Step into the future of structural steel with AISC’s Emerging Professionals Cohort--where early-career leaders connect, innovate, and shape the industry together.

The AISC Emerging Professionals Cohort is an advisory group composed of early-career professionals who demonstrate community leadership, innovative thinking, and a commitment to advancing the architecture, engineering, and construction fields. Cohort members build meaningful connections with their peers while gaining firsthand insight into how AISC drives progress in the structural steel industry through technical committees, research initiatives, sustainability efforts, and more.

The cohort is also integral to guiding the activities of the AISC Steel Smarts Program. Members' contributions support the development of new educational resources and workshops and foster AISC connections within their local community.

AISC is deeply committed to welcoming new voices and perspectives into the steel community. The Emerging Professionals Cohort serves as a first step in a long-term journey of engagement, learning, and leadership with AISC.

Program Activities

The program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for early-career individuals to engage with industry leaders and play a role in shaping the future of the structural steel industry. Participants commit to a one-year term, with the option to continue for a second year as mentors to new cohort members.

Program activities will equip participants with a strong foundation in the steel industry and cultivate the leadership skills required to support continued technical involvement with AISC and other organizations. Participants will:

• Provide input on AISC’s current and future initiatives
• Attend a special kickoff meeting at AISC’s headquarters in Chicago
• Join quarterly virtual meetings with peers and AISC staff
• Participate in NASCC: The Steel Conference

Members are also invited to attend AISC Technical Committee (TC) meetings as guests. Travel expenses for all core program activities, excluding TC meetings, are covered in accordance with AISC’s travel policy.

How to Join

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the next Emerging Professionals Cohort! 

The 2025-2026 Emerging Professionals Cohort begins in October 2025 and ends in Summer 2026. Participants for the 2025-2026 year have already been selected. AISC will review new candidates in Spring 2026.

Contact the program lead, Hannah Valentine, at [email protected] to learn more.

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