Tomorrow’s Leaders Committee 

Lauren Holland MCInstCES, Chair, Tomorrow’s Leaders Committee

CICES 2040 Forum rebrands as TLC The Tomorrow’s Leaders Committee is a group of dedicated early career members who provide input to all institution core and regional committees to aid decision-making and strategy setting so that CICES is prepared for the future.

I HAVE recently taken over the reins, as chair of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Committee (TLC) – previously known as the 2040 Forum. The committee has a different structure in place going forward, with two deputy chairs; Liz Pilus and Tim Over.

TLC – Why have we rebranded?

Our previous name 2040 Forum was interpreted in many ways and was not representative of our focus. We did question whether we should rebrand, as 2040 was well-known within the institution, but not so much outside of CICES.

We always had to explain exactly, what the 2040 forum stood for – and for those who don’t know it was intended to represent those individuals who will be leading industry in the year 2040.

Deciding a new name, for a group of members at the start of their career was challenging. Our previous terms of reference were quite specific.

The guidance document stated, members were ‘young’, as well as, ‘up-to-age’, this has now changed to be more inclusive.

As a team, we felt Tomorrow’s Leaders Committee was more representative. It encapsulates who we are, and explains our goals.

Why do I think TLC is important?

Through active involvement in TLC, people early in their careers, are empowered to play a vital role, and forge their own development, in the areas of CICES and the workplace. Through quarterly discussions, presentations, composing articles, and organising events, this helps TLC members learn vital life-skills, and develop knowledge. We encourage early career members to bring fresh perspectives, competencies, and knowledge.

It that it is important employers provide an inclusive space, for people early on in their career. A place for them to bring their fresh perspectives and highlight their relevant skills.

These are then shared within CICES and the workplace. Being part of TLC means I can participate in the decision-making process, and provide input on the direction of CICES, helping to shape its future.

Being chair of TLC has also given me some great opportunities and experience across a wide range of activities which have transferred into my workplace; chairing meetings, organising events, presenting to large audiences at industry events, and helping to create and amend policies.

These events are aimed at CICES members, early in their career and provides a good space to network with likeminded individuals. This raises their personal and company’s profiles too. One thing I have learnt from networking is that the industry is small. As we climb up the career ladder, the contacts we make now, will eventually become colleagues/customers/friends.

Where are we?

We try to have a member of TLC on the core committees and regions, as well as ones that members are personally interested in. As you can see, we have some vacancies in the table below. If you are early on in your career, and considering joining TLC, and would like to fill one of the below vacancies, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Opportunity

As chair of TLC, one final note I want to voice, it that it is important employers provide an inclusive space, for people early on in their career. A place for them to bring their fresh perspectives and highlight their relevant skills. By giving an opportunity for them to learn more about the business, or organisation, they will develop knowledge, and feel valued as an employee. Being lucky enough to work for a business that supports my involvement with TLC and CICES, has helped me become a better, and happier employee. We are always open to new members, especially proactive and enthusiastic individuals, but we also need employers to support them.

What does TLC mean to our committee members?

Being a part of TLC is not only important for my professional growth, but also for inspiring others, and promoting the field of civil engineering. The committee provides me with an opportunity to learn how to be a role model, and mentor other professionals, particularly those starting out in their careers. Through my participation in the committee’s activities, I hope to help promote the value, and importance of civil engineering in society. Therefore, encouraging more people to pursue careers in this vital field. 

Marianna Carcano MCInstCES
Learning & Development Specialist, Plowman Craven

 

It is crucial to have an institutional affiliation, to continue the journey in a vibrant community of professional practitioners. To share the same problems, obstacles, and challenges, has been a real source of gratification. The diverse global brainpower of our members means we shift away from siloed strategies and project-based decision making. We work together, to develop the best creative, and innovative solutions.

Being part of Tomorrow’s Leaders Committee (TLC) has been an incredibly fruitful investment and experience. My contribution to the core and regional committees has, aided strategy settings, and helped decision making, which is essential in shaping the institution, and the industry. Our profession continues to pioneer better environments for future generations. I am looking forward to seeing TLC champion advancement of surveyors, within and beyond traditional practice areas. 

Tapfuma Muchenagumbo, BSc Hons, MRICS, MCInstCES
 

Lauren Holland MCInstCES, Chair, Tomorrow’s Leaders Committee, Business Manager, Leica Geosystems

lauren.holland@leica-geosystems.com