Advice From a Young Professional

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As I reflect on my opportunity to as the IPC Student Board Member, I'm eager to share three impressions with our wonderful community: Executive leaders of IPC value the input of students and young professionals; the electronics manufacturing industry is undergoing a changing of the guard, and many of the most experienced players are looking to share their hard-earned wisdom. I've been exceptionally fortunate to receive invaluable career advice that I wish to pass on to anyone else beginning their professional career.

1.  The board values the next generation of industry members.

I naturally felt a massive sense of intimidation when I assumed this position. How was I supposed to meaningfully contribute with C-suite-level leaders who have decades of industry experience?

In an introductory meeting with IPC CEO Dr. John W. Mitchell, he erased any sense of hesitation I felt. He looked me square in the eye and, in his smooth broadcaster voice, plainly told me, “You are a full-fledged member of the board of directors.” Since then, John and many other members of the board have echoed that sentiment. They don’t view the student board position as second class; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Steve Pudles of Zentech, a longtime IPC board member and now member of the IPC Hall of Fame, put it best: “We haven’t been in school for decades. We need your perspective.”

They aren’t just providing lip service; they mean it. When I have shared my opinion about student chapters, how IPC could use social media better, or adjustments to the Careers in Electronics website, they listen. The highest leaders of IPC have a focused goal to attract the next generation of electronics manufacturing professionals and leaders, and that goal isn’t unique to the board of directors. Every level of IPC values the input of young professionals, students, and newcomers.

Henry has two more pieces of wisdom he's learned while serving on the IPC Board of Directors. Read the rest of this article in the fall issue of IPC Community.