business simulation exercises. Along the way, they visit a local business and hear guest presentations. The Institute culminates in a presentation before area business and community leaders and program graduates.
“I attended the first Young Professionals Institute and I can honestly say that I am still reaping the benefits today,” said Kim Jones, UMPI director of Employer U, said. “This program provides a unique and tremendously valuable experience that better positions participants for long-term career success through skill building, networking, and learning how to challenge the status quo.”
The theme of this year’s Institute is Managing the Career Life Cycle, which will help participants understand the phases of effective leadership, both for self-improvement and helping others to achieve career success. Each week, participants will explore important leadership traits, ranging from communication to conflict resolution to adaptability. They will learn how to utilize these skills to advance the needs and goals of their organization.
Several local business and community leaders, along with graduates of past Young Professionals Institutes, help UMPI present the program.
“Each year we look forward to watching our employees and others involved with YPI grow as leaders and embrace the opportunity to focus on career development,” said Matt McHatten, EVP and COO of MMG Insurance. “The success of Aroostook County relies upon our combined interest and investment in developing a talented workforce and we’re proud to play a role in that continued effort.”
YPI strives to present sessions that focus on the skills employers look for most in prospective employees and candidates for advancement. Participants will work together to tackle new assignments each week focused on these skills areas.
There are 16 seats available for YPI 12. Professionals interested in taking the course must submit their names for nomination or have their employer nominate them. The nomination deadline is Monday, Jan. 28. Selections will be announced Thursday, Jan. 31.
A $225 registration fee, paid by course participants or their business sponsors, is due by Friday, Feb. 15.
This year’s sessions will take place on Wednesdays, February 27, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, and April 3 and 10. Most sessions will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in the MMG Center for Professional Development, located in UMPI’s Campus Center. Participants are expected to attend all sessions.
For more information about the short course, which is not being offered for academic credit, please visit www.umpi.edu/ypi or contact Jones at (207) 768-9459 or kimberly.a.jones@maine.edu.
Submitted by the Community and Media Relations Office of the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
