The 15th IEEE Tokyo Section Career Development Workshop was held in November 2024. The workshop was organized by the IEEE Tokyo Section’s LMAG, YP, SAC, and WIE groups, with co-organization by Meiji University SB, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology SB, and Tokyo University of Science SB.
The IEEE Life Member Committee sponsored the Group Mentoring workshop. Twenty-three people participated, including 13 students (six were IEEE members) and 10 professionals and educators (nine were IEEE members). Now in its 15th year, this workshop aims to support career development for students, early-career engineers, and researchers.
The workshop began with opening remarks by the YP Chair, Dr. Ishigaki, and an overview of the Group Mentoring Initiative by Prof. Imai. This was followed by facilitator introductions, group discussions, presentations, closing remarks from Professor Tsuda, and a networking session where participants strengthened their connections. Additionally, Dr. Hayashi, Prof. Kawamoto, and Prof. Uemura supported each discussion group.
Opening Remarks by Dr Ishigaki; Intro to Group Mentoring by Prof. Imai
Four distinguished facilitators from industry, academia, and research institutions led brainstorming sessions on various career development themes:
- How effective are mentors in career development, and how should one find one? [Prof. Ohta]
- Let’s picture ourselves 10 years from now and into the future. [Dr. Sugie]
- How do you communicate your research work clearly to international audiences? [Dr. Shrestha]
- If you were a university (or technical college) teacher. [Prof. Yoshida]
The discussions were vibrant and thought-provoking. Participants expressed that the experience would help them shift their mindsets and plan their careers more effectively. The networking session also served as an excellent platform for students, young engineers, and professionals from diverse generations to connect and exchange ideas.
