Miguel Ferrando-Rocher
This article explores the personal journey and professional growth experienced by a young professional in the field of antennas and propagation through participation in IEEE conferences. It discusses the transformative impact of engaging with IEEE resources, such as the IEEE Xplore Digital Library, the IEEE Young Professionals Program, and the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society (AP-S) Symposium series. I share personal reflections on the invaluable networking opportunities and knowledge gained, highlighting the profound influence of IEEE conferences on my career development and personal growth.
Editor’s Note
In this issue, Dr. Miguel Ferrando-Rocher has contributed an interesting article, “Resonating Journeys: Exploring Personal and Professional Growth in IEEE Conferences on Antennas and Propagation for Young Professionals.” Dr. Ferrando-Rocher is also one of the 2022 IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Young Professional Ambassadors. This article explores the personal journey and professional growth experienced by Dr. Ferrando-Rocher as a young professional in the field of antennas and propagation through participation in IEEE conferences. Young professionals can learn from the article the importance of attending conferences to gain invaluable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and building a strong professional network to aid their career growth in the field of antennas and propagation.
We have many exciting articles planned for this column in future issues. Anyone who would like to contribute to the “Young Professionals” column or has any suggestions on the topics of interest, please contact me at cjreddy@ieee.org. Follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ieee-aps-yp for the latest updates and events that are of interest to AP-S Young Professionals.
Challenges as a young professional in the field of antennas and propagation have always been present in my journey to advance my scientific career. However, like many of my peers, I have faced numerous obstacles. From a lack of available resources to limited networking opportunities, navigating the complex landscape of scientific career advancement has been daunting. Fortunately, IEEE conferences have emerged as a vital resource for young AP-S professionals to gain knowledge, make connections, and explore new opportunities. In this article, I explore the profound impact of IEEE resources and opportunities on the personal and professional growth of young professionals in the field of antennas.
In the “Personal Impact of IEEE Resources and Opportunities” section, the article explores the personal impact of IEEE resources and opportunities. It discusses how access to the IEEE Xplore Digital Library, participation in the IEEE Young Professionals Program, engagement with the AP-S Symposium series, and involvement with IEEE Student Branches play a significant role in the personal and professional growth of young professionals. The section “The Importance of IEEE Conferences in the Scientific Career of Young Professionals” focuses on the importance of IEEE conferences in shaping the scientific career paths of emerging researchers. It discusses the valuable learning experiences, networking opportunities, professional development resources, and recognition programs offered by these conferences.
The “A Real Experience, My First IEEE AP-S Conference” is dedicated to sharing a personal account of my transformative experience at my first IEEE AP-S conference. I recount the invaluable connections forged, collaborative projects initiated, and lasting impact on my professional growth resulting from attending IEEE conferences. The vibrant interactions and encounters with esteemed researchers have left an indelible mark on my journey. In the final section, the power of diverse perspectives in fostering innovation is examined. Drawing upon various backgrounds, the unexpected connection between engineering and the performing arts is elucidated. By embracing this fusion of disciplines, new realms of creativity, problem solving, and effective communication can be unlocked, pushing the boundaries of antenna research to new horizons.
In conclusion, this article sheds light on the transformative influence of IEEE resources and opportunities on the journeys of young professionals in the field of antennas. It emphasizes the role of IEEE conferences as valuable platforms for knowledge exchange, highlights the personal experiences that shape individual growth, and underscores the power of diverse perspectives in driving innovation. By sharing these insights, the aim is to inspire and empower the next generation of antenna researchers to achieve remarkable success and make a significant impact in this dynamic field.
As a young professional, I have been fortunate to have access to the resources and opportunities IEEE offers. These resources have played a significant role in my personal and professional growth, beyond just the technical knowledge gained. The IEEE Xplore Digital Library [1] has allowed me to stay up to date with my field’s latest research and developments. Still, it has also given me the confidence to participate in technical discussions with my colleagues and peers. The AP-S Young Professional Ambassador Program [2] has provided me with networking opportunities and career development resources and helped me build a sense of community and belonging within the larger IEEE organization. The AP-S Symposium series [3] has allowed me to present my research, learn from other professionals in the field, experience different cultures, and build friendships with people from around the world. Finally, the IEEE Student Branches have allowed me to participate in IEEE activities, helped me develop my leadership skills, and built my confidence in my abilities.
