b'Member News July 2020 15The next generation of innovatorsYoung Professionals Community Volunteer Conference: Bangalore, Indiaby Jaya Sujeewon MIETWhen I joined the IET in mid-2015, I never thought it would become a global journey. But here I am, five years later, and I could not be more inspired. Back in February 2020, I attended the Young Professionals Volunteer Conference in Bangalore and it has been, to say the least, a milestone in my life. Sure, beinga Mauritian (an Indian-looking African who speaks French), I always wantedto travel to India - but the conference was the actual highlight of my trip.It all started in November 2019, when we carried on with the many workshops I received my invite for the conference.that were organised: Young Professionals From that day right up to the day of theCommunity Committee (YPCC) project conference, the Young Professionals (YP) teamdiscussions, creating event proposals for accompanied all of the delegates throughoutcelebrating IET@150 and region-specific the entire experience; starting with themarket stalls to discover whats happening flights arrangements and little queries toall over the world with the IET. sharing the most amazing delegate booklet, making the whole process a lot easier.My personal favourites were the Q&A Jaya Sujeewon MIET panel with the YPCC and the volunteer At the networking event planned for thejourney presentations. Via the workshops, evening prior to the conference, I got topresentations and the Q&A sessions, I got meet all the wonderful YPs from around theto know (but also experienced) the values globe in an informal way, chitchatting andthat the IET YP community showcase and sharing volunteering experiences. the differences its making around the I have to confess, I was a bit stressed atglobe. I even picked up a few tips on how first, but everyone was so friendly andto kick start a YP committee in my country, humble; it was very easy to mingle. which is already set in motion. Some of the The morning of theworkshops involved the sharing of ideas conference wasregarding enhancements that could be cool and breezy,brought to keep improving the work of the and we were allIET in general. The evening ended with a excited for thecultural show organised by IET India, sharing day ahead of us.the diverse art of music and classical dances Lizzie Truett, ourthat India represents. Young ProfessionalsThis whole conference was organised in Engagementsuch a way, that even though we are from Manager, kicked offdifferent countries and had not really met The Young Professionals Communitythe conference and invited the one and only Committee in Bangalore, India foreach other before, we all felt part of one the Young Professionals CommunityChief Executive and Secretary, Nigel Fine, toteam; one where everyone counts and is Volunteer Conference! deliver some words of wisdom. He sharedequally valued, one where your ideas and his own professional journey and gaveopinions matter. advice about the importance of dedication, hard work and commitment in life. ListeningTo sum it up, it was the bestto him was truly inspiring. During the dayexperience ever.Get involved at: theiet.org/young-professionals'