Activities
Young Professionals Chapters Network
The YP committee started developing the YP chapter network a few years ago and we have been working hard to get more chapters up and running around the globe. These chapters organise networking activities, field trips, charity fund raisers, etc. So it can also be a nice boost to your social network if you have recently relocated! Check out our calendar to find out what is happening right now.
ACE, ICE and Section/Region meetings
At both the Annual Convention and Exhibition (ACE) and the International Conference and Exhibition (ICE) the YPs organize a Meet ‘n Greet where we pair up student with mentors. This has taken different forms, ranging from casual walking and talking to timed speed networking.
The YPs are also active at a number of the Regional meetings such as NAPE in Nigeria and GEO2012 in Bahrain. Once again something we hope to expand to all Section/Region meetings in the future.
Starting this year, we will also be hosting a “YP only” social event at the ACE in Long Beach. Stay tuned for more details!
Young Professionals Leadership Summit
The Young Professionals Leaderships summits were organized in Tulsa (2010) and Boulder (2011) and brought together representatives from all Sections and Regions to discuss all things YP. The events preceded the AAPG’s Leadership Days and were a fantastic opportunity to meet and engage with the leadership of AAPG. Unfortunately, the event is by invitation only.
Communication
The committee also uses a variety of media to communicate about our activities. We publish articles in the Explorer, in Section/Region newsletters, on our website and stay in touch with the YPs through our Facebook page. We also stay in touch with AAPG leadership to make sure that the YPs interests are taken into account when initiatives are being taken.
University Outreach
The YPs are also playing a significant role in the organization of the Imperial Barrel Award (IBA) competition, either through serving on the organizing committees or by mentoring university teams. A number of us have also a been involved in visits to universities to hold career talks where we can give students an insight into what it is like to work in industry as an early career geoscientist.
More formally, we are also working with the Student Chapter committee on an “adopt-a-Student Chapter” initiative, which would create a firm link between YP and Student Chapters. More on this soon!
Initiatives
For the last two years we have ran a committee recruitment drive, where we identified vacancies in AAPG’s standing committees and matched these up with YP volunteers. By doing this we hope to increase YP participation in the Association.
Through ongoing dialogue with the House of Delegates (HoD) and Section/Region leadership, we are also trying to encourage them to include YPs on the HoD ballot so we can gradually start taking part in the decision making at the heart of AAPG.
The committee is currently also working with the Division of Professional affairs (DPA) to work out a DPA Member-in-Training concept, which would outline a clear path to certification for those YPs that are interested in participating.
Join us!
The Young Professionals committee really needs your help to make all these initiatives a success. So get in touch with your Section/Region lead or the committee chair if you would like to find out more!