BPW/WA
Young Careerist (YC) Program
The
Virginia Allen Young Careerist Program (YC) was founded in 1964 by BPW National
President, Virginia Allen, in order to recognize the professional, personal, and political
achievements of young professional women and men. Participants, both BPW and prospective
members, compete to represent BPW on the Local and State level by delivering a prepared
4-minute speech, interviewing with judges, and preparing a biographical statement and
application.
BPW/WA boasts a long list of former Young Careerist participants and representatives who,
by their participation, have developed a greater sense of self-esteem, and have gone on to
more rewarding and fulfilling careers and have demonstrated themselves as outstanding
leaders in their communities. The Young Careerist Program is
about mentoring and building self-esteem and confidence. It is about giving recognition
and acceptance and the celebration to all participants.
In
the YC Program, You Can:
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Be recognized for
your accomplishments and service in your profession and community.
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Network with
successful women and men in the professional and business work.
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Improve your
self-confidence and leadership skills, developing friendships and support networks.
To Be Eligible, You
Must:
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Be between the
ages of 21 and 35 (inclusive by July 31st) following the first competition in which
she/he participates.
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Be or have been
employed in business (includes self-employed) or the professions with at least one year
of full-time work experience in her/his career area.
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Be living,
working or training or continuing her/his education in the area served by the sponsoring
Local organization conducting the program
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Understand and
support the BPW/WA mission, vision, and legislative platform. Young Careerists must
review the national legislative platform and pledge they will not speak against platform
items in the capacities as Young Careerist representatives, if selected.
Young
Careerist 2011-2012:
Young
Careerist 2011-2012 Speech Topics:
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Can women have it
all…career and family?
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Why do so few
women pursue “green jobs”?
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Among the many
services offered, the YWCA provides emergency shelter and counseling for victims of
domestic abuse. What can BPW do to help eliminate domestic abuse?
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What can the
workplace do to improve inter-generational dynamics?
Speeches are to be four minutes in length. No
props are allowed and all Young Careerist representatives will be required to remain at
the podium when speaking. It is important to note that a copy of the speech the Young
Careerist intends to deliver at the speak-off must accompany all paperwork sent to the
chair. This paperwork must be postmarked or emailed by April 15, 2011. No changes can be
made after the paperwork is submitted.
The Young Careerist Program
is also a mentoring program. Each candidate is assigned "a coach" to assist them
in preparation to do their very best and to feel good about the entire experience. The
coaching covers:
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Preparing
candidates for the individual and group interviews.
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Assistance in the
filling out of the personal biography and application.
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Understanding the
principles of podium etiquette.
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Rudiments of
preparing an effective speech.
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Speech
Presentation skills.
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Image consulting.
For more
information or if you have questions, please contact Vickie Bergquist, vickie@vickieinsurance.com.
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