I joined the Young Professional Development Program because I wanted to take the next step in my professional journey. Although I started working early, I realized I needed guidance to navigate career advancement or explore new fields. I had questions about expanding my professional market and doubted my ability to make significant changes. My main goal was to connect with like-minded individuals who shared similar ambitions and challenges, fostering a community that could provide mutual understanding and support.
What changes have you made as a result of participating in this program?
The most transformative change was adopting a growth-oriented mindset, which I learned through the Mindset program. Balancing work, school, and personal life was a significant challenge, but I reminded myself that change would never come unless I pushed through those difficulties. One statement by our organization's founder, Baljaa, profoundly influenced me: "Giving up is the easiest choice, and anyone can do it." This motivated me to persevere and focus on long-term growth instead of short-term comfort.
How will you use your project/program experience after the program? What steps will you take?
The program has sparked my interest in starting a startup. The project development course gave me practical tools and frameworks, such as PITCH, to define goals, identify my target audience, and understand the purpose behind my ideas. Moving forward, I plan to use these insights to develop a clear roadmap for my startup, conduct market research, and build a strong network of professionals to guide me. My immediate steps include refining my startup concept, seeking mentorship, and participating in entrepreneurial workshops.
What are your plans after completing the program? How can we help?
After completing the program, I plan to pursue career opportunities in the United States, leveraging the skills and network I’ve developed here. This includes applying for jobs that align with my long-term goals, networking with professionals in my field, and possibly launching my startup. Support from the program in the form of ongoing mentorship, access to alumni networks, or recommendations for scholarships and grants would be invaluable.
Which of the 5 Track Skills Training courses would you like to learn more about? Which would you focus on more?
I’m particularly interested in Leadership and Project Management. These skills are critical for managing teams and executing successful projects, whether in a corporate setting or as part of a startup. I would focus on developing communication skills, strategic planning, and decision-making abilities to enhance my capacity as a leader.
Would you add any training materials or colors to the Youth Development Project if you were leading the project? If so, what would they be?
If I were leading the project, I would include training materials on emotional intelligence and resilience-building to help participants better navigate challenges. Additionally, I would integrate vibrant, visually engaging materials such as infographics and interactive presentations to make the learning process more dynamic. Adding a mentorship program where past participants could guide new ones would also be beneficial.
How would you describe the Youth Development Project and program to your family/friends?
The Youth Development Project is an empowering initiative designed to help young professionals build critical skills, expand their networks, and gain the confidence to pursue ambitious goals. It’s more than just a training program—it’s a community of like-minded individuals who support each other’s growth while receiving guidance from experienced mentors.
Which of the 5 topics would you volunteer to contribute to next year’s program?
I would volunteer to contribute to Career Development and Networking, as I believe these are crucial for professional success. I could share my experiences, offer practical tips on building meaningful connections, and help participants develop strategies to achieve their career aspirations.
We are planning to expand this project next spring. Who would this expanded version be for, who would be involved, or what organizations could fund it?
The expanded version could target early-career professionals, recent graduates, and young entrepreneurs looking to gain essential skills. Key collaborators could include educational institutions, government youth agencies, and private companies with a vested interest in fostering talent. Potential funding sources could be local businesses, international NGOs, or organizations like the UNDP, which support youth empowerment initiatives.