On 6^th October 2018, IEEE AIUB Student Branch in association with IEEE Young Professionals Bangladesh successfully organized IEEE Student Transition and Elevation Partnership (STEP 2.0) for the second time in Bangladesh Section at American International University-Bangladesh. The venture was supported by IEEE Computer Society Bangladesh Section Chapter. IEEE Student Transition and Elevation Partnership (STEP), provides a dynamic program for facilitating the transition period of students from student life to a professional world by introducing the opportunities and benefits of IEEE membership during the onset of a STEM career. Being a part of the grand initiative for the second time in the history of Bangladesh Section, IEEE AIUB Student Branch presented IEEE Student Transition and Elevation Partnership (STEP), in order to train the minds of the future leaders. The flagship event consisted of a series of seminars, workshops and interactive session, in order to make the transition period more convenient.

Students from different reputed universities from different places in the country came to participate in the event. The day was inaugurated by a welcome speech from Dr. M Tanseer Ali, Senior Assistant Professor, Faculty of Engineering, AIUB; Former Counselor, IEEE AIUB Student Branch; Professional Activity Coordinator, IEEE Bangladesh Section, who talked about IEEE STEP, and how it is a great opportunity for the participants to familiarize themselves with the transition and allowing for easier changes.

The first session of the event titled “Importance of Extracurricular Activities” was conducted by Anamika Bhakta, Chairperson, IEEE WIE Affinity Group, Bangladesh Section; Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, Robi Axiata Ltd. which focused on the role of extracurricular activities in professional life. The speaker initiated her session by explaining the chart of the hierarchy of human needs. She then discussed about the attributes that employers look for, further discussing flaws present in one’s self and how the gaps should be bridged in order to grow to one’s full potential. She concluded the session by motivating the participants and asked the participants to focus on attributes having a positive effect on them. Afterward, Ms. Anamika Bhakta was provided with certificate and token of appreciation by ARM Abdullah Rocky, IT Specialist Engineer, Digital Services and Solutions, Banglalink Digital Communications Ltd. Chairperson, IEEE Young Professionals Bangladesh Section.

The second session which was a workshop titled “Adaptation to Corporate Culture” was conducted by ARM Abdullah Rocky, which focused on effective communication skills in a work environment. The speaker initiated the session by discussing the proper professional communication method, which is through e-mail. He discussed all the important things to focus during sending an e-mail. He concluded the session by providing the participants with hands-on training, which was on writing an e-mail when working on a new project. Mr. ARM Abdullah Rocky was provided with certificate and token of appreciation by Dr. M Tanseer Ali.

Following a Lunch break, the third session of the event titled “Awareness Session on Modern Day Technologies” was conducted by Azfar Adib, Manager, IoT & M2M Services, Grameenphone Ltd. which focused on technological advancements. He initiated the session by providing statistics on countries with increasing innovativeness amongst the Asian countries. He further talked about the latest technologies and the opportunities associated with those technologies. He concluded with a question and answer session based on the blockchain. Mr. Azfar Adib was provided with certificate and token of appreciation by Mr. ARM Abdullah Rocky.

The next session titled “Tentative Talk on Emerging Research for Competitive Young Professionals to be Future Rising Stars” was conducted by Dr. Celia Shahnaz, SMIEEE, FIEB; Professor, Department of EEE, BUET; Chairperson, IEEE Bangladesh Section, which focused on research opportunities for the young talents. The speaker initiated her session by sharing her experiences with IEEE. She then talked about different IEEE Societies and what they have to offer. She further discussed about different ongoing researches of the world, emphasizing different research sectors that could be focused on by the participants and Young professionals present in the room. She concluded with a question and answer session. Dr. Celia Shahnaz was provided with certificate and token of appreciation by Mr. ARM Abdullah Rocky.

The last session of the day titled “Continuation of Research Besides Corporate Life” was conducted by Dr. Shaikh Anowarul Fattah, Nominations and Appointments Chair, IEEE Bangladesh Section; Professor, Department of EEE, BUET, which focused on the importance of research. He initiated the session by talking about how research works help to keep one active. He talked about the differences between publications and projects and assessed the difficulties when publishing papers. He concluded the session by asking participants to look into projects that might have an impact on the society and also provided the students with remarks and proper knowledge on their project. Dr. Shaikh Anowarul Fattah was provided with crest and token of appreciation by Mr. ARM Abdullah Rocky and Akib Jobaer Rahman, Vice-Chairperson (Activity), IEEE Young Professionals, Bangladesh Section; System Engineer, Bangla Phone Ltd.

Following the sessions, Chowdhury Akram Hossain, Counselor, IEEE AIUB Student Branch; Advisor, IEEE Computer Society AIUB Student Branch Chapter; Senior Assistant Professor, Faculty of Engineering; Special Assistant, Office of Student Affairs, AIUB, thanked the speakers for taking up time from their schedule and presenting their essential knowledge. He also thanked the volunteers and executive members for showing enthusiasm throughout the day. He then discussed the importance of such flagship events in helping the participants to develop themselves professionally. He expressed his gratitude to IEEE Young Professionals and IEEE Young Professionals Bangladesh.

The day-long event was concluded with a concluding speech from Dr. Celia Shahnaz, who thanked the organizers and participants for putting up life to the event. She stated the importance of one’s willpower and hard work in order to succeed. She talked about her experience associated with IEEE AIUB Student Branch.  She further talked about the achievements of IEEE AIUB Student Branch and their hard work.

The day-long professional venture concluded in the evening. The event was composed of very effective and informative sessions which the participants were delighted with, as it will help them in professional development. Participants from universities across Bangladesh took part in one of the grandest ventures in IEEE Bangladesh Section and IEEE Region 10.