IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine - December 2016 - 52

Discover more.

IEEE Educational Activities

Becoming a Fellow also helps the IEEE, which can leverage the
knowledge of Fellows in strategizing direction."
However, Reibman notes that, "While becoming a Fellow is an important step, it doesn't indicate the pinnacle of a
career, and it is not the time to look back on accomplishments.
Instead, it is a time to keep pursuing and striving to make an
additional impact."

Women Fellows Encouraged

A range of programs and
learning resources are available
for working technology
professionals, professors,
teachers, and students:

filler

Pre-University Education
University Education
Continuing Education
IEEE Educational Board
Activities and Awards
IEEE-ETA Kappa NU -
IEEE Honor Society
Discover more.
www.ieee.org/education

Reibman says evidence shows that women don't volunteer or
speak up until they're absolutely certain that they qualify for
something. She encourages women to be willing to try. "If
you are a Senior Member in good standing for the last five
years and believe you have outstanding technical accomplishments, discuss with a mentor about whether you are eligible and whether he/she can write an effective nomination,"
advises Reibman.
For those who are close to being ready to be a Fellow, understanding the application process in detail is helpful. "You can't
become a Fellow without being nominated. The more you know
about how nominations are evaluated, the more effectively the
nomination can be written," she says. Reibman also advises
that having exploratory discussions with mentors can help
assess whether you're potentially qualified.
For younger women earlier in their career path, it pays to
start thinking about becoming a Senior Member. Reibman
says that learning more about what it takes to become a Senior
Member and shooting for that goal first is a stepping stone
toward becoming a Fellow.
She also encourages younger women to meet and stay in
touch with people who are IEEE Fellows. "Talk to them, and
make sure they know about your work and how or why it is
important," Reibman says. "Find a mentor who is a Fellow or
people who are further ahead in their careers that you look to
for advice or discussions, even if they are not formal mentors.
Talking to other Fellows about how to progress in your field and
move up the ladder is helpful. You have to do the basics and do
solid technical work. Look for leadership opportunities which
are a way to contribute to a team and expand your expertise."
Becoming a Fellow gives you recognition for having made
an impact, but making the impact in the first place is more
important, she continues. "Young women can be forwardlooking about how they want to shape their careers. While
you don't always know where you'll be in 20 years, caring
about making an impact and taking small steps toward making more of one are useful from the beginning. Recognizing
that there is something greater out there and making an
impact can be very satisfying and can allow you have a happier, more satisfying career."

Fellow Facts
There are several categories of Fellows, not only for scientists
but also for educators, practitioners, and technical leaders.
Once elevated to IEEE Fellow, a person is a Fellow for life and
obtains Fellow-grade membership in the IEEE.

IEEE womEn In EngInEErIng magazInE

december 2016

http://www.ieee.org/education

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine - December 2016