by Jen Iskow, GWV Marketing & Communications Manager
West Virginia has long been celebrated for its stunning landscapes, close-knit communities, and rich cultural heritage. Yet, for years, young professionals in the Mountain State have faced a pressing challenge: finding fulfilling career opportunities that empower them to grow without leaving their home state. This is where the Generation West Virginia (GWV) Fellowship steps in—offering a transformative professional development experience that not only cultivates individual success but also strengthens our state’s future.
Why Professional Development Matters
Professional development is the cornerstone of a thriving career. It equips individuals with the tools, skills, and connections needed to excel in their current roles and to envision and seize new opportunities. However, in a rural state like West Virginia, access to robust professional development programs has historically been limited, leading many young professionals to seek growth opportunities elsewhere.
The GWV Fellowship changes this narrative. By offering fellows access to meaningful mentorship, leadership training, and skill-building workshops, this program bridges the gap between ambition and opportunity. Fellows gain more than just career insights—they develop a network of like-minded peers and mentors invested in their success and the future of West Virginia.
"When employers invest in professional development, they send a powerful message to their teams: Your growth matters,” says GWV Career Development Program Director, Melanie Taylor. “This investment doesn’t just enhance employee skills; it builds loyalty, fosters innovation, and strengthens organizational success. In West Virginia, where retaining young talent is critical, professional development opportunities like those offered through the GWV Fellowship create a win-win for both employees and employers. Together, we’re building a workforce that’s ready to lead, innovate, and shape the future of our state."
Why Employers Should Consider Investing in Professional Development for Employees
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that Gen Z will make up about 30% of the U.S. workforce by 2030. Investing in professional development is vital for employers for several reasons, as it benefits both the workforce and the organization as a whole. Here’s why prioritizing professional development is a smart and necessary choice:
- Boosts Engagement: Employees feel valued and motivated when they see their growth is a priority.
- Enhances Skills: Keeps teams up-to-date with industry trends, improving performance and innovation.
- Improves Retention: Offering growth opportunities reduces turnover and attracts top talent.
- Empowers Leaders: Prepares employees for leadership roles, ensuring organizational stability.
- Drives Innovation: Continuous learning fosters creativity and problem-solving.
- Increases Productivity: Confident, well-trained employees work more efficiently.
- Supports DEI: Equipping underrepresented groups promotes inclusivity and diverse leadership.
- Strengthens Business Success: Engaged, skilled teams drive better outcomes and a positive culture.
Professional development isn’t an expense—it’s a strategic investment in people and the future of your organization.
"The Fellowship is a great program. From my perspective, the minimal burden on our organization to participate makes it an easy decision, and the value our employees gain is remarkable,” says NASA/IV&V Program Deputy Director, Ken Vorndran. “We’ve seen firsthand how this program helps employees grow, develop leadership skills, and build meaningful connections. That’s why we plan to continue nominating employees for this incredible opportunity in the upcoming cohort and beyond."
Professional Development: A Catalyst for Retention
According to Harvard Business Review, studies show that 93% of millennials left their employers in order to change roles, while only 7% took a new position within their own company.
Retention of young professionals is a critical issue in West Virginia. When early-career individuals see a clear path for personal and professional growth within the state, they are far more likely to plant roots here. Professional development serves as both a motivator and a retention tool by demonstrating that the state values its young workforce and is invested in their success. Providing growth opportunities is a prime way to keep employees of this generation involved, as well as incentivize them to stay within the same company.
Through the GWV Fellowship, participants engage with employers who are committed to nurturing local talent. Fellows work on impactful projects while receiving leadership training that equips them to take on larger roles within their organizations. This model not only elevates the fellows’ careers but also showcases the potential for long-term, meaningful work in the Mountain State.
"I've discovered that leadership takes many forms," 2024 Fellow Dustin Crutchfield reflects. "Each of us brings unique strengths to the table, and the fellowship is equipping us with the tools to leverage these strengths effectively."
Building a Community of Change-Makers
One of the most profound impacts of the GWV Fellowship is the sense of community it fosters. Professional development isn’t just about individual growth; it’s about building connections and sharing knowledge that can create ripple effects across industries. By developing a network of empowered young professionals who are committed to West Virginia, the program creates a cycle of mentorship and opportunity that benefits the entire state.
Reflecting on her time so far in the GWV Fellowship, Executive Director of the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum Kenzie New-Walker, shares that the experience has broadened her perspective and reinvigorated her ambitions. “Being in a niche field, it’s been refreshing to connect with other young professionals across diverse sectors,” Kenzie remarks.
A Win-Win for Fellows and West Virginia
Investing in professional development is a win for both individuals and employers. Fellows gain confidence, skills, and a vision for their future, while West Virginia retains the bright minds needed to drive innovation and growth. Programs like the GWV Fellowship prove that you don’t have to leave the Mountain State to achieve success—you can thrive right here at home.
The GWV Fellowship is more than a program; it’s a movement. By prioritizing professional development, we can ensure that West Virginia is not just a place where young professionals start their careers but where they build their futures.
Applications for the 2025 Fellowship Cohort are open until March 16, 2025. To learn more and apply, visit https://generationwv.org/our-work/fellowship/apply/