BPW Development Programs

BPW is committed to promoting full participate, equity and economic self-sufficiency for working women. We have two really great programs designed to help participants develop leadership and communication skills while introducing them to the goals and issues of BPW. Both of these programs help participants acquire the skills they need to enable them to be active and progressive participants at work and in their communities and to be able to speak effectively on the issued that concern them.

Virginia Allan Young Careerist Program

The Virginia Allan Young Careerist Program (Young Careerist) recognizes the accomplishments of young, upcoming leaders and provides them with professional development skills and opportunities. Established in 1964, Young Careerist involves a competitive selection process within local organizations, districts/regions and 54 state federations, resulting in the selection of a Young Careerist to represent each state federation at the BPW/USA annual National Conference. Candidates are judged in the following areas: written and biographical information, judges' interview, their ability to help others achieve, group interaction and prepared speeches on specific topics. The winner of the national competition will serve as the National Representative for BPW/USA and may attend functions in their official capacity.

To participate in the program, a Young Careerist must:

• Be between the ages of 21 and 35
• Be a member of a Local BPW Organization or a Member-at-Large, sponsored by a Local or State BPW
• Have been employed with at least one year of full-time work experience in her/his career area
• Support the goals and objectives of BPW/USA.

Young Careerists benefit from networking opportunities, opportunities for personal and professional development, opportunities to learn about the issues of concern to workingwomen, educational programs and visibility.

• NEW- Watch the 2006-2007 Young Careerist Video
• Meet the 2006 Young Careerist National Representative

Speak Up! With Individual Development

The Individual Development Program (ID) is BPW/USA’s seminar series for personal and professional leadership development. This membership program assists women to meet their personal and professional goals, as well as their goals for community action and change.

Through the ID program, BPW/USA provides the necessary tools to jump start your career and your life.

• Business etiquette
• Communications differences
• Creating presentations
• Interviewing tips and techniques
• Leadership skills
• Lobbying and grassroots organizing
• Media relations
• Negotiating skills
• Networking
• Public speaking
• Running meetings

To compete in the program, an Individual Development candidate must:

• Be older than 35**
• Be a member of a Local BPW Organization or a Member-at-Large, sponsored by a Local or State BPW
• Have been employed with at least one year of full-time work experience in her/his career area
• Support the goals and objectives of BPW/USA.

**Note: Both members and nonmembers older than 21 years of age can participate in the ID workshops and training activities. The only limitation on this individuals is that they simply cannot compete for an ID title until they meet the completion requirements listed above. Often our local business organizations as well as our young careerists find valuable information they can readily put to use by attending the ID workshops.

• Meet the 2007 National ID winner is Pat Bell (BPW/TX). Read her winning speech.