A new awards programme for young news media professionals "could be career-changing", INMA executive director Earl Wilkinson says.

The US-headquartered group has announced its '30 under 30' global young professionals awards competition to spotlight outstanding achievement by rising stars in the news industry.

Entrants will have demonstrated outstanding achievement and career potential, with unique insights into innovation; demonstrated ability to influence peers; relevant management skills; and "be knowledge-hungry, a team player and have an entrepreneurial spirit".

Entry is free but applications or nominations must be in by July 31. A website with qualifying information and a portal to apply or nominate may be found at: https://www.inma.org/Initiatives/30Under30/.

The 30 winners will receive access to two free INMA Master Classes and a year of INMA membership. In addition, the four grand prizewinners will receive c-suite mentoring and a 12-month seat on an INMA regional board, among other benefits.

Chaired by Katharina Neubert of Business Insider US, the committee includes Brinda Kumar of HT Media in India, Belle Taylor of Nine in Australia, Lim Min Zhang of the Straits Times in Singapore, Mari-Marthe Aamold of Schibsted in Norway, Pieter Attema Zalis of Infoglobo in Brazil and Saarah Survé of Sekunjalo in South Africa.

By simply applying, qualified participants will be invited to join a new Young Professionals Initiative Slack channel workspace.

Wilkinson says the initiative is an amazing opportunity to elevate young professionals under 30. "The nomination is a reward unto itself," he says. "Winning an international competition like this can be career-changing."