New Professionals

New Professionals (NP) face various challenges when entering public sector organizations. The spectrum of challenges include the generational shift at work, increasing retirement rates, changing job profiles, workplace cultural environments and acquiring new skills to do the job effectively.

New professionals entering the public sector with new ideas, new approaches to addressing issues, and a stronger interest in policy areas not previously emphasized are beginning to change the public sector at a pace not seen in decades.

The IPAC 2011 National conference will be an opportunity for new professionals to learn from and make contacts with new and experienced public sector professionals from across Canada and the world.

If you are a new professional (someone with 5 or less years of public or voluntary sector experience), new academic or a student attending the conference, we have an exciting program planned for you!

Special Dinner Gathering: Experience a Unique Summer Adventure... "Art in the Park" picnic bbq for New Professionals.

Come and join New Professionals on Tuesday for a unique evening filled with food, entertainment and networking under the stunning Victoria sky. This "Art in the Park" special event will take place from 6-8pm. The picnic bbq will be hosted at St. Ann's, which is one of Victoria's premier historical landmarks surrounded by heritage orchards and gardens. It is an oasis in the centre of the city and the perfect place to kick back, relax and enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery. Local artisans will be on-site showcasing their precious works of art, and the sweet sounds of jazz will permeate the grounds ...creating the ambiance to set the perfect mood.

Don't miss this special event! Cost to attend is only $25 and capacity is limited.

Veggie, chicken or beef burgers will be served along with delicious organic salads straight from the backyards of local farmers. Fresh fruit elixir drinks will re-energize the mind, body and soul, while tasty dessert treats make your taste buds dance.

Get motivated with us! There are two NP conference sessions that you cannot miss!

First, the IGNITE session, which will feature a dynamic panel of public sector gamechangers. By discussing their values, these remarkable visionaries will share their stories about how they succeeded in changing the game for the better.

Next, IPAC National and the Victoria New Professionals team up to host an unprecedented live global Public Service Without Borders (PSWB) session. Through the power of technology, the PSWB concept will come alive by showcasing representatives from various areas and levels of the public sector from around the world. This innovative session will demonstrate the power of “WE.” An interactive dialogue will connect us all to collaborate on how we can help government achieve transformational change.

The conference will:

• Provide an opportunity for new professionals to learn about championing new ideas and change, how to increase citizen and community engagement in public sector initiatives, how technology can best be used and managed in work and life, and how environmental and sustainability concerns are changing public policy;
• Provide learning opportunities for those who are new to the public sector;
• Provide an opportunity to connect and strengthen networks with other new professionals across the country and the world, forming bonds and relationships that could transfer knowledge and new ideas about public service management; and
• Create opportunities for new professionals to develop as leaders by bringing back new ideas and concepts to their workplaces.
  

The 2011 IPAC National Conference will help us understand the perspectives and interests of today’s new generation of public sector professionals and prepare for tomorrow.