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AUGUST 2020 I PCB007 MAGAZINE 85 to participate in the program with fund- ing awarded through the IPCEF. Students will apply for the pro- gram through the IP- CEF website and be asked to provide their resume as part of the application process. Those selected will become part of IPC's Emerging Engineer Program with full benefits. Included in the emerging engineers selected from IPCEF stu- dent members in 2021 will be Paige Fiet, se- nior at Michigan Technological University and the IPC's Board of Directors student member liaison. Earlier this year, IPC announced Paige was elected by her peers involved in IPC Stu- dent Chapters to serve a one-year term in this role. She will bring a fresh and contemporary voice that will provide invaluable insight into IPC's education initiative. The next step in Paige's journey as an emerg- ing engineer will bring her in contact with her mentor in advance of IPC APEX EXPO, where she will have an opportunity to select and schedule her activities to maximize her experi- ence. Mentors come from many different back- grounds and experiences, from management to engineering, and emerging engineers are find- ing that these vast differences help them to see the industry in a different and exciting light. Knowing that Paige is interested in engineering and corporate management provides the keys to a successful mentor match and one that IPC does not take lightly. The four IPC student members who join her in the program in 2021 will experience the same level of commitment from IPC staff. As we plan for the upcoming year and be- yond, IPC is working on new things for the program. Each emerging engineer is required to provide an annual report on their experience as a participant, and IPC uses their feedback to improve the program. For example, in addition to introducing the tribal knowledge project, we have added several networking opportunities where program participants can meet fellow emerging engineers. We also created a space on IPC Works, IPC's online standards devel- opment platform, for them to collaborate and share. It is important to remember the people the emerging engineers meet, and the pro- fessional network they build will serve them throughout their entire career. Without a doubt, IPC's Emerging Engineer Program is growing by leaps and bounds, and there are new surprises and twists right around the corner. One only has to mention the program to a returning emerging engineer and there is an excitement to get started. They look forward to it from year to year, and even when they complete the requirements, they are ready to take on new challenges. The success of any program is often found in the program's bedrock and in the community around it. IPC's Emerging Engineer Program provides the plat- form for tomorrow's industry leaders to gain confidence and knowledge to grow both per- sonally and professionally. Even as it evolves, IPC's Emerging Engineer Program remains true to its roots. From the summer of 2015 when it was a concept and a few words on an Excel spreadsheet of ideas to today, where IPC is looking at opportuni- ties to bring the program to local markets in Europe and Asia, it has blossomed into a tru- ly inspiring program for IPC to invest in the future of our industry. In these strange times, where we are redefining "normal," we need to embrace the future so that we can sail through the changes facing our industry and not let a landslide bring it down. If you are interested in learning more about IPC's Emerging Engineer program and apply- ing, please visit ipc.org/emerging-engineer. Stu- dents are encouraged to visit ipcef.org as well. The deadline for applications to start the pro- gram in 2021 is November 20, 2020. PCB007 Teresa Rowe is senior director, assembly and standards technology, at IPC. Paige Fiet