IEEE Student Branch Launch: Empowering Future Innovators at USIU-Africa
By: Caroline Kausi
On the 25th of October 2024, the USIU-Africa community witnessed the inauguration of the IEEE Student Branch. Spearheaded by the IT Club under the dynamic leadership of Caroline Kausi, the event marked a significant milestone in fostering technological collaboration, networking, and academic excellence. This launch provided students with insights into the immense opportunities that IEEE offers for growth and career development.
The event began with a warm welcome by Abdulrazzaq Salimini and Keegan Mboya, who set the tone with an introduction to the IEEE Student Branch and its purpose. This was followed by a keynote address from Dr. Leah Mutanu, who highlighted the pivotal role of IEEE in shaping professional growth. She urged students to embrace IEEE’s network and resources, stressing the importance of IEEE’s standards and the opportunity it provides to influence technological advancement, even in areas like curriculum development. Dr. Leah also encouraged active participation in IEEE-sponsored activities, such as hackathons, scholarships, and research funding, which could enhance students' resumes and offer new career paths.
A former student and IT club Leader, Hamza, took the stage next, inspiring attendees by underscoring the importance of IEEE standards, particularly in data structures, and the impact of active participation in campus initiatives on career success. Hamza’s talk was a powerful reminder of the value of networking and gaining exposure to industry expectations while still in school.
Caroline took the stage to introduce the IT Club and the IEEE leadership team, reiterating the club’s vision: to ensure that USIU-Africa School of Science and Technology students are distinguished in the job market and highly sought after by employers. She shared how the IEEE Student Branch would provide students with practical skills and professional networking opportunities that would empower them to excel in their fields. This vision, Caroline emphasized, is about equipping students with the tools they need to stand out and be "poached" by top companies.
The event continued with an insightful panel discussion moderated by Melissa Kariuki and Melany Kendi. The panelists, including Jully Kyambi, Kura Chepkemoi, Pius Kariuki, Vincent Moranga, Richard Otieno, Cedric Murage and Maryam Wangeshi, engaged in an in-depth conversation on IEEE’s role in professional development, networking, and leveraging IEEE resources for career advancement. The session emphasized how IEEE’s global network and resources offer a competitive edge in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape.
To add a fun twist, attendees participated in a Kahoot quiz on IEEE, engineering concepts, and tech trivia, led by Tanga Joris. This light-hearted session brought out the competitive spirit in the audience and reinforced learning in a memorable way.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing attendees to clarify their queries directly with the panelists. Finally, a networking session with refreshments provided a relaxed environment for students and IEEE officials to connect, discuss future initiatives, and explore collaboration opportunities.
This launch event set the foundation for a thriving IEEE community at USIU-Africa, promising students a platform to innovate, network, and grow professionally. As Caroline expressed in her closing remarks, the IEEE Student Branch will continue to empower students, driving forward a vision where everyone can contribute to technological progress.