Overall, the resources and opportunities offered by IEEE have significantly impacted my personal and professional growth beyond just the technical knowledge gained. They have given me the confidence to participate in technical discussions, a sense of community and belonging, exposure to different cultures, and the opportunity to develop my leadership skills.
I can confidently say that IEEE conferences have been a game changer for my career. These conferences have provided me with a platform to interact with fellow researchers, industry experts, and thought leaders in my field, which has been instrumental in broadening my knowledge and understanding of current research and trends.
Attending IEEE conferences provides a multitude of benefits in the field of antennas and propagation. The technical sessions encompass various topics, including antennas, propagation, electromagnetism, and microwave technology. These sessions have provided valuable insights and inspiration for my work. In addition to technical sessions, IEEE conferences offer a range of professional development opportunities, such as workshops on grant writing, career development, and entrepreneurship. These opportunities have equipped me with essential skills and knowledge to succeed in my professional journey.
As an illustrative example, in 2016, we had the honor of visiting the iconic Arecibo Observatory (Figure 1) in Puerto Rico as part of the AP-S/URSI 2016 Conference. It was an unforgettable experience where we had the opportunity to witness firsthand the impressive radiotelescope and its remarkable contributions to science. Despite its closure in 2020, we cherish the special memories of our visit to this prominent scientific facility. In addition, our time in Puerto Rico was further enriched by a truly special event. We had the pleasure of attending a Young Professionals barbecue on the picturesque island of Palomino. This gathering provided a unique opportunity to network and connect with fellow professionals in a relaxed and beautiful setting (Figures 2 and 3). I also fondly remember the “Young Professionals Afloat—A Sail Through Boston Harbor Aboard the Spirit of Boston” event. It was a delightful experience sailing through the scenic Boston Harbor with both young and young-at-heart professionals (Figure 4).
Figure 1. The Arecibo Observatory during a visit organized by the AP-S/URSI 2016 Conference held in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.
Figure 2. The Young Professionals barbecue on Palomino Island, organized by the AP-S/URSI 2016 Conference.
Figure 3. The postdinner celebration at the Young Professionals barbecue during the AP-S/URSI 2016 Conference.
Figure 4. The AP-S/URSI 2018 Conference in Boston with colleagues from the Antennas and Propagation Lab.
In conclusion, I believe that IEEE conferences are an essential tool for developing young professionals in the field of the AP-S. These conferences provide opportunities for learning, networking, and professional development. They are an excellent way for young professionals like me to advance our careers in antennas and propagation.
Now, I think we should shift our focus to the personal aspects essential to this contribution. I’d like to share some personal experiences that have shaped my journey in this field.
Less than a decade ago, my venture into the world of IEEE conferences began with the memorable experience of attending the IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and USNC-URSI Radio Science Meeting in the captivating city of Vancouver, Canada (Figure 5). Year after year, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of this esteemed conference. Despite being part of a small group of Spanish attendees, we always come together for a special dinner known as ESCORIA (Spanish Committee for Research in Antennas). The name itself carries a clever double meaning, as “escoria” in Spanish typically denotes negativity, but, for us, it symbolizes the bond of camaraderie and collaborative spirit that unites us.
Figure 5. Whistler, British Columbia, during the AP-S/URSI 2015 Conference in Vancouver.
During these dinners, I had the opportunity to meet professors and students from other universities. Those informal encounters became the starting point for numerous joint research projects, academic exchanges, collaborative work, and reciprocal visits. The connections we forged during those dinners became lasting bonds that transcended academic and geographical boundaries. Curiously, the ESCORIA dinner became a symbol of our unity over the years, and more and more people joined, expanding the network of contacts and collaboration opportunities. However, the conference was not confined to the national realm alone. I was fortunate enough to cross paths with renowned experts in antenna and propagation research whose books I had read and admired. I engaged in conversations with them, shared ideas, and even took advantage of the casual atmosphere during coffee breaks and the gala dinner to have a drink together.
These conversations and informal meetings with prominent figures in the field of antennas and propagation research inspired and motivated me to further explore and deepen my studies in this area. Their knowledge and expertise were invaluable, and the privilege of interacting with them closely was genuinely remarkable. For example, I vividly recall the moment I was introduced to the late Prof. Kildal [4], [5], an inspirational leader who unknowingly played a significant role in shaping my research career. Looking back, I can confidently state that those dinners and informal encounters during the conference were pivotal catalysts for developing numerous research projects and my professional growth. The significance of networking transcended national boundaries, and I felt fortunate to establish connections with colleagues from different countries, cultures, and academic traditions. The conference was not merely a platform for presenting results and knowledge but also a conducive environment for exchanging experiences and fostering human connections.
