I am a member of the IEE and was wondering if the IEEE is worth joining? Some people who I have spoken to in the Engineering industry consider the IEEE a joke. Feedback appreciated. Many thanks
The magazines I get through IEEE are quite interesting and you have access to a slew of online courses - all free of charge with your membership... I joined as a student and I'm rather satisfied with what you get in return. I've also not heard anyone speak of IEEE in a negative way, but there will always be some....
I am a member of ACM and IEEE and have found both to be valuable educational resources. The number of free courses, though non-credit, will enhance your knowledge. I hope one day at least some of the courses will be reviewed by ACE or otherwise made credit-bearing.
There is a defense between IEE and IEEE. IEEE is not certifying body exception to Certified IT Professional in Computer Society of the IEEE. Now it all depends on reasons why would you like to join and on what level. I found many advantages in being a member of IEEE since early 80's. Networking via local chapters and activities including expos. I found a few jobs in the past via the listings on Jobs site at IEEE. For someone who is self employed the medical insurance was more affordable via IEEE member services than COBRA or Direct buying option. Because of hundred of thousands members IEEE can negotiate rates that are better than if you go by your self. As mentioned earlier the publications are very informative. Member used to be more respected when it was a little harder to become a member 2 proposers required then. The Senior Member status is respected and its not a joke. Different technical committees and training as Accreditation Evaluator for ABET - I did this for a year. The technical societies provide more focused information and magazines etc. There more reasons but these are just a few that I came with now. I think its a plus to be a member of IEEE and also its an add on to resume. Now if some one thinks that IEEE membership is like PE registration than its not and not viewed this way. It's viewed as a someone who has interest in his field of profession, some one who is current and the Networking possibility can be very useful. Hope this is helpful. Learner
I'm not familiar with SME or Ii have ever seen an employment ad were it was mentioned. Maybe some one who is more familiar with them can respond.
I agree with what has been said so far. Joining IEEE gives you access to some great magazines, journals and educational courses. In addition you get great networking opportunities.
IEEE I found the IEEE to be worthless compared to the UK counterpart the IEE. The UK IEE establishes recognized qualifications that can boost your career credentials. Membership in the IEEE did not give me any additional leverage in my interviews with potential employers. I have received more recognition from my certifications and membership from the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE). Plus, the SBE membership is cheaper, better organized, and more enjoyable from a social prospective.
SME I conducted a Thesis Study of employer opinions towards SME Certification in the State of Illinois in 1995. I will post an executive summary of the study here when I locate it.
380,000 + members worldwide a joke? I'm not sure if the more than 380,000 IEEE members worldwide are actually kidding... I'm a senior member of IEEE and found my membership worthwhile (professionally). If you join, you'll find out.
SME Survey Here is the executive summary and table of responses: Dear Participant, In 1995 you elected to answer a questionnaire as part of a study to evaluate the importance of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers' (SME) certification credentials to the discrete parts manufacturing industry in Illinois. You indicated that you would like to be informed of the results. The study has been completed and the results are now being provided to you: The purpose of this study was to ascertain (a) the level of awareness/knowledge of SME certification among employers in Illinois discrete parts manufacturing firms, (b) their current opinions of it, (c) whether employers would consider SME certification for hiring, promotion, and salary purposes, and (d) to assess employer support of SME certification as a method to insure technical competency. Three hundred (300) manufacturing firms were selected from a population consisting of all manufacturing firms in the state of Illinois identified as those likely to employ manufacturing engineers. One hundred (100) manufacturing firms were selected from each of three size categories to represent small (0-99 employees), medium (100-500 employees), and large (over 500 employees) manufacturing firms. The survey questionnaire was sent to the HRD Director/representative for each of the 300 manufacturing firms. There were over 100 responses to the survey. Most participants indicated that they had some awareness/knowledge of SME certification. Awareness/knowledge of SME certification tended to be higher in large and medium sized companies, companies with SME certified employees, companies with SME membership and/or activities, and in companies that have hired over three experienced manufacturing engineers in the last five years. Most participants responded that they would consider favoring SME certified candidates for entry-level and experienced positions over noncertified candidates. Slightly over twenty percent of the participants responded that they would not favor an SME certified candidate for a promotion. When asked if they would consider paying a higher starting salary to SME certified employees and/or reward SME certified employees with a salary increase or promotion, most participants responded either that they would or were uncertain. Nearly all participants indicated that they would not consider paying a bonus to employees who have attained SME certification. Most participants responded that employees were encouraged to continue their education, and that financial support was provided for employees who worked toward obtaining professional/technical certification. Over one-half of the participants responded that that seminars and formal education/training, rather than professional/technical certification, was presently used to insure the competency of technical/engineering personnel. Most participants indicated that they would consider providing financial support for employees who sought to attain SME certification, and that they considered SME certification as a viable way to maintain the competency of their employees. Thank you for participating in this survey. Table 12 Frequency of Responses to Company Policies/Practices Towards Professional/Technical Certification Company Policy/Practice YES NO UNCERTAIN Encouragement Cont Ed 97 5 4 Financial Support 96 9 2 Salary Reward 39 49 15 Promotion Reward 22 57 22 Bonus Reward 8 76 15 Entry-Level Favored 73 18 16 Experienced Favored 70 18 19 Promotion Favored 50 28 29 Higher Salary 39 42 25 Maintains Competency 24 70 12
Re: SME Survey I was in a hurry when I cut and pasted the information and it didn't format correctly. Here is a bit more clarification: The table below is a summary of the participant's responses to several key questions regarding their Company's Policies & Practices towards professional certification on the survey instrument. The 1st number is the number of Yes responses, the 2nd the number of No responses, and the 3rd is the number of Uncertain responses. Encouragement Cont Ed asked if Encouragement was provided to employees who sought to obtain SME professional certification. Financial Support asked if Financial support of any kind was provided to employees to sought to become SME certified. Salary, Promotion, and Bonus Reward asked if a salary increase, Promotion, or a Bonus was provided to employees to obtained SME certification. Entry-Level Favored and Experienced Favored asked if candidates with SME certification were favored over non-certified candidates for employment. Promotion Favored asked if SME certified candidates were favored over non-certified candidates for promotions. Higher Salary asked if SME certified candidates generally received a higher starting salary than non-certified candidates. Maintain Competency asked whether SME certification was used to maintain the professional competency of their employees According to my research, SME certified candidates, whether they were entry-level or experienced, definitely had an edge in hiring. Employers also indicated a high degree of support for employees who sought to become certified. Certification was less important for promotion and salary purposes after employees were certified, although some firms (based on size) indicated more willingness than others to provide salary increases and promotions for employees who obtained certification.
