Rachel Crick recently spoke with Shamera Stewart, the meetings manager for the American Physical Society, on the importance of professional development for young planners.
Shamera Stewart is a meetings manager at the American Physical Society. Prior to her current position, she held event planning roles at CarMax and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). She graduated from VCU with a bachelor’s degree in marketing in 2016. Shamera has earned CMP and DES certifications and obtained her MBA from Washington State University in 2022. She’s also a member of PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties, Class of 2024, and volunteers for MPI’s Virginia and Potomac chapters.
Q: What is the importance of professional development for young professionals within the events industry?
A: I think it’s very important. Obviously, we ourselves are not nonprofits; we work for a living. Professional development, whether that’s getting certifications, additional degrees, expanding my network and just learning and development in general, played a huge role in my career trajectory. It’s important to the younger generations to have at the top of their minds, along with learning their roles and performing in their jobs. Sometimes society might look down on the self-promotion and wanting to advance in your career, but it’s something that we all should aspire to.
Q: When in their careers should they start pursuing professional development opportunities?
A: I think when you’re first coming in, fresh out of college, it’s fine to just learn your job and learn the industry. I would suggest these individuals, if they haven’t already, join professional organizations like MPI and PCMA. That way, they’re connected to a huge network of other meeting and event professionals. I wish I had joined those when I was younger, but I didn’t join those until three or four years ago. If I would’ve joined right outside of college during my first job, I would’ve been connected to many opportunities for different webinars and mentorship programs through those organizations. And then you’re having these conversations with seasoned professionals, and it helps you start to chart your own path and your own journey.
Q: What advice do you have for young professionals seeking professional certifications?
A: I would suggest when you’re first starting, learn the ins and outs of your job and get involved with organizations. Then once that has happened, I would recommend the CMP. It’s the industry standard, the certification for all meeting professionals. I would likely have gone for it sooner if I knew that my employer at the time would be able to cover it. It’s not a cheap exam, and it is rigorous as well. It’s worth the ask; you’ll find a lot of employers will cover the cost. I would also say use all your resources. MPI and PCMA have different courses and study groups. I took all my resources, including a flash card app, different study groups and modules. I used everything. I wholeheartedly thank MPI Potomac Chapter for having a CMP boot camp.
Q: What advice would you give young professionals about attending conferences?
A: For new meeting and event professionals, definitely look into going to conferences. You’re immersed into this environment where you’re meeting these seasoned professionals who have been through what you’ve been through. And then there’s all the learning and development in the sessions from industry professionals. So, it’s just a big knowledge transfer. And they’re fun, too! You start to make friends in different states and different countries, and they become a network of resources to you down the line. I was nervous to ask about conferences. I’m very blessed that I work for an association that’s forward-thinking with professional development, but I would say make the ask to your employer about sponsoring you to go to these conferences.
Q: How can busy young professionals contribute to their professional development through volunteer work?
A: Life is generally busy, and there are seasons when we’re busier than others. When you’re prioritizing your professional development, there are benefits that might not net you anything immediately, but you’re planting the seeds. For every organization you join, you’re taking a bigger step forward by getting more involved through volunteering. The people you meet are all industry connections. You’re meeting new people you can form lifelong friendships with, and I’ve had people put in a strong positive word for me based on volunteer roles. Even though it can be a lot of work, it ends up paying off.
