The American Society for Nondestructive Testing’s inaugural RISE class has wrapped up a successful week of networking and learning at ASNT 2020: The Annual Conference.
RISE is ASNT’s exclusive leadership development program, created specifically for young NDT professionals. It is intended for individuals who are in the beginning of their NDT careers (preferably no more than 10 years’ experience) and who have a genuine interest in shaping the future of NDT and ASNT. The comprehensive curriculum is designed to build strong NDT leaders of tomorrow through a series of online and in-person training and the guidance of a personal mentor.
The RISE Class of 2021 is made up of 21 members representing five countries: India, Nigeria, Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, and the United States. There are 14 men and 7 women.
“This is my first virtual conference, and I am delightfully surprised at how easy it is to maneuver on Digitell between sessions,” says California resident and program participant Carmen Mejia.
“I am really excited about the leadership track sessions that are being offered. I loved ‘Salary Negotiation Tips.’ Being a young woman, it is definitely a subject that I am uncomfortable with discussing but it’s an important conversation that needs to be had, and maintaining a professional and composed demeanor is important. I really enjoy the technical side of ASNT, but I think personal development is just as important and relatable no matter what you do, whether it be inspection, sales of equipment, or management.”
RISE member Les Crnkovic of Texas adds, “Though I miss the face-to-face exhibit hall, I’m really enjoying the conference, especially the leadership track and roundtable discussions. The session on XRF has been my technology favorite. I have been participating from work, surprisingly with few interruptions. I’m a bit sleepy from getting up a couple hours earlier for the 7:00 a.m. Zoom meetings, but it has been well worth it. My first ASNT Conference was 2010, and I was a very timid speaker there. I can still be a bit timid, but I have been comfortable in the breakout groups. Participating in these groups with other attendees and leaders has been a great way to get to know them a bit.”
The RISE program year kicked off in fall 2020 with a leadership primer on NDT methods and a crash course on ASNT’s history and organization. Program members continued their journey this week during the Annual Conference with three hours of exclusive networking sessions, which took place early each morning with ASNT Past Presidents and current members of the Board of Directors (Tuesday); ASNT partner societies and international dignitaries (Wednesday); and staff members from the ASNT International Service Center in Columbus, Ohio (Thursday). They also completed 23 hours in NDT education and technology and an additional 8 hours in leadership sessions.
The intensive 15-month program will conclude after next year’s Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. At the end of their journey, participants will graduate with 139 total contact hours, which include 40 hours in leadership training, 82 hours in NDT, and 17 hours on Society-specific topics.
All RISE participants agree to maintain their ASNT membership during their tenure in the program and for no fewer than three years following graduation, and agree to actively engage in volunteer roles for ASNT or their local sections for three years following graduation from the program.
Are you ready to RISE to your full potential, or know someone else who could benefit from the program? Applications for the next class will be solicited in spring 2021. For more information, visit asnt.org/RISE.