The region’s premier leadership development training experience returns for its 16th year with the theme Leadership Lessons from the Midway. This year’s Young Professionals Institute, a partnership between the University of Maine at Presque Isle and MMG Insurance, will run on Wednesdays from Feb. 28 to April 24 on the UMPI campus; most sessions will take place from 4-6 p.m., but the finale event will be held from 4-7 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, Feb. 5.
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 2024 includes a nine-week schedule full of fast-paced and interactive learning.
“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.”
As part of this year’s theme, participants will elevate their professional skills in a transformative experience where the thrill of the midway meets the art of leadership. They will learn about communication, time management, and agility, and take part in a deeper exploration of remote teamwork, technology and AI advancements, and intercultural relations.
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 the 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.
“The Young Professionals Institute is a valuable asset for local employers and employees,” Matt McHatten, President and CEO of MMG Insurance, said. “It is impressive to see so many graduates of the program now serving in leadership roles around Aroostook County, which is proof positive that developing the talent of emerging leaders benefits not only them but also their employers and the community at large. We encourage employers to nominate rising professionals for the program, and we look forward to engaging with this year’s YPI 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 2024. Professionals interested in taking the course must submit their names for nomination or have their business employer nominate them. The nomination deadline is Monday, Feb. 5. Selections will be announced Wednesday, Feb. 7. A $250 registration fee, paid by course participants or their business sponsors, is due by Friday, Feb. 16. 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) (207) 768-9459 or kimberly.a.jones@maine.edu.