The region’s premier leadership development training experience is returning after a year on hold with a virtual format and a focus on Resilient Leadership. This year’s Young Professionals Institute, a partnership between the University of Maine at Presque Isle and MMG Insurance, will run on Wednesdays from April 14 to June 2, 4-5:30 p.m. Participants are expected to attend all sessions. Nominations are due by Wednesday, March 31. The online nomination/application form is available at www.umpi.edu/ypi.
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. YPI 2021 includes an eight-week schedule full of fast-paced and interactive learning. New this year, classes will be 90-minute sessions via Zoom video, and the new format allows organizers to expand the offering for up to 32 participants.
“We’re encouraging employers from any location to consider nominating an employee, now that travel is no longer a barrier,” 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 Young Professionals Institute is Resilient Leadership. The focus will be on thriving in an ever-changing reality. Topics will include personal and professional wellness, relationship building, communication, sustaining and strengthening organizational culture, decision making, goal setting, and change management. All of these topics will include an emphasis on leadership in both virtual and physical environments.
Participants will hone their professional skills through virtual activities and business simulation exercises. Along the way, they’ll hear presentations by embedded guests from the public and private sectors. At institute’s end, they’ll showcase their learning with a virtual presentation given to area business and community leaders.
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 is a great asset for rising professionals looking to position for career advancement and area employers seeking talent development opportunities for their team,” Matt McHatten, EVP & COO of MMG Insurance, said. “The Institute’s dynamic curriculum engages young professionals in a hands-on learning approach; providing opportunities to refine essential skills, collaborate with professionals from diverse industries across our region, and develop an awareness of organizational management. We are pleased to see the program adapt to a virtual space, overcoming challenges presented, and look forward to being involved again this year.”
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 32 seats available for YPI 2021. Professionals interested in taking the course must submit their names for nomination or have their business employer nominate them. The nomination deadline is Wednesday, March 31. Selections will be announced Friday, April 2. A $250 registration fee, paid by course participants or their business sponsors, is due by Friday, April 9. Please note, the individuals selected for last year’s institute will receive priority in the nomination process as YPI 2020 was unable to happen due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
