Purpose
This unique group is committed to equipping APS members at every career stage, including those undergoing professional transitions, with the resources and training they need to thrive and advance within the field of plant pathology.
Charge: A Focus on Professional Development
There is a growing need to identify and address the professional development needs of APS members and plant pathologists across different career stages with particular focus on times of professional transition. Professional transitions encompass a broad range of changes and adaptations individuals undergo during their careers. These may include changing jobs or employers, shifting roles within an organization, assuming additional or expanded responsibilities, embracing leadership positions, integrating new technologies or processes into their work, adapting to new forms of collaboration with colleagues or researchers, and responding to systemic changes in education, teaching, or industry practices. Such transitions reflect the dynamic nature of careers and require continuous learning, flexibility, and resilience to navigate successfully.
The group will focus on identifying career transition needs and possible programming options.
Possible Actions:
- Assess Professional Development and Transition Needs:
- Conduct surveys, focus groups, or other research methods to identify the specific professional development needs and gaps for early-career, mid-career, and advanced APS members, as well as those undergoing career transitions (e.g., changes in role, field, or job market dynamics).
- Collaborate with other subgroups* and APS committees:
Work closely with other committees within the APS volunteer structure to develop specialized programming tailored to each demographic and career stage:
Future Leaders of APS*: Develop and implement general leadership training initiatives aimed at preparing emerging leaders within APS.
Vice Chair/Chair Training*: Provide resources and training focused on the unique responsibilities and leadership skills required for those stepping into Vice Chair or Chair roles.
Careers 101 Committee: Focus on foundational skills and resources for early-career professionals, including guidance on job search, networking, and skill-building.
Partner to ensure comprehensive support across all stages of career development and transition.
- Identify Effective Professional Development and Transition Programs:
Create a clearing house for possible professional development content that addresses the needs identified, with an emphasis on supporting members during periods of career transition. Programming may include virtual, in-person, and hybrid formats as appropriate.
When there is a gap in existing resources, develop tailored programming and resources for members in transition, including mentoring, career guidance, skills workshops, and networking opportunities.
Coordinate with stakeholders (regional and subject matter coordinating committees) to align programming with the evolving landscape of plant pathology and related fields, ensuring that members have access to relevant skills and insights to navigate career changes effectively.
Regularly assess the impact and effectiveness of programs and make adjustments based on participant feedback and emerging trends.
- Reporting and Communication:
Provide regular updates to APS leadership on progress, challenges, and successes.
Facilitate knowledge-sharing within APS by coordinating with relevant stakeholders and committees and disseminating resources to all members.
Composition and Terms
Chair, Vice Chair, and Immediate Past Chair are sequential, for a total 5-year commitment from Vice Chair to Immediate Past Chair.
Chair (2 year term) During the second year of the chair's term, the group will submit a vice chair nominee to APS Council for approval. Upon approval, the incoming vice chair will be invited to attend upcoming meetings as non-voting until their official term begins.
Vice Chair (2 year term)
Immediate Past Chair (1 year term immediately following chair term serving as ex officio, non-voting)
6-8 committee members representative of the society from academia, government, and industry/private sectors. Committee members serve staggered 3-year terms and shall not serve more than two consecutive terms. Prospective candidates may be nominated from within the committee, APS general membership, or by self-nomination. The group will formally appoint new members by a majority vote.
Councilor-at-Large Liaison (ex-officio, non-voting)
APS staff liaison (ex-officio, non-voting)
Additional Duties
- The Chair leads the group to ensure programs are aligned with the group's purpose and charge.
- The Chair prepares and submits an annual report of activities to APS Council.
- The Vice Chair supports the Chair and assists with coordinating meetings and drafting reports and other communications.
- The Immediate Past Chair provides the Chair all past documentation and resources in their possession to continue with initiatives and participates in meetings as needed to transition ongoing initiatives to the new Chair.
- Members are expected to participate actively in scheduled meetings and or discussions via virtual/electronic means, and to respond in a timely manner to requests for input and information regarding activities.
- Members are encouraged to bring forward new and creative ideas that align with the charge and initiatives from APS Council. Members will be called upon to assist with coordination and execution of activities.
