b'IET Futures Fund|17Motivating the next generation Giving backthe impact of your donation Engineers are here to solve problems for people Zahra first heard about the IET and its awardsFor me, engineers are responsible for transformingfrom all different backgrounds, which is why via LinkedIn, when she noticed a contactthe world as they drive innovation, solving complexI think award schemes like the IETs are so extolling the benefits of an IET scholarship.problems, and advancing technology across severalimportant, she goes on. We need engineers After some research she decided to apply andfields. Through their expertise, they contributefrom all walks of life: across all genders, socio-as the saying goes, the rest is history!. to the development of groundbreaking solutionseconomic backgrounds and abilities. Causes like in numerous industries such as healthcare,this can help younger engineers who might not Initially she focused on the financial benefitsenvironmental sustainability and automotive.have the funds or family ties to get a head start of the award, funds she plans to use to pay forWhether designing life-saving medical devices,in this industry. additional courses as well as undertake industrycreating sustainable energy solutions, or developing internships both in the UK and abroad.efficient transportation systems, engineers play aAt the end of the day, donations to the IET Receiving the Launch scholarship is motivatingpivotal role in shaping a better future. Their workFutures Fund not only impact the engineering me to push myself even more, she says. Itnot only addresses current challenges but alsocommunity, but also the much wider community, will allow me to attend a range of courses toanticipates and prepares societies for the demandsas they help to create a diverse, inclusive further my interest in the practical and academicof tomorrow, fostering progress, connectivity, and ourcommunity of engineers that have the experience aspects of engineering and develop skills thatoverall well-being. and understanding to solve challenges that are needed for me to excel in both my degreeaffect us all. and my career. The funds will enable me to undertake internships Zahra DSouzahere and abroad, and access resources that helpNeurodiversity in Engineering and Technologyme to excel in my chosen career.The biggest benefit of my IET membership is the A 2022 survey found that almost one in fiveThe report can beNeurodiversity chance to meet people that are already workingin engineering in the biomedical industry, she continues. Thatpeople from our IET Volunteer community whodownloaded here:and technologywill be really helpful, especially meeting moreresponded (19%) identified as definitely or young women, as were severely outnumberedpossibly neurodivergent. In November 2023, the by men. I believe it will be really useful for me toIET published a report revealing that there is an meet other people working in this space, hearurgent need to make engineering and technology about their projects and potentially get somemore inclusive for neurodivergent people. It kind of work experience or mentorship fromprovides practical guidance to STEM employersHow to build a more neuroinclusive professionBecause we need engineersthem, she enthuses.to create a more inclusive working environment.theiet.org/neurodiversity-in-engineering-and-technologyfrom all walks of life'