How IEEE transformed my college journey by teaching me confidence, communication, leadership, delegation, adaptability, and time management beyond the classroom.
From Student Member to Report Specialist
When I first joined the IEEE MRIIRS Student Branch, I was simply a student member. I never expected it to become such an important part of my college journey. Within a few months, I became a Report Specialist, creating reports for various events I attended. What started as a responsibility gradually built my confidence, improved how I expressed my thoughts, and made me more comfortable putting my work out there.
Learning to Communicate and Adapt
I also got opportunities to host several IEEE events. Being on stage, interacting with an audience, and keeping an event moving taught me a completely different kind of confidence. There were times when things did not go according to plan and I had to change the script right then and there. Those moments taught me to stay composed, think on my feet, communicate clearly, and adapt quickly.
Leadership and the Power of Delegation
Today, as the President of the IEEE Student Branch MRIIRS, I have been learning things I never imagined I would learn from a student organization. One of the biggest lessons has been delegation. I have always preferred relying on myself, but this position made me realize that I do not have to do everything alone. I can trust my team, and they can do an incredible job.
A Leader Does Not Have to Have All the Answers
There have also been plenty of times when I thought I had a fantastic idea, only for someone else to come up with something better. And honestly, I love that. It taught me that being a leader does not mean having all the answers. Sometimes, it means listening and recognizing that someone else might see something you did not.
Balancing Academics, Life and Responsibilities
Perhaps the biggest lesson for me has been time management. Balancing academics, personal life, extracurricular activities, and IEEE responsibilities is not easy. IEEE became a constant part of my life, and I had to learn how to make everything fit instead of letting one commitment take over everything else.
More Than Just a Resume Experience
Looking back, IEEE has given me much more than event experience or something to put on a resume. It has given me opportunities to write, speak, organize, lead, delegate, listen, adapt, solve problems, and trust others. Most importantly, it has changed how I see myself.
A Journey That Is Still Continuing
I joined as a student member. I became a Report Specialist. I got opportunities to host events. And today, I have the opportunity to lead a team. I definitely did not imagine this journey when I first joined. For me, IEEE has been that opportunity, and I am still learning.
Written by Aamnah Faiyaz
Member of the IEEE Student Branch MRIIRS at Manav Rachna International Instititute of Research and Studies.
