The region’s premier leadership development training experience returns for its 15th year with the theme The Leading Role. This year’s Young Professionals Institute, a partnership between the University of Maine at Presque Isle and MMG Insurance, will run on Wednesdays from March 1 to April 12, 4-6 p.m. The finale event will take place on Thursday, April 27, 4:30-7 p.m. Participants are expected to attend all sessions. The online nomination/application form is available at www.umpi.edu/ypi. The nomination deadline is Monday, Jan. 30.
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 2023 includes an eight-week schedule full of fast-paced and interactive learning.
“The Young Professionals Institute is a great opportunity for both employers and their employees,” Tracy Rockwell, UMPI Director of Employer U, said. “The experience brings with it a chance to enhance leadership, communication, and networking skills, and much more—skills that are vital to both long-term success for the individual participant, as well as the sponsoring organization.”
The theme of this year’s Young Professionals Institute is The Leading Role. Participants will learn about leadership communication, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), innovation, conflict resolution, and more through a new lens: each week will feature a different movie that relates to a topic from the modern workplace.
Participants will hone their professional skills through 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 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.
“This year marks an impressive milestone for YPI as they celebrate their 15th year educating Aroostook County rising professionals on fundamental leadership skills. Reflecting on YPI’s impact over 15 years, the number of program graduates who refined their leadership skills through YPI and now serve in leadership roles within Aroostook County’s economy and within our communities is significant and beneficial for our region,” Matt McHatten, President & CEO of MMG Insurance, said. “The Institute continues to be a significant asset for area employers seeking talent development opportunities for their team and we encourage employers to nominate rising professionals for this year’s program. We are pleased to support YPI and look forward to engaging with this year’s class.”
YPI sessions focus on the skills employers look for most in prospective employees and candidates for advancement, from teamwork 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 Agency on Aging, Aroostook County Action Program/Healthy Aroostook, Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc., Barresi Financial, Carroll’s Auto Sales, Cary Medical Center, Central Aroostook Association, City of Caribou, City of Presque Isle, The County Federal Credit Union, Dead River Company, 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, Pines Health Services, Rathbun Lumber Company, Ryan’s Heart, Sitel, S.W. Collins, TD Bank, Thompson Financial Group, Town of Fort Fairfield, United Insurance, U.S. Postal Service, University of Maine at Presque Isle, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Versant Power, 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 20 seats available for YPI 2023. 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. 30. Selections will be announced Wednesday, Feb. 1. A $250 registration fee, paid by course participants or their business sponsors, is due by Friday, Feb. 17.
For more information about the short course, which is not being offered for academic credit, please visit www.umpi.edu/ypi or contact Rockwell at (207) 521-3100 (ext. 2102) or tracy.rockwell@maine.edu.