By Renee Hoekstra, CVS – President, SAVE International
We are almost done with 2020 and all I can say is “Thank Goodness!” This year has been a big challenge for everyone both personally and professionally. I am really looking forward to 2021 and a continued new perspective and focus on growth and expansion of the Value Methodology.
Last month I was able to provide a recap of some of the things that the SAVE International Board of Directors have completed this year and I hope it provided some insight into our continued effort to be transparent with what we are thinking and working towards, all in an effort to benefit our organization and our members. This month, I would like to share with you another “first” and new approach and something that will require your help. Keep reading!
Early Career Event
This is something I am very excited about. We’ve determined that SAVE needs to be focusing our efforts for new membership on Early Career individuals. What does that mean, you may ask? What I have witnessed over the years as a member of SAVE is that most individuals do not get involved with our organization or the Value Methodology (VM) process until much later in their career, almost a second career focus. Part of the reason may be that we continue to struggle with how well we Spread the Word about VM and individuals do not even realize what is available. When we hear this, we think we should be spending more time in the universities to educate the young ones about their opportunities. I believe that thought process has been one of our challenges. It is a fabulous idea and opportunity to begin to educate within our universities and the role of the Miles Value Foundation provides us with those opportunities as well as several professors throughout the world. However, the VM does not offer a career path in the VM industry and a student graduating from college is looking for a career as soon as they graduate.
It seems that our opportunity to grow our industry would lie in individuals with some experience in their chosen field, but they may be looking for other career opportunities. With this said, the Early Career Event will be what we are proposing in conjunction with the 2021 Value Summit. I need your help to Spread the Word within your local chapters, affiliates and organizations.
The event will include two-days with value professionals, both practitioners and clients, and will be open for up to 20 individuals that meet the following criteria:
- Must have worked in project management, manufacturing, industry, engineering (all fields), architecture or construction management
- Must currently have only 5-10 years of experience in your field
- Must be interested in learning about alternative career opportunities
- Must complete the application in its entirety
- Must be selected by the SAVE Selection Panel to participate
- Must be willing to participate in the event for two days in Glendale, Arizona in conjunction with the 2021 Value Summit (unless the event is rescheduled as a virtual event)
The event will be sponsored by SAVE and the attendees will receive the following:
- Meals included for two days
- One-night lodging at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa
- Free attendance at the President’s Reception in conjunction with the 2021 Value Summit
- A copy of the VM Guide
- One-year membership in SAVE International
- A discounted rate to the 2021 Value Summit (if this event goes virtual, they will receive a complimentary registration to the entire event)
This is going to be a fabulous opportunity and we are hoping to have a great success and one that can help to Spread the Word, introduce people to SAVE and the VM, and breathe young, excited and passionate individuals into our society. Please help us to solicit for individuals. Look for the announcement and the opening of the application process on the SAVE website after the first of the year.
Speaking of the Summit, we continue to be optimistic that we will be able to hold our 2021 Value Summit in person. The Program Committee continues to work diligently on the various events and activities. Also note, there has been an extension for submitting papers and workshops until December 15, 2020 so don’t forget to get involved.
I started this month’s article with a big sigh of relief that we are nearing the end of 2020; however, as we enter into this holiday season, I wish all of you and your families a safe and happy season with the best wishes for a Happy New Year.
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