The first ever ball hosted by Aberdeen Young Professionals (AYP), the local talent network for young professionals working in and around the city, is approaching fast.
Ahead of the black-tie event – which will be hosted at Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen on Friday, March 24, 2017 – AYP member Rob Cowman imparts his wisdom to the next generation of young business and energy professionals in his top five tips.
With more than 15 years’ experience in oil and gas and a varied selection of patents to his name, Mr Cowman, engineering director at EG-OC has shown his diversity and ingenuity within the industry.
He said:
1. Learn from your mistakes: and other people’s. If something goes right or wrong in business – work out why. We normally celebrate success and dwell on failure but we have to learn from both. It’s about peeling back the layers and understanding every result – good or bad. You never stop learning. I still make mistakes, I just try not to make them twice!
2. Take risks: but understand the situation first. It goes without saying that when you start out in business or at a new job it can be daunting. For me, it’s about learning as I go and more importantly, learning to take calculated risks. Understand the situation and all the moving parts – but when you make that decision, fully commit and see it through.
3. Collaborate with your peers: I wouldn’t be where I am today without my peers. I knew Richard Knox, my business partner at EG-OC, from university. Stay in touch with your university class – they are great connections and you never know where someone will end up. They might be the exact decision-maker you need to speak to in the next five to ten years. Groups like Aberdeen Young Professionals give you the opportunity to make those connections and broaden your network.
4. Have fun: It’s important to enjoy your job, if you don’t, look for something new. The cleverest thing you can do is to stop wasting your time and your employer’s time in a role that doesn’t stimulate you, or that you’re not suited to. Work should be inspiring and challenging – something you want to wake up for in the morning.It’s not always ideal but make sure the majority of it is..
5. Never turn down a promotion: this is a tip from my dad. He always told me, never turn down a promotion. No matter what the upheaval is even if you have to move across the world. The reason you are being promoted is because someone sees your abilities, grasp that.
My final piece of advice would be to remember that the journey may feel painful and difficult but you need to put that into perspective. Stay grounded. The sacrifices you make now will seem very small when you look back at the end result.
The AYP Ball promises an evening of entertainment, networking and celebrations. Guests will enjoy a two-course dinner from locally-sourced suppliers, along with an inspirational speech from a high-profile business leader and live entertainment.
The night will also include the first-ever “Mentor Awards” to honour exceptional mentors and mentees on the AYP scheme, which launched earlier this year to connect senior business leaders with young talent in the area.
Ross Jolly, founder of AYP, says: “We’re thrilled to be launching this dedicated platform for young professionals to get together, have fun and celebrate their achievements.”
AYP was established in 2009 to create a platform for young professionals to meet useful contacts in a relaxed and sociable environment. The group holds regular events that offer a unique opportunity to discuss industry issues with senior figures and network with other like-minded individuals.
To join AYP or find out more about the ball and how to buy tickets, visit www.aypgroup.co.uk.
If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact dcampbell@dcthomson.co.uk.