Some members belong to the IEEE primarily to receive publications and, perhaps, to attend technical meetings sponsored by their society or its local chapters. Some, as has been pointed out in recent columns, find their chief attraction in the IEEE Engineering Management Society or the IEEE Professional Communication Society. But many IEEE U.S. members may not realize how IEEE-USA can help them advance their professional and career interests. Separate GOLD tracks are aimed specifically at young members.
Technology policy can strongly influence future engineering careers.
IEEE-USA has five committees dealing with technology policy that are respected in government offices and sought out for their expertise. IEEE societies are encouraged to send a representative to committee meetings and participate on developing policy positions for use in advocating them to legislators. Today, members often find that their career is not one continuous path, but a series of stepping stone positions that may include periods of self-employment. With members having to assume more responsibility for their careers, committees with a focus on career activities assume more importance. These committees work to aid in career vitality, promote continuing education, protect employee benefits, and encourage engineering registration and acquaint members with the steps involved.