The region’s premier leadership development training experience is back with an eight-week schedule of fast-paced and interactive learning. The 13th annual Young Professionals Institute—a partnership between MMG Insurance and the University of Maine at Presque Isle—begins on Wednesday, Feb. 26 and nominations are due by Wednesday, Jan. 29. The online nomination/application form is available at www.umpi.edu/ypi.
The theme of this year’s Young Professionals Institute is 20/20 Vision: Focused on Leadership. Based on frequent calls for more sessions, YPI organizers have expanded the program from seven to eight weeks this year. Classes will be held on Wednesdays from Feb. 26 to April 8, with a showcase finale and dinner taking place on Thursday, April 16. Most sessions will be held from 4-6 p.m. in the MMG Center for Professional Development, located in UMPI’s Campus Center. Participants are expected to attend all sessions.
The Institute provides area employees with a one-of-a-kind professional development opportunity 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 and business simulation exercises. Along the way, participants 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 the first Young Professionals Institute and I can honestly say that I am still reaping the benefits today,” 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 Institute is presented by UMPI and MMG Insurance and is supported by Cary Medical Center, Katahdin Trust Company, and Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital. UMPI’s Employer U program facilitates the Institute, with help from several local business and community leaders, and graduates of past Young Professionals Institutes.
“YPI provides a unique opportunity to refine a variety of skills utilizing a creative approach,” Matt McHatten, EVP & CEO of MMG Insurance, said. “In addition, we have seen that the broad range of employers represented each year provides a diverse learning environment and builds cohesion amongst the group that lasts long after the program ends. Activities like this are key to developing the future County workforce and we are pleased to be involved.”
YPI sessions focus on the skills employers look for most in prospective employees and candidates for advancement, from team work and communication to decision-making, problem-solving, and adaptability. Participants will work together to tackle new assignments each week focused on these skills areas.
Previous sponsors of YPI participants include Acadia Health Education Coalition, ACE Rent-A-Car, Aroostook County Action Program/Healthy Aroostook, Barresi Financial, Carroll’s Auto Sales, Cary Medical Center, City of Caribou, City of Presque Isle, The County Federal Credit Union, DFAS-Limestone, Dunleavy Law Offices, F.A. Peabody Co., Farm Credit of Maine, Hardscrabble Solutions, Huber Engineered Woods, Katahdin Trust Company, K-Pel Industrial Services, Inc., Loring Job Corps Center, Machias Savings Bank, Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community, MSAD 20, McCain Foods, MMG Insurance, NorState Federal Credit Union, Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital, Northern Maine Community College, Northern Prosthetics, Rathbun Lumber Company, Ryan’s Heart, Sitel, S.W. Collins, TD Bank, Thompson-Hamel, LLC, Town of Fort Fairfield, United Insurance, U.S. Postal Service, University of Maine at Presque Isle, and WAGM-TV.
There is no age restriction for the Young Professionals Institute. YPI is for participants who are “young” in their careers, new to management, on track for promotion, or looking to enhance their professional skills, regardless of age.
There are only 16 seats available for YPI 13. Professionals interested in taking the course must submit their names for nomination or have their business employer nominate them. The nomination deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 29. Selections will be announced Friday, Jan. 31. A $250 registration fee, paid by course participants or their business sponsors, is due by Friday, Feb. 14.
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.
