Young Careerist 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, District and the State level by delivering a prepared 4-minute speech, interviewing with judges, and preparing a biographical statement and application.

BPW/FL has 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.

This program recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of young women and men between the ages of 21 and 35 for their endeavors at bettering themselves and others, professionally, personally and politically. 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.

	Congratulations to Maria Rivero! BPW Young Careerist Winner for 2011 Maria is a BPW Tampa Bay member and the local organization is proud of her. Best wishes on your accomplishment!
Maria Rivero (left) and Mrs. Corporate America

The Young Careerist Competition is held annually during the BPW/Florida State Conference.
 
The 2012 Conference will be held June 14,15, & 16th at:
The Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel
200 North Ashley Drive, Tampa, FL  33603
(813-223-2222)
www.SheratonTampaRiverwalk.com

In the Young Careerist  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
• Develop friendships and a support network.

To Be Eligible, A Participant 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/FL mission, vision and legislative platform.
• Young Careerists must review the legislative platform and pledge they will not speak against platform items in their capacities as Young Careerist representatives, if selected.

Criteria for the Young Careerist Speech:

• 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.
• 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 e-mailed by April 15, 2012. 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 & group interviews.
• Assistance in filling out the personal biography and application.
• Understanding the principles of podium ettiquette.
• Rudiments of preparing an effective speech.
• Speech Presentation skills.
• Image consulting.

Resources:   Click on a resource item below to view and/or download the document

2012 Young Careerist Questions
for Local Organization Speak-off and the 2012 State Conference

For more information, contact:

Eva Krzewinski, Young Careerist Chair
E-mail: eva@pearlsforwomen.com

Lily Alcott, Leadership Chair
E-mail: lilystravels03@yahoo.com