Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is a business organization in Vancouver, British Columbia. This board of trade represents more than 5,000 member businesses, making it the leading organization for private-sector leadership and advocacy in the region. There are four key areas of focus for the organization: advocacy, membership, events, and leadership development. In addition to advocating for policies that promote economic growth and job creation, the organization supports its members' businesses through networking and education events, and provides leadership development opportunities. This blog is focused on the Leaders of Tomorrow program (LOT) which provides mentorship and volunteerism to students as a way to develop their professional skills.

Currently, I'm a Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) mentee in the 2022-2023 cohort. Through this program, I met industry professionals, networked, and engaged in the community. I am part of the engagement community, which plans and executes events. Throughout the program, my mentor has been an excellent resource and guided me through the industry I am studying. This program has equipped me with skills and enabled me to network effectively. I have acquired event management, networking, and leadership skills by taking action and initiating upcoming events.

Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) is a prestigious program offered by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade designed to assist students in developing their careers and personal advancement. The program is designed for professionals who have recently graduated or are in their final year of study, and who have demonstrated strong leadership potential in their respective fields.

This program lasts a year and consists of a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. During this time, participants will attend workshops and seminars, network with other professionals, volunteer and engage in mentorship opportunities with some of Vancouver's most successful business leaders. 

The focus of this program is on experiential learning, so you can choose from a variety of communities based on your interests and abilities. There are four communities: Engagement, Outreach, the RCAC, Diversity and Inclusion, and Campus Connection. Depending on the students' interests, they can choose any community of their choice. Through various projects and case studies that these communities are working on, participants will have the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge in real-world situations. If you are interested in joining the Engagement or Outreach community, you would be responsible for planning and executing events. However, as a RCAC community , your role will be more research-oriented and you will be involved in many research projects and write a report. Participants gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of concepts and principles through this approach.

Another significant aspect of the Leaders of Tomorrow program is the emphasis on building relationships and networking. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with other young professionals who are also committed to advancing their careers and making a positive impact in their communities. They will always have access to a network of mentors who can provide guidance and support as they navigate through their careers.

Additionally, as part of the Leaders of Tomorrow program, students also have the chance to network with guest speakers from various fields. These include business, politics, and community engagement. Participants gain valuable perspectives and insights from these speakers, which broaden their understanding of the world around them.

A brief overview of LOT's benefits are:

• a mentor who will help you succeed in your career.

• Being able to network, learn leadership skills and volunteer opportunities. 

• More than $200 in complimentary tickets to Greater Vancouver Board of Trade events. 

• Receiving a personalized business cards and a Greater Vancouver Board of Trade name tag.

• A professional headshot taken at the first LOT event.

Overall, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's Leaders of Tomorrow program is an excellent opportunity for young professionals who want to develop their leadership skills and make a positive impact on their communities. With a focus on experiential learning, networking, and mentorship, this program provides participants with the tools and resources they need to succeed in today's competitive business environment. If you are a current final-year student or graduate in British Columbia, looking to take your career to the next level, the Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program could be just what you are looking for.