Message from the Chair - November 2011

The YP constructs that we have today have come a long way. In order to continue to make the constructs relevant and useful, we as volunteers need to remain steadfast as we work together through different time zones and schedules. It is better to make an effort to cooperate and remain cohesive as a group than to solve the symptoms of poor engagement with new constructs. If we can do this well, we will always be productive regardless of the governance structure.

The Young Professionals Forum will evolve along with the rest of the IET as time goes by. I hope that you will contribute your ideas by being a part of the Young Professionals Forum, YP Task Forces, Young Professionals Section, and Student Chapters. Volunteering for the IET in any capacity and at any level is equally important, because fresh insight is greatly valued. You can reach us directly by email, so don’t ever hesitate to contact the YPCT for any reason. If you are not currently an IET volunteer and you’re interested in helping out, please visit:

http://www.theiet.org/volunteers/young-professionals/volunteer-opps/index.cfm.

To mark the 140th anniversary of the IET, we would like to celebrate YP volunteers who have been involved with the IET in their capacity as Young Professional Forum members, or research/editorial volunteers for the IET journals, or major YP event organisers, or active student chaptervolunteers. Send an article describing what you have done for the IET, your background and future plans, along with a photo of yourself to the YP250 newsletter editor. Congratulations to the newly elected Young Professionals. I hope to see everyone at the YP Summit 2011.

David Leong, Chair YPCT

Message from the Chair - July 2011

The advantage of being an IET member is the fellowship among members in the same region. The shared interest in professionalism and engineering drives our desire to extend local benefits to other areas, which will help student members to grow and young professionals to improve themselves.

We need to take full advantage of the Internet to connect with members from other regions through social networks or similar web technologies. In the interest of every member of the YP250 and student members, we have established an online presence in Facebook and a blog to provide timely updates, news and announcements. This will also better support the YP250 newsletter with constant stream of content that is relevant to all regional members. I would like to encourage everyone, YP and non-YP members alike, to join the YP250 page in order to consolidate our communication beyond the formal conference calls and forum discussions.

The IET has so much planned for the remainder of the session and the next few years. With everyone’s contribution to the YP250 page, we can work together to find the best way to gather interest and support for your activities or events. Remember that the YP250 channels of communication are equally yours to use for the benefit of your region. Visit our YP250 page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/IET-YP-250/219167438105616?ref=hnav and our blog at http://ietyp250.blogspot.com/.

If you like to contribute to future issues of the newsletter, don’t delay and send your articles to the editor, or post it on the YP250 page.

David Leong

Chair

Young Professionals Coordination Team

Message from the Chair - May 2011

Changes to the IET communities are being proposed to make it easier for potential volunteers to contribute to their own communities and the IET as well. Currently, volunteer positions require long-term commitment, which can be difficult as many Young Professionals juggle family life and work with their IET responsibilities. If the idea becomes reality, many more volunteers could participate in YP initiatives at their leisure, or create their own initiatives, making volunteering for the IET so much more fulfilling. Your opinion on this new approach to engaging communities within the IET is important, as these changes will influence how we work in the future. Please participate in the online survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/communityeng agementfeedback, or send an email to programmes@theiet.org. Don‟t forget to inform your colleagues to take part before 3 June 2011. For more information, visit http://kn.theiet.org/community-engagement/.

Election to the boards and committee is the best opportunity for YPs to play a significant role in the governance of the IET. I strongly encourage you to stand for future elections, because there is always a need for fresh perspective on tackling new challenges. The YP constructs are relatively new, and the YP250 community has an important role in creating value for YP communities around the world. So don‟t ask why the IET was not there to speak up on matters that you care about, but instead take action by working with the IET to make your voice heard. I do hope you enjoy this issue of the newsletter.

David Leong

Chair

Young Professionals Coordination Team