IEEE launches new “MentorCentre” program for Photonics Society members and others

PISCATAWAY, USA: IEEE, the world's largest technical professional association, recently debuted a new mentoring program that facilitates the matching of IEEE members and establishes a mentoring partnership among members of participating societies, such as the IEEE Photonics Society.

The IEEE MentorCentre program enables participating individuals to connect globally with other IEEE engineering professionals, as well as use their careers and life experiences to aid in their peers' professional development.

"Participating IEEE Photonics Society mentors are finding that helping younger engineers develop their careers to be extremely rewarding," said Lauren Mecum, Membership Development Specialist for the IEEE-Photonics Society. "Due to the global nature of the MentorCentre program, the pool of mentees is quite large and diverse, and the more participation and member involvement, the better."

Participation in the IEEE MentorCentre program is completely voluntary, is open to all IEEE members above Student member grade, and is already included in standard IEEE membership fees. Mentees and mentors should be committed to devoting time and effort to developing their partnership, which is made easier through the program's in-person or online facilitation via web conference/Skype, teleconference, e-mail and social media. Ideal candidates for IEEE MentorCentre mentees are recent graduates or others looking for personal guidance on navigating critical career and educational decisions.

Conversely, mentors should be established and able to "show the ropes" to young professionals. Mentoring with the IEEE MentorCentre provides an opportunity to share technical knowledge and skills, as well as help others succeed in their professional and education goals, and supports the engineering and technology professions.