Hi Peyton,
I work for a large consulting firm in Chicago, and our office started a local Young Professionals Group a few years ago. I had helped to lead the group for the last few years. Because we hire many different types of engineers across diverse industries, we focused on personal and professional development, community outreach, and team building. It was a also a great place for young employees joining the consulting industry as their first job out of college to learn about the industry and the company culture.
Based on my experience, I'd highly encourage starting or getting involved with an existing young professionals group at your place of employment.
I'd be happy to talk about more specifics if you have any questions!
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Adam Blumstein P.E., M.ASCE
Chicago IL
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-23-2019 08:21
From: Peyton Gibson
Subject: Young Professional Organizations in the Workplace
This is awesome! Thank you for the great ideas :)
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Peyton Gibson EIT, A.M.ASCE
Engineer in Training
Littleton CO
(910)551-7054
Original Message:
Sent: 01-18-2019 14:33
From: Jameelah Ingram
Subject: Young Professional Organizations in the Workplace
Hello Peyton,
The company that I work for has a network composed of emerging professionals, from across offices and business sectors. Offices have a chapter at the local level. Chapters plan activities and manage local initiatives. Activities or initiatives could include: community outreach events (i.e. school visits or environmental clean-up); friendly office-to-office competitions such as Bike to Work Week; team-oriented design challenges; charity drives; lectures by senior employees; and forums that focus on the company's means for career development. This network also champions mentoring and ways to connect young professionals with more experienced professionals. In one office, we organized a speed-mentoring event. There is also a special conference for new emerging professionals, in order to introduce them to the company and connect them with senior leadership. Involvement in the group allows young professionals to network and gain valuable leadership skills, while advancing the business at the same time. I like that young professionals even have a structured means to grow and expand their network outside of the local office, due to interaction with chapters across the nation (and even across the globe). The network is always open to suggestions for new initiatives and feedback as well. When one sees a need for improvement, getting involved is always a great way to create change.
Regarding time commitment, I've found that most organizations offer what I like to think of as levels of involvement. For example, you could volunteer for a track that leads to a formal board position – potentially lasting for at least a year. Or, you could choose to be a part of a committee for an event with a shorter, finite timeline. I prefer a mix and match approach that aligns with my current work-life balance. I may aim for a position on a board for one organization and volunteer my time at singular events for others. For me, this approach keeps my involvement from becoming "too much." Also, I think that being involved in a professional network inside of your company, and at least one organization outside of your company is a good idea.
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Jameelah Ingram P.E., M.ASCE
Washington, DC
Original Message:
Sent: 01-14-2019 10:34
From: Peyton Gibson
Subject: Young Professional Organizations in the Workplace
Hello!
Hopefully everyone here has taken advantage of their local ASCE Younger Members groups if they have one available!
BUT does your employer also offer groups/development sessions for the younger engineers/employees at your company/firm/government entity? If so, what does the organization do? What do you wish it did more of? What do you like/dislike about it? Is your involvement in ASCE YMG plus your company organization "too much"?
If you don't have something like this available, do you think it could be beneficial for your place of employment?
Let me know your thoughts!
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Peyton Gibson EIT, A.M.ASCE
Engineer in Training
Littleton CO
(910)551-7054
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