1 The Many Faces of IEEE Adelaide, Australia W. Cleon Anderson, P.E IEEE President April, 2004

2 A Question l In a recent issue of The Institute, the 2004 IEEE President asked the question: l “Whether the IEEE is a global organization or a U.S. organization with members from around the world?” l He said that this has been a long running debate among many members of IEEE l I wonder why this question needs to be framed as an either/or proposition because the IEEE is not a single issue nor a single value organization

3 What then is IEEE? l Lets look at some of its many faces: l Is it the world’s premier technical publisher? Yes l Are its publications a source for instruction as well as an inspiration for research projects worldwide? Yes. l Does it help students master engineering principles? Yes. Both globally and locally? Yes. l Is it the repository for technical standards that have international significance? Yes. l Does it sponsor conferences world-wide? Yes. l Does it provide valuable educational materials to help engineers and technologists globally? Yes.

4 What then is IEEE? (continued) l Does it support pre-college education which will encourage technical competence? Yes. l Does it seek out those that excel and celebrate their achievements with appropriate awards? Yes. l Does it make its distinguished members available as mentors to the profession? Yes. l Does it provide its members with access to sponsors, counselors, and advocates? Yes. l Does it support its members in their local affairs, local institutions, and local businesses? Yes. l Does it provide a network of people with common interests to share ideas, methods, and problem solutions? Yes. Locally? Yes. Nationally? Yes. Worldwide and globally? Yes.

5 The IEEE Defined l Oftentimes our vision becomes clouded by our own current level of IEEE involvement l So we are left much in the same position as the philosopher as he explained when asked to define time: l "What, then, is time? If no one asks me, I know; If I wish to explain to him who asks, I know not." --- Saint Augustine, circa 400 A.D. l But, you can always reference the IEEE Vision statement when asked for a definition of IEEE: l To advance global prosperity by: l Fostering technological innovation, l Enabling members' careers & l Promoting community world-wide

6 What IEEE Can Do For You l We tend to define IEEE according to our own involvement at the moment l My old professor told me: “If you want to be successful with a career in electrical engineering, you must be a member IEEE.” l The bad news is not everyone can become a member because it is a learned society l The good news is that with my signature you can join the student branch here as a student member which will allow you to eventually be an IEEE member and enjoy all the benefits and prestige of membership

7 Reasons for Joining vs. Staying Remain technically current Obtain IEEE publications Join IEEE Societies Enhance my career opportunities Enhance stature within the profession Network with others in the profession A professor suggested it Show my support for the profession For continuing education Obtain a reduced registration fee Participate in local IEEE activities Access to discounts on services Obtain an IEEE alias Reasons Members Originally Join the IEEE Reasons Members Maintain their IEEE Membership N/A 2003 Source: 2004 Membership Segmentation Survey

8 Career Progression l The importance and personal value of the various IEEE definitions changes as a career progresses l What was at first a source of technical material to remain current became an opportunity for success by affiliation with important people, an opportunity to hire and mentor, to sponsor and to be sponsored l And finally, to simply enjoy an association with the shakers and movers of our profession

9 So When I’m Asked: l A boy once asked a wise man: “Is the bird I hold behind my back alive or dead?” l If the wise man said “alive” he would crush the bird and show it as dead, but: l If the wise man said “dead” he would simply let the bird fly away and laugh. l However, the wise man would have none of such foolishness and simply answered the boy: “As you will my son, as you will.” l So when I’m asked: l “Whether the IEEE is a global organization or a U.S. organization with members from around the world?” l I think that the best and wise answer is likewise: “As you will”

10 In IEEE, Local Needs Can Have Global Significance l There is no inconsistency in recognizing l The IEEE has many faces l The value of these faces change not only from member to member, but over time for each member l Hence, I see no inconsistency because l We can “think globally while acting locally.” l We need not, and should not, force our own transient definition of IEEE value on the world’s largest scientific, educational, and professional organization l We don’t need, nor should you want, to redefine the IEEE whenever our own career needs a change

11 Global? Or Local but Worldwide? It Need Not Be an Either/Or l As the poet wrote: One ship drives East and another drives West With the self-same winds that blow. ‘Tis the set of the sails and not the gales Which tells us the way to go. Ella Wheeler Wilcox l So Like the winds of the sea are the faces of the IEEE, As you voyage for your career to fill. You can take each face when it fits your need And shape it as you will