Date: November 30, 2016

The IEEE Houston Section implemented an outreach initiative earlier this year aimed at IEEE Student Branch Chapters. The purposewas to facilitate a number of IEEE Standards Association seminars and workshop on “What are Standards?” The IEEE Houston Section recently partnered up with the University Of Houston, College Of Engineering IEEE Student Branch to facilitate a standards seminar. Part of the high interest from the student attendees, was a more informed understanding of how standards may affect their field of study. They quickly understood the career advantages they could have over fellow classmates with a good understanding of standards. “Today’s job market for new college graduates is more competitive than ever. I believe having a strong understanding of how standards affect their field of study will allow them to be more competitive” says Christopher Sanderson, IEEE Houston Section Standards Education member volunteer.

The “What Are Standards?” seminar is centered around faculty and students having open, current, and historical conversations on some of the most pressing industry and technology challenges and how standards play a vital part in shaping them. Many of the students were surprised to learn about Standards University, and the many benefits available to them including MOOC learning modules and IEEE Student Grant opportunities available.  Jeffery Handal, an IEEE Standards Association Committee member gave additional insight on Standards University and some of the future goals of the program.

The uniqueness of the seminars and workshops is that it isn’t centered only on IEEE Standards but addresses the fundamental process of any standard and a historical understanding of standards over time. These seminars and workshops have given our IEEE Houston Section member volunteers the opportunity to share their knowledge on how these standards have affect their workplace and importance in sharing those experiences. The goal of the initiative is to move from seminar to workshop, to classroom programs.

For additional information about IEEE Houston Section’s Student Branch Outreach initiative, visit us at http://sites.ieee.org/Houston and search “What are Standards?” You can also contact Sara Stephens or Christopher Sanderson for additional information on outreach activities.