Top 10 reasons why I am attending JETC

Most of my LinkedIn colleagues recognize my passion for getting involved with professional societies and in particular the Society of American Military Engineers. The next national conference is just around the corner in May and I wanted to share some reasons younger members should attend. I understand mission and design production requirements are busier than ever, but hopefully, you will consider some of these:

1. Be a lifelong learner. Technical tracks to enhance your career or allow you to learn about other disciplines. They also serve as excellent professional development hours for those who are already licensed.
2. Support the troops. This is what makes SAME great. It is not just for military and it is not just for engineers. Learn what active duty engineers are up to and how you can support them. Active military can also learn from the other services.
3. Stay abreast of the latest from industry. Talk to hundreds of exhibitors to discover their products/services. Get some swag while you are at it.
4. Insights from your peers. Where are they on their career path and can you see how they moved to a PM, BD or some other desired position.
5. Make friends. The term “network” can be overused, but the fellow young professionals that you meet through SAME can become friends for life. I know that from experience over the last 15 years.
6. Find a mentor. While time is limited, you never know what senior leader you might bump into or what conversation might spark.
7. Learn the lingo. Contracting terminology, small business designations, etc. Government work can be confusing and JETC is a crash course opportunity.
8. Special events and seating for YMs makes it easy to connect with other YMs
9. Get involved with the Young Member Council at the introduction meeting on Wednesday morning. YM leaders want to hear about what more the YMC can be doing from a national perspective to support YMs around the world.
10. Learn how to get involved with the SAME Run to 2020 celebration and, as a YM, help shape the future of the society. SAME is turning 100 years young in just a few years and young members will set the tone for the next century. 

These are the first 10 that came to my mind, but there are many more out there on the internet that highlight the benefits of conference attendance. I particularly liked the layout that Rich Brooks from Flyte New Media put together here. I would also welcome your reasons in the comments. Bottom line is that I am looking forward to seeing more younger members at future SAME conferences. On behalf of SAME, I am happy to have this conversation with your boss.

See you in Kansas City! #SAMEJETC18

Connect with SAME:

• JETC Website: www.samejetc.org
• Twitter: @same_hq
• LinkedIn Company Page and LinkedIn Group Page