Emerging Professionals -A new Society initiative to help those new to the lighting industry; a grass-roots program to help accelerate lighting new comers to reaching their full potential

Who is an Emerging Professional? Students in a field of study that will enter the lighting world after graduation Others employed in the lighting industry with less than 5 years experience, including: Sales and sales support persons at agents, manufacturers, distributors New employees at engineering, architecture and consulting firms New Lighting Designers Anyone else making a career in lighting

The Benefits-why should your section care? Encourages younger members and those new to the Industry to get actively involved in the IESNA. Creates special learning opportunities. Creates programs/activities geared toward EP members’ interests. Develops emerging professional skills and abilities. Expands the EPs recognition in the community.

The Benefits (continued) Creates new leadership and integrates new ideas into the Society. Creates opportunities for EPs to share their concerns and needs with each other and to facilitate the fulfillment of those requirements. Provides a much needed voice to the Society about future needs. Provides opportunities to meet mentors. Provides both Local and Society service and career opportunities for Emerging Professionals.

How to start your EP Group Identify those in your territory who are emerging professionals (EPs) and have them join the Society as Student or Associate members Choose a leader from among the EP group Appoint the leader as Chairperson of the EP Committee and invite them to attend your Board meetings Make sure your Board commits to looking for ways to assist the EPs in efforts

What the EP Group does The Chair of the Emerging Professionals Committee will arrange meetings of their group from time to time, This could take the form of: Networking opportunities Specific educational opportunities Mentorship availability Tours of manufacturing facilities (where they exist) Specific program meeting topics aimed at their needs Etc.

What happens next? The Chair reports to your Board The Board finds ways to address the EPs needs The Board implements appropriate programs and activities The Board finds outside resources for the EPs

Getting Started Contact the your local Membership Committee Chair and Section President to verify if an EP initiative already exists or if there are others in the area showing interest. Request a list from your local Section of the Society members in your area with five (5) years of experience or less. Confirm, with the local Section President, that the chair of the EP will be invited to serve on the local Section Board of Managers. Arrange an EP “get together” for interested EPs and select a Chair. Find a senior advisor – likely a local Board of Managers Member - to assist with program planning and EP initiatives. Find experienced members who can help as volunteers or Mentors

How the Society can help Engage Society level mentors Develop informational resources that can be shared with the EP group Consider suggestions that originate with EP groups that can’t be addressed at the local level

Building Momentum Allow both members and non-members to attend EP events, but charge non-members more—make the differential large enough that it will encourage people to participate in the program. On the event flyer, invite people to bring a friend or two. Identify the event discount associated with being an emerging professional member. Make announcements at Section events to encourage Members to think about, and extend a welcome to, EPs at their companies.

Why should your Section/Chapter participate? Help develop a stronger, more educated lighting community Source of new members for your section Source of new leadership candidates for your Board

Who’s already started? A pilot project has been developed in Ottawa and initial results are very positive. Emerging Professionals have had some challenges holding face to face meetings, but have corresponded by Group has identified mentorship, training, networking and membership dues assistance as some key objectives Section has identified a list of local mentors who can provide assistance to the group members. Dues assistance concerns will be forwarded to the Society for consideration Group chair will be invited to attend an education planning meeting for input in developing the Society’s future courses

Want to start your own group? Contact Fred Hasler OR Carla Bukalski OR Tim Heck