ALASKA RESOURCE REVIEW SPRING 2025 42 VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 2 | SPRING 2025 SINCE JOINING RDC, I’VE ATTENDED A NUMBER OF YOUNG PROFESSIONAL EVENTS AND SUMMITS, AND EVEN HOSTED ONE AT OUR CONFERENCE LAST FALL. It’s clear that Alaska has no shortage of motivated, capable young people ready to contribute to a stronger economy and a better future for our state. Coincidentally, I hear from our industries daily about the need for these exact professionals in our workforce. Bridging the gap between our industry leaders and new members of the workforce is a never-ending dilemma, but one RDC is eager to tackle. While our industries will always need the core professionals in their respective fields, there are also a range of opportunities for young Alaskans in roles that support and surround resource development. RDC’s industries — oil and gas, mining, fisheries, tourism, and forestry — not only power Alaska’s economy, but also have job-multiplier effects across a wide range of other industries and job markets in the state. Tens of thousands of Alaskans work in roles that at first glance may not seem related to our industries but are actually closely tied to the state’s resource development economy. For instance, all of our industries need accountants, IT specialists, marketing and public relations professionals, social media experts, environmental scientists, HR managers, photographers, and a whole swath of regulatory government positions to name a few. If we take one more step back, adjacent industries such as healthcare, retail, aviation, transportation, banking, insurance and scientific research institutions are all integral to supporting and being supported by our resource development industries. If you look closely, it quickly becomes apparent that our entire state is connected through our resource development industries. Beyond the diversity of positions offered within and around the resource development space, our industries are also a great place for attracting Alaska’s best and brightest — a work culture I was certainly looking for when I got out of college. Our industries are held to the highest standards for safety, environmental performance and technical skill. Companies operating in this environment require a talented workforce to meet those goals with individuals who want to be challenged by big problems requiring creative solutions. Jobs offered in our industries often require the best Alaska has to offer. If you or someone you know is just getting started in their career or looking for a challenge, keep an eye out for roles in or connected to our industries. RDC has been successfully connecting Alaska’s industries for 50 years now and we are working to prepare the next generation to be ready to take on the next 50 years. If you’re looking for a place to learn more or connect with others in the industry, our events are a great place to start. On that note, I’d encourage you to bring your young professional team members to our Annual Membership Luncheon on June 18 in Anchorage, where we will have updates on our industries and an engaging keynote speaker. Whether you’re new to the workforce or just interested in learning more, we’d love to see you there! BRIDGING THE GAP FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS “If you or someone you know is just getting started in their career or looking for a challenge, keep an eye out for roles in or connected to our industries.” — Connor Hajdukovich, RDC External Affairs and Policy Coordinator
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==