Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1278896
84 PCB007 MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2020 As we approach 2021 and the program's fifth anniversary, we must reflect on how IPC's Emerging Engineer Program mission is going and what's next. Today, more than 50% of the emerging engineers who started the program before 2020 are in standards development task group leadership roles, and some have moved into managerial positions in their organiza- tions, are encouraging others to participate in the Emerging Engineers Program as mentors, and remain strong program advocates. They often request additional mentees, as they rec- ognize the importance of the mission. In 2020, the first-year class size grew by 450%, and some of these emerging engineers are already moving into leadership roles. The phenomenal growth of the program is a testa- ment to our industry's recognition of the need for long-term planning and its willingness to in- vest in the future. Many of these new emerging engineers are process and design engineers hun- gry to soak up what the industry has to offer. The college and university student participants also bring the same enthusiasm with them, and collectively, there is a buzz when they walk into any event or activity. This is the future. Christina Trussell, Blue Origin, joined the Emerging Engineer Program in 2020, and she hasn't looked back. While attending standards development meetings at IPC APEX EXPO 2020, she quickly started contributing to the devel- opment of IPC's cable and harness standards. Through her work ethic and commitment to the projects assigned, she is now a vice-chair for the task group responsible for the mainte- nance of a space addendum. This positions her to gain more leadership experience as she con- tinues her professional journey. Since its inception, IPC recognized that the Emerging Engineers Program must give col- lege and university students an opportunity to participate. Many of us remember how taking on such an extracurricular activity gave us the edge on job applications and made us a shin- ing star in our first jobs—but it can also be a burden. Attending IPC APEX EXPO means time away from class, and southern California isn't necessarily a short commute from home for many of our student participants. IPC ad- dresses these concerns by providing students with the funding to make the trip to IPC APEX EXPO and support to approach their academic advisors. Arvind Srinivasan Karthikeyan, Ph.D. stu- dent and graduate research assistant at Auburn University, joined the program earlier this year as an emerging engineer. Arvind's enthusiasm for the program was evident when he stated, "I'm elated at being offered this great oppor- tunity." He further noted that being selected to the Emerging Engineers Program is "icing on the cake" at this time in his career. He found not only a place to strive to excel but also a place to learn from others. Alongside his mentor Dr. Milea Kammer, a Honeywell Aero- space and an Emerging Engineer Pro- gram graduate from an earlier class, they developed a schedule for him that allowed him to pursue his interests while stretching to new heights. Some of the program's previous student par- ticipants are now working in the industry and often speak of the value of the program to their careers. Tayler Swanson, Digital Instruments Inc., was a student at Rochester Institute of Technology when he joined the Emerging En- gineer Program in 2017. Tayler is a strong ad- vocate for the program and is always willing to speak to students to encourage them to par- ticipate. Through his advocacy, he is inspiring others to join our industry, and meet the op- portunities and the challenges the industry has to offer in a face-to-face, collaborative forum. To build on this success, IPC is taking the program to the next level for students. The IPC Education Foundation (IPCEF) is launching a call to action for all IPC student members and will offer an opportunity for five students