Emerging Leaders
On Campus
By Margaret Chopp
Thirty students met at the IMEX-MPI Future Leaders Forum (FLF) July 11-12 in Salt Lake City, directly preceding the World Education Congress (WEC). The event marks an annual professional development and networking opportunity aimed to encourage and guide students entering the industry, as well as build relationships among academic institutions, students and faculty members for the long-term benefit of the global meeting industry.
Leaders encouraged us to move out of our “comfort zones” and meet not only other FLF students, but planners, suppliers and educators attending the conference. They offered words of advice: Always be authentic and comfortable with who you are and make others feel at ease, valued, understood and listened to, and create a personal brand consistent with who you are and how you want to be perceived (your core values, goals, strengths, interests and passions).
Speakers encouraged us to network and build relationships through all forums and always think about what you can do for someone else. Reach out, and you will eventually something in return. And, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The willingness of industry professionals to mentor students entering into this profession is unprecedented. This is a very nurturing, supportive and inspiring community.
We met with our local chapter leaders and they encouraged us to get involved, even if it is only a few hours a month to start. We will grow both personally and professionally from chapter involvement. And we shouldn’t wait to be asked—just get involved. Develop skills, gain experience and make friends for life. Find mentors to guide us on our professional journeys.
Author Sheryl Sookman Schelter, CMP, reviewed tips on resumé design and career strategies. Your resumés are your primary marketing pieces. The goal of a resumé is to be able to communicate your descriptions clearly and concisely. Employers want to see comparable information with examples of accomplishments. All achievements need to be quantified. Add a brief cover letter that shows interest. We also reviewed the dos and don’ts of the interview process.
Later, we attended MeetingPlace, the WEC trade show, which provided an opportunity to meet and connect with MPI-affiliated suppliers. We were given tips to efficiently navigate the showroom.
What did we take back with us? Knowledge and a large network! We are all students, and learning is an important aspect of leadership. We must embrace opportunities along with new technology. Learn to effectively communicate, even if it takes you out of your comfort zone. Be flexible in your ways, and take advantage of networking and building relationships. Create your personal brand. Set goals, and don’t let yourself or anyone else sabotage who you are and what you want to become.
Make an investment in yourself and your community. Be a scholarship recipient. I encourage everyone who is eligible to apply for FLF 2010 scholarships. It is a privilege and an opportunity to network with industry professionals. You will be part of a small student network that continues to expand globally. This is an investment in your future.
MARGARET CHOPP is currently enrolled at St. Mary’s University in Minnesota to earn a Master of Business Administration degree. She completed her hospitality degree and certifications this past year with honors. She works part time at AAA MN-IA. As a member of AAA’s Today’s Traveling Women program, she has developed various promotional and sales materials and assisted on a range of events.