Young Professionals Community

Highlight your achievements or those of another YP in TME! Please use the following Spotlight Nomination Form to submit or contact the Communications Vice Chair with any questions. Have a Post Event or YP Achievement to share in our next newsletter or across our social media platforms? Contact the Communications Vice Chair with any submissions.

The Conference committee organizes networking events for Young Professionals as part of SAME’s two major annual conferences, the Joint Engineer Training Conference (JETC) in May and the Federal Small Business Conference (SBC) in November. These include YP and Fellow networking events, Pre-Conference Connections, and support for reviewing and providing feedback to YPs submitting abstracts to speak at the conferences. YPs are also provided an opportunity to apply to receive a stipend to attend the conference in the event they or their company are unable to afford to send them. Click the below ribbon for more information.

Stipend Overview

• Up to 10 stipends will be awarded per conference
• The application period will close March 1 and September 1
• Stipend recipients will be notified via e-mail by March 15 or September 15
• Stipends will receive complimentary airfare to attend the conference (or mileage and parking reimbursement for those within driving distance). Bookings must be completed by
  April 1 or October 1.
• Stipend recipients will receive a complimentary hotel stay of up to four nights (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) to attend. Stipend recipients are required to stay at the assigned hotel.
• Stipend recipients receive complimentary Full Conference Registration.
• Upon notification of being offered a stipend, awardees will need to confirm they are able to accept the stipend. Then they will receive instructions on how to register for the conference and make hotel and travel reservations.
• Before accepting stipends, nominees must obtain approval from their supervisor and federal employees (military and civil service) should seek advice from their local ethics counselor. Military personnel are expected to obtain the government rate at their selected hotel and should adhere to current regulations regarding wear of the uniform.
• Recipients must provide a short 1-2 paragraph summary of their activities at the conference that demonstrates the value of their attendance. Summaries should be submitted to Jeannine Finton no later than two weeks after the conference. Failure to send the summary could result in a registration fee charge to your record.

Rules: Stipends to attend the 2024 Joint Engineer Training Conference and Expo (JETC) will be awarded to active SAME Young Professionals (YP) and Enlisted members who have demonstrated support of SAME at the Post, Regional, and/or National level and who might not otherwise be able to attend. Young Professional recipients must attend the YP Community of Interest (COI) meeting, and the Enlisted Members must attend the Enlisted Member COI meeting at JETC.

The Stipends will provide complimentary registration, round-trip flights, and a hotel stay of up to four nights. Recipients will be accepted based on: SAME Participation; Professional Development; and Accomplishments. Questions on YP and Enlisted stipends can be directed to Jeannine Finton.

Applications will close March 1, 2024

Eligibility Criteria

• Young Professionals (Industry, Government, or Military) who are 39 or under at the time of 2024 JETC or Enlisted Members (Active, Guard, or Reserve)
• SAME member for at least 18 months prior to stipend application deadline date. Join Date before October 1, 2022.
• Active member of a SAME Post, Field Chapter, and/or National COI for the past years (as reflected in the application form)
• Completion of the online application form, which includes a short summary of SAME Participation, Professional Development, and Accomplishments
• A Letter of Endorsement from the Post or Field Chapter President or COI Chair supporting the nominee of a stipend.

*Note: Priority will be given to individuals who have never attended JETC or have not previously been awarded a stipend.

SAME is invested in providing members with the tools and resources to develop and advance their careers within the A/E/C profession. The Credentialing Committee is working to help members understand the importance of credentials, what credentials apply to the A/E/C profession, and how to get and maintain them. Visit the Credentialing Opportunities webpage or contact the Credentialing Vice Chair with any questions.

SAME believes that engineering community is strengthened when engineers and other practitioners obtain professional licensure and certifications. To assist this, the Credentialing Assistance Program is provided as a member benefit to reimburse anyone who obtains approved credentials. Reimbursement can apply to exam fees or study materials! For complete information, restrictions, and to find the application, visit the Credentialing Opportunities Webpage or contact the Credentialing Vice Chair with any questions.

Programs

The Programs Committee helps organize and screen webinars focused on topics of interest to Young Professionals by finding presenters to participate in and support SAMEs robust educational webinar opportunities.

Volunteer Opportunities

Engineering and Construction Camps. Each Spring, SAME’s Engineering and Construction Camps recruit volunteers to serve as mentors and camp counselors. Visit the E&C Camp COI webpage to learn more. Contact the E&C Camp YP Liaison with any questions.