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, YMF President 2006-07 “Y-M-what?” It is a question I have been asked many times over the past year as YMF President. What is YMF? ASCE’s Younger Member Forum (hence, YMF) is a group for all members from recent college graduate through about mid-30s (and the young-at-heart!), with a primary purpose to direct ASCE’s mission at younger engineers starting their careers. The intent of the San Francisco Section’s YMF is to offer opportunities to network with peers, learn more about the profession, provide recognition through leadership opportunities and encourage the full professional development of Younger Members.
“So what does this YMF group do?” Throughout the year, YMF organizes a multitude of events to promote interaction between YMFers and university students and civil engineering professionals. We are heavily focused on activities because we believe that, through activities, we most effectively achieve our goals of networking, experiencing civil engineering, and providing a positive ASCE experience. A few of our most successful events include:
- PE Review Seminars (Spring & Fall)
- Mid-Pac Conference Student Social
- Technical Tours (recently: Bay Area Bridges, Napa Wine Caves)
- University Workshops on Resumes and Interviewing
- Winter Skistravaganza Weekend
- Annual South Bay BBQ (coming soon in July!)
- Summer Whitewater Rafting Weekend (coming soon in August!)
And to top it off, the San Francisco Section YMF will also be hosting the 2009 Regional Leadership Conference (WRYMC), so we are setting the wheels in motion for a spectacular event!
“What has YMF been for you?” For me, YMF has been a direct link to the professional world, at a newcomer’s level, and an immense social connection when I was new to the area. YMF has provided me an opportunity to meet other younger engineers who are experiencing similar workplace situations, anxieties about the ever-intimidating PE licensing exams, and questions about the civil engineering industry as a whole. YMF has been bursting with networking opportunities with all levels and types of civil engineers, and has endowed me with treasured advice from the seasoned professionals, while simultaneously reminding me to keep thinking in new directions, through the energy and vibrancy of the CE university students we interact with.
“What should ASCE do for YMF?” The San Francisco Section supports our YMF immensely. To keep YMF strong, every project engineer, manager, and mentor should introduce YMF to their new engineers. All members should explain the benefits of both YMF and ASCE to them in their careers as engineers, and advocate and encourage involvement in YMF. This involvement will benefit the young engineer, the team they are involved with, the company or organization, and ASCE.
“How do I get involved with YMF?” First, check out the links on this website under Upcoming Events for info on planned activities like Thirsty Thursday socials, the Whitewater Rafting trip, and joint meetings with other ASCE groups. Next, come to an event! And then, get involved by giving us your input and ideas for future events, join one of our new committees, and help us make SF YMF one of the most fantastic Younger Member groups in the nation!!
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