In summary, the IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and USNC-URSI Radio Science Meeting as well as the ESCORIA dinner became annual events where collaboration and networking thrived. This conference was not only a space for showcasing research and knowledge but also a nurturing ground for sharing experiences and creating meaningful connections.
In the realm of telecommunications, technical expertise and knowledge often take center stage. However, there exists a hidden power within each individual, stemming from their personal passions and interests. In this last section, most personal of all, I invite you to explore a different perspective, one that transcends technicality and embraces the enrichment that diverse passions can bring to our professional lives.
As a telecommunications engineer with a deep-rooted passion for the performing arts, I embarked on a unique journey that intertwined my two seemingly disparate worlds. Throughout the course of my doctoral studies, I secretly pursued a degree in theatre, directing, and playwriting from the prestigious Spanish School of Dramatic Arts. This duality remained unknown to many of my colleagues, and, for a long time, I felt a sense of unease about blending these seemingly contradictory passions.
However, in retrospect, I have come to appreciate the invaluable lessons that emerged from embracing both sides of my identity. It is through this personal experience that I wish to share a valuable insight: our individual passions, no matter how diverse they may seem, have the potential to enhance our professional growth.
In a field often dominated by technical prowess, the incorporation of interdisciplinary perspectives can yield remarkable results. Although the arts and engineering might appear to be worlds apart, they share underlying principles of creativity, problem solving, and effective communication.
My theatrical endeavors taught me the arts of storytelling, harnessing emotions, and understanding human behavior—skills that have proven invaluable in my engineering career. Conversely, my technical expertise provided a structured approach, analytical thinking, and attention to detail that greatly enriched my abilities as a theater director.
Embracing our multifaceted nature fosters innovation and opens doors to new possibilities. By transcending the boundaries of a singular discipline, we tap into a vast reserve of knowledge and creativity that can revolutionize our work.
One significant takeaway from my personal journey is the importance of building a supportive community. Often, we fear judgment or assume that our personal passions will not be understood or appreciated in professional circles. However, it is precisely these personal facets that can strengthen our professional contributions. By sharing our diverse interests and experiences openly, we create an environment conducive to collaboration and growth. Engaging in conferences, networking, and presenting our work becomes an opportunity to inspire others and learn from their unique perspectives. Together, we can challenge the status quo and foster a culture of open-mindedness, allowing our individual strengths to shine and benefiting the entire community.
In conclusion, I humbly acknowledge the significant impact that IEEE conferences have had on my personal and professional growth as a young professional in the field of antennas and propagation. Through the exploration of key aspects in this article, such as the importance of networking, the accessibility of resources, and the transformative experiences I have shared, it becomes evident that IEEE conferences have played a pivotal role in shaping my journey. These conferences have provided invaluable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and building a strong professional network. I am grateful for the diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary intersections within the inclusive IEEE community, which have contributed to my holistic growth and transformative path. I hope that, by sharing my experiences, aspiring researchers can also find inspiration in the abundant resources and opportunities offered by IEEE, leading them to discover their own paths of personal and professional evolution.
Miguel Ferrando-Rocher (miguel.ferrando@upv.es) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communications, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain. He is a Member of IEEE.
[1] M. Wilde, “IEEE Xplore digital library,” Charleston Advisor, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 24–30, Apr. 2016, doi: 10.5260/chara.17.4.24.
[2] Q. H. Abbasi, “AP-S young professional ambassador program [Young Professionals] ,” IEEE Antennas Propag. Mag., vol. 64, no. 2, pp. 79–105, Apr. 2022, doi: 10.1109/MAP.2022.3145720.
[3] S. A. Long, “A brief history of the international symposium on antennas and propagation,” in Proc. IEEE Antennas Propag. Soc. Int. Symp. (APSURSI), 2014, pp. 522–523, doi: 10.1109/APS.2014.6904592.
[4] A. Svensson et al., “In memoriam: Per-Simon Kildal,” Radio Sci. Bull., vol. 2016, no. 357, pp. 45–46, Jun. 2016.
[5] A. Valero-Nogueira and E. Alfonso, “How gap waveguides were conceived,” in Proc. 11th Eur. Conf. Antennas Propag. (EUCAP), 2017, pp. 242–246, doi: 10.23919/EuCAP.2017.7928260.
Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/MAP.2023.3282241