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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:

	Be recognized for your accomplishments and service in your profession and community.
	Network with successful women and men in the professional and business work.
	Improve your self-confidence and leadership skills, developing friendships and support networks.

To Be Eligible, You Must:

	Be between the ages of 21 and 35 (inclusive by July 31st) following the first competition in which she/he participates.
	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.
	Be living, working or training or continuing her/his education in the area served by the sponsoring Local organization conducting the program.
	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 Winners

    2012: Laurie Buehler Hamilton

Young Careerist 2011-2012 Speech Topics:

	Can women have it all…career and family?
	Why do so few women pursue “green jobs”?
	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?
	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:

	Preparing candidates for the individual and group interviews.
	Assistance in the filling out of the personal biography and application.
	Understanding the principles of podium etiquette.
	Rudiments of preparing an effective speech.
	Speech Presentation skills.
	Image consulting.

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