PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The University of Maine at Presque Isle and MMG Insurance have opened nominations for the Young Professionals Institute, which has provided area professionals with leadership development training for more than a decade.
The Institute, facilitated by UMPI’s Employer U program, will run on Wednesdays from Feb. 28 to April 11. The online nomination/application form is available at www.umpi.edu/ypi. The nomination deadline is Monday, Jan. 29.
The Institute provides area employees a professional development opportunity — a seven-week short course designed specifically for emerging leaders looking to 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, participants will visit a local business to complete on-site assignments and hear presentations by embedded guests from the public and private sectors. The Institute culminates in a showcase presentation before area business and community leaders and YPI graduates.
“I attended YPI 10 years ago and I can honestly say that I am still reaping the benefits today,” said Kim Jones, UMPI’s director of Employer U. “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 21st Century Leadership, which will focus on the mindset and skills needed to lead purposefully and effectively in the modern workplace. Each week, YPI participants will explore a new leadership trait, ranging from self leadership and emotional intelligence to resilience and circular vision. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of these important leadership skills and how to utilize them to advance the needs and goals of their organization.
The Institute is presented by UMPI and MMG Insurance and is supported by area businesses. It will be facilitated by UMPI’s Employer U program, with help from several local business and community leaders, and graduates of past Young Professionals Institutes.
“The future of northern Maine and so many of the industries and companies that call this region home relies on the development and retention of a talented workforce,” said Matt McHatten, executive vice president and chief operating officer of MMG Insurance. “That’s why MMG Insurance is proud to support the Young Professionals Institute as the program’s mission speaks directly to that need. We continue to see the benefits with our employees who have enrolled in the program and look forward to this year’s continued success.”
As it does every year, YPI will 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 only 16 seats available for YPI 11. Professionals interested in taking the course must submit their names for nomination or have their business employer nominate them. The nomination deadline is Monday, Jan. 29, and organizers will announce selections Wednesday, Jan. 31.
A $225 registration fee, paid by course participants or their business sponsors, is due by Monday, Feb. 19.
This year’s YPI sessions will be held on February 28, March 7, 14, 21, and 28, and April 4 and 11, 2018. Most sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. in the MMG Center for Professional Development, located in UMPI’s Campus Center. However, class time will be expanded from 3:30-7 p.m. during an extended session on March 28.
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) 768-2928 or kimberly.a.jones@maine.edu.
