A series of events organised by the British Computer
Society Young Professionals Group aims to help those at the start
of their careers develop the skills they need to
progress.
An event on 1 September will focus on the importance of "soft"
skills as well as technical skills for tomorrow's IT managers. The
keynote speaker at this, the second in the YPG's Skillcentre
series, will be IT leadership guru and Computer Weekly columnist
David Taylor.
Members of the YPG, all aged under 35, are at the forefront of
moves to rejuvenate the image of the BCS. Their activities stress
networking, interaction and self-help to develop their
professionalism and gain the hybrid management skills essential for
successful CIOs.
"The British Computer Society has recognised that its younger
members are important," said Kay Gamble, who chairs the YPG. "It
has taken huge steps to make that known to members and we have made
a lot of headway planning initiatives."
September's Skillcentre event gives young professionals a chance
to develop their leadership skills, said YPG officer Chris
Moxon.
"Everyone has the potential to be a great leader, it is a
question of whether they are able to unlock this and really enable
themselves to take control of their personal and business success.
This is a great opportunity for YPG members to experience a
professionally-led training course focusing on leadership skills
presented by one of the most prominent speakers in the field. It
will provide a useful and interactive environment for individuals
to learn about how to unleash their leadership potential."
At the first of the YPG's Skillcentres earlier this year more
than 100 young professionals learned about the art of negotiation.
"That was an amazing success," said Moxon.
This autumn, the YPG will launch a further series of events
around the UK, called Pronetworking, bringing together
professionals in the early stages of their careers with senior,
experienced figures in IT.
Gamble also aims to set up a series of women's skill centres, so
that female YPG members can benefit from the experience of those
who have made it in IT.
The YPG has revamped its website. The new site, due to be
launched this summer, will allow better interaction and networking
around the UK, Moxon said.
www.bcs.org.uk/ypg