NMEA Young Professionals Group
The NMEA Young Professionals Group goal is to attract, retain and promote diversity in the next generation of marine electronics leaders with the help from industry veterans. The NMEA Young Professionals Group (YPG) brings together industry personnel under the age of 40 from diverse backgrounds in marine electronics. NMEA membership is not required to be part of the YPG.
The NMEA Young Professionals Group gets together in person at the NMEA Conference and at other select boat shows during the year. Members and non members can network and share experiences, knowledge, and personal stories of how they got into the marine electronics industry. Industry veterans serve as mentors to share their professional experiences and guide group members for success and growth.
"I’ve been lucky enough to have worked for some extremely passionate people who have given me plenty of support and opportunities along the way,” says NMEA Board member Jason Young. "I came into this industry in my early 20’s having some mechanical/electrical experience and a love for the water and boating. I have stayed in the industry because of the support I have received from so many people, including colleagues, customers, and mentors. Paying it forward will help increase exposure and retention of younger people to our industry.”
Mark Reedenauer, NMEA President & Executive Director, says that, "Young professional groups often cater only to ‘white collar’ professionals. What makes the NMEA YPG different is that we cater to both blue and white collar professionals, from installers, mechanics, riggers, electricians and designers to sales, marketing, service and office personnel. I view each and every young individual in the marine electronics industry as an emerging professional in their own area of expertise. I invite you all to join us!”
NMEA feels that creation of the YPG is now more important than ever as modern boats continue to expand and adopt the NMEA 2000 Interface Standard. Vessel system components outside of core marine electronics such as air conditioners, engines, watermakers, battery systems and lighting are using NMEA 2000, which can and will expand the outreach of the NMEA YPG.
The NMEA Young Professionals Group gets together in person at the NMEA Conference and at other select boat shows during the year. Members and non members can network and share experiences, knowledge, and personal stories of how they got into the marine electronics industry. Industry veterans serve as mentors to share their professional experiences and guide group members for success and growth.
"I’ve been lucky enough to have worked for some extremely passionate people who have given me plenty of support and opportunities along the way,” says NMEA Board member Jason Young. "I came into this industry in my early 20’s having some mechanical/electrical experience and a love for the water and boating. I have stayed in the industry because of the support I have received from so many people, including colleagues, customers, and mentors. Paying it forward will help increase exposure and retention of younger people to our industry.”
Mark Reedenauer, NMEA President & Executive Director, says that, "Young professional groups often cater only to ‘white collar’ professionals. What makes the NMEA YPG different is that we cater to both blue and white collar professionals, from installers, mechanics, riggers, electricians and designers to sales, marketing, service and office personnel. I view each and every young individual in the marine electronics industry as an emerging professional in their own area of expertise. I invite you all to join us!”
NMEA feels that creation of the YPG is now more important than ever as modern boats continue to expand and adopt the NMEA 2000 Interface Standard. Vessel system components outside of core marine electronics such as air conditioners, engines, watermakers, battery systems and lighting are using NMEA 2000, which can and will expand the outreach of the NMEA YPG.
