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The benefits of getting involved with your Local Network

Alkis Spyrou shows us the benefits of being an active student member. 

Student members of the IET can become very active within the organisation if they choose – we’re not just a passive Institution you know! With networks and committees galore, there are lots of ways to meet like-minded people and well, have some fun! There are over 100 Local Networks worldwide sharing knowledge on engineering and technology. We sat down with London Local Network Younger Members’ Committee chairman Alkis Spyrou to get a sneak peak of what goes on within these groups…

So, Alkis, what does your work with the London Local Network Younger Members’ Committee involve? 

I ‘lead/manage’ a team of fellow volunteers in organising events of all natures to attract members to the Institution, network between engineers, and socialise. 

How does this group work with universities - What do you offer, do etc? 

Well, we help arrange lectures on hot engineering topics and new members’ evenings to learn more about the IET and network between themselves since probably most of them are new in London. We also help members find ways of exploring their engineering studies for Professional Development. 

How do you think student members benefit from being part of an active younger members group?

They benefit in lots of ways. They can network with fellow colleagues, exchange and share ideas/thoughts and opinions on various subjects, plus they have access to the library and business centre.  

Your events are renowned for being successful – what do you do event-wise, what work is involved and why do you think they are so successful? 

Promotion, promotion, promotion! We have university representatives in all the London-based universities. It’s a lot easier, quicker and more efficient having students ask fellow students to join them at our event. 

Events are divided usually into two categories, depending on the audience we want to target. For example, we will organise an event/lecture with regards to Professional Development mainly targeting graduates and engineers on the first stages of their career.

After the logistics are confirmed (time, place is usually Savoy Place, catering) we approach Stevenage (HQ) to see whether a speaker can be provided. This makes things a lot easier as they can approach a member of the staff or contact someone through their huge network pool. Further to that, this sometimes leads to a more formal event where an external speaker is invited, plus it helps with the promotion of the event as Stevenage can forward our invite to their external business partners.

The lead for the event; which is usually the event organizer, is responsible for all these actions with the assistance of the publicity office (responsible for promoting to the universities) and the professional liaison officer (which is responsible for the our own business emails). On the evening the organiser is in charge for making sure that everything is in place (projector, sounds, PC, registration table, tea and coffee) by liaising with the duty manager at Savoy Place. The rest of the committee members help out with registration, networking as well as with any other issues that need resolving on the evening.

The layout of the evening usually comprises with a short welcome from the lead, followed by the lecture/speech, some Q&A and concluding with networking. This is very important as people feel more relaxed asking questions to the speaker and liaising with them. It also gives us an opportunity to attract new members and see what their feedback is as well as what type of events they want for future reference.

What personal experiences have you had with the IET, and how do you think being a member has helped with your career?  

You meet people that you have never imagined you've met such as Sir Robin Saxby founder of ARM, CEOs of Motorola etc. Further to that, I am now pursuing my Chartered status which will be beneficiary to my future ventures and endeavours.

Why would you recommend members becoming active? What can they gain from doing so? 

Again, there are lots of rewards including experience in working as part of a team, meeting new people and improving their knowledge in technology and engineering.

Also, why would you recommend that students attend an IET accredited university course? 

They will become qualified and chartered which will open doors for jobs and professional status,

Anything else you want to share with us about being an active IET member?

It’s worth it! Every engineer should become an active member. Take part in lectures and events. Join committees. We are volunteers here and we like helping promote the IET and the values that we share!

 

Alkis Spyrou spoke to Keri Allan