PRESQUE ISLE — MMG Insurance and the University of Maine at Presque Isle have announced that nominations are now open for the ninth annual Young Professionals Institute, running this year on Tuesdays from March 1-April 12. The online nomination/application form is available at www.umpi.edu/ypi. The nomination deadline is Friday, Jan. 15.
The institute provides a one-of-a-kind 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, they will visit local establishments to complete on-site assignments and hear presentations by guests from the public and private sectors. The experience culminates in a showcase presentation before area business and community leaders and YPI graduates.
“As a past YPI participant, I can say first-hand that this program provides a unique professional development experience at which individuals hone skills they can use throughout their entire career,” Kim Jones, UMPI Director of Employer U, said.
“I think one of the keys to the Institute’s success and popularity is that it continues to evolve,” Jones said. “Each year, the YPI advisory committee designs a curriculum that is relevant and timely based on current workplace trends and the needs of area organizations and employees. This, combined with having educators and business professionals collaborate to deliver the program, has proven to be very effective.”
The theme of this year’s Institute is Discover the Leader Within, which will focus on self-awareness and understanding participants’ emotional quotient (EQ). Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how and why they tackle problems and projects the way they do, how it impacts the workplace and team members, and how to harness it to advance the needs and goals of their organization.
The Institute is presented by UMPI and MMG Insurance and is supported by Cary Medical Center, Katahdin Trust Company and The Aroostook Medical Center. It will be facilitated by university officials, local business and community leaders and past graduates.
“Katahdin Trust Company is pleased to have been involved with this wonderful professional development opportunity since its inception in 2008,” said Vicki Smith, senior vice president of marketing and communications. “Over the years, 11 Katahdin Trust employees have participated in this leadership program where they have honed their creativity, self-confidence and team-building skills. We’re proud to be part of the Young Professionals Institute and to further connect and strengthen one of Aroostook County’s greatest assets — its younger professional community.”
As it does every year, YPI will present sessions around the theme and focus on the skills employers want in prospective employees and candidates for advancement, including innovation, organization, communication, teamwork, problem analysis, and prioritization. Participants will work together to tackle new assignments each week focused on these skills areas.
During the short course, participants will take part in role-playing scenarios that refine their abilities to pitch proposals and deliver presentations, conduct mock interviews that give them experience in working with the media, and network with local officials and statewide leaders. A popular component incorporated again this year is an exchange event that will take participants to Cary Medical Center and TAMC for an extended session.
Previous sponsors of YPI participants include Acadia Health Education Coalition, ACE Rent-A-Car, Aroostook County Action Program/Healthy Aroostook, Barresi Financial, Cary Medical Center, The County Federal Credit Union, DFAS-Limestone, Dunleavy Law Offices, F.A. Peabody Co., Farm Credit of Maine, Katahdin Trust Company, K-Pel Industrial Services Inc., Loring Job Corps Center, Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community, McCain Foods, MMG Insurance, NorState Federal Credit Union, Northern Maine Community College, Northern Prosthetics, Rathbun Lumber Company, Ryan’s Heart, Sitel, S.W. Collins, TAMC, Town of Fort Fairfield, United Insurance, UMPI and WAGM-TV.
There are only 14 seats available for YPI-9. Professionals interested in taking the course must submit their names for nomination or have their business employer nominate them. The nomination deadline is Friday, Jan. 15. Selections will be announced Friday, Jan. 29. A $200 registration fee, paid by course participants or their business sponsors, is due by Monday, Feb. 22.
This year’s YPI sessions will be held on March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, and April 5 and 12. Most sessions will be held Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. in the Alumni Room of UMPI’s Campus Center. However, class time will be expanded from 4-7 p.m. during the TAMC/Cary exchange event (date to be determined).
For more information about the course, which is not being offered for academic credit, visit www.umpi.edu/ypi or contact Linda McLaughlin in UMPI’s College of Professional Programs at 768-9740 or linda.mclaughlin1@umpi.edu.
