By Shahim Baker

The Student Transition and Elevation Partnership (STEP) program was conducted on 20th February 2016 at Model Engineering College, Kochi, for the graduating student members and budding professionals. The program was intended towards introducing the new opportunities and benefits of IEEE Professional membership during the onset of one’s professional career and to motivate them to continue their volunteering aspirations in IEEE as an IEEE Young Professional member. A total of 43 participants attended the event.

The event was inaugurated by Ms. Mini Ulanat (Chairperson, IEEE Kochi Subsection) followed by welcoming of gathering by Mr. Bibin Parukoor Thomas (Vice Chair, IEEE Kerala Young Professionals). Mr. Shahim Baker (Chairman, IEEE Kerala Young Professionals) gave the Presidential Address which was followed by felicitation; by Mrs. Vinitha George (IEEE Student Branch Counsellor). The function concluded with the Vote of thanks by Mr. Jaikrishnan Nair (Volunteer, IEEE Kerala Young Professionals).
A talk on ‘Disruptive Technology’ by Ms. Mini Ulanat commenced after the inaugural function. The talk focused mainly on the pros and cons of excessive usage of technology. It was rather alarming to hear how human lives have become highly dependent on smart gadgets. After this, a tea and networking break was organised followed an icebreaking session for the participants by the organising team of STEP program. Next in line was a session on Introduction to IEEE Kerala Young Professionals by Mr. Shahim Baker, giving an insight into the past activities and the future plans of IEEE Kerala Young Professionals Affinity Group. He shared his experience along with it, made the delegates aware of the benefits of being an IEEE Young Professionals.

The delegates were greatly helped by the session on ‘Ascension of Personal Branding’, by Mr. Bibin Parukoor Thomas (Vice-Chair, IEEE Kerala Young Professionals). The session focused on various sorts of personal branding and its requirement in today’s world. Some important tips were given on how to stand out in a crowd and make yourself recognised in a positive way.
This followed the Lunch break that gave the delegates a chance to interact with the vibrant Young Professionals of IEEE Kerala Section and the dignitaries present.

The afternoon session was lively with a Managerial workshop by Mr. Suncy Varghese, Executive Partner and Trainer, Elateminds. Apart from speaking about the various assessment parameters during job interviews and how to carry ourselves in a professional environment, the participants were given many group activities that imparted a spirit of teamwork and competitiveness among them.

The interactive workshop was followed by an Open Forum by a panel to know the perspective and address the concerns of the delegates. The panel comprised of five experienced Professionals of IEEE Kerala Section – Dr. Suresh Nair (Chair, IEEE Kerala Section), Mr. Shahim Baker (Chair, IEEE Kerala Section Young Professionals), Mr. Ranjit Nair (Chair, Membership Development, IEEE Kerala Section) ,Mr. Ajin Baby (Treasurer, IEEE Kerala Young Professionals) and Mr. Gopee Krishnan (Volunteer, IEEE Kerala Young Professionals).

The delegates actively participated in the forum and shared their ideas and suggestions on how they would like to contribute to the society as an IEEE Young Professional member. The ideas and suggestions were well taken with further review assured.
The event concluded with Valedictory ceremony and photo session.
STEP provided a perfect platform for the graduating student members to explore the avenues for developing their professional as well as technical skills and interact with top professionals in their field of interest.

By Shahim Baker