Consistent with the Young Professionals Committee mission to connect, develop, and empower young professionals in public works, PWX kicked-off its inaugural YP Summit. This event was developed to empower the next generation of leaders and cultivate a strong sense of community among young professions. Charlie Fredericks, the Streets and Parks Manager at the City of Northfield, took the opportunity to learn and connect – see his experience below!
Why did you attend the YP Summit?
I attended the YP Summit to connect with other passionate young professionals in public works, gain insights from seasoned leaders, and enhance my skills to support both my career growth and my contributions to the industry. Plus, as part of the planning committee, I couldn’t pass up the chance to attend an event I helped bring to life!
What new skills and knowledge were presented? Is there a skill/knowledge that stood out to you?
The summit offered a wealth of learning opportunities, but the most impactful session for me was Dr. Lewis Bender’s communication workshop. His insights on understanding body language, tone, and strategic communication styles were incredibly valuable. These skills are crucial for effective leadership and teamwork, especially in a field as collaborative as public works.
How were meaningful connections with other young professionals and senior leaders achieved?
Networking opportunities were integrated into the event through breakfast, interactive workshops, and the panel discussion. The facilitated small group discussions encouraged deeper conversations, making it easier to form meaningful connections with peers.
Did you feel an increase in confidence as a young professional in the public works community coming out of the YP Summit?
Absolutely. The summit not only provided tools and strategies to grow professionally but also fostered a sense of belonging within the larger public works community. The shared experiences and encouragement from leaders and peers left me feeling more empowered and confident.
Did going to the YP Summit influence your experience at PWX in the following days?
Yes, attending the YP Summit beforehand enriched my PWX experience. The connections I made during the summit carried over to PWX, making it easier to engage with others and navigate the larger event. Additionally, the skills I gained helped me maximize the value of sessions and discussions throughout the conference.
What was your key takeaway from the first YP Summit?
My key takeaway was the importance of understanding and leveraging your unique leadership style. Whether it’s through strategic communication or relationship-building, the sessions reinforced that young professionals can lead at any level, regardless of title, by staying authentic and focused on their strengths.
What advice would you give to someone attending the YP Summit for the first time?
Come with an open mind and a willingness to engage. Make the most of networking opportunities by introducing yourself to as many people as possible, and don’t hesitate to ask questions during sessions. The summit is a chance to learn and connect with others who share your passion for public works, so dive in fully and be curious.
How do you plan to implement what you learned at the summit in your current role?
I plan to use the communication strategies taught by Dr. Lewis Bender to improve how I engage with my team and colleagues. Understanding different communication styles will help me foster more effective collaborations and resolve conflicts more smoothly. Additionally, the insights from the panel discussion on career growth will guide me as I set goals and seek opportunities to expand my leadership capabilities.
What aspect of the summit do you think should be expanded in future years?
I would love to see more interactive, small-group sessions where participants can workshop real-life challenges or scenarios. These hands-on experiences could provide even more actionable takeaways and allow attendees to collaborate on creative solutions. Young professionals might sometimes be viewed as inexperienced, though many of us have been in the field for over a decade. If we can fully leverage that knowledge and bring our unique perspectives to the forefront, the YP Summit could become a space that fosters innovative solutions to pressing challenges in public works.
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