John Benedict Boggala
IEEE Potentials, the bimonthly magazine published by IEEE for undergraduate and graduate students interested in the fields of engineering, technology, and science, has a rich history spanning over 40 years. In this column, we will explore the evolution of IEEE Potentials, its significant milestones, and its impact on the field of engineering and technology education.
The idea for IEEE Potentials was conceived in the late 1970s by a group of IEEE student members who saw a need for a publication that would specifically cater to the needs and interests of undergraduate and graduate students in engineering, technology, and science. After extensive planning and coordination, the first issue of IEEE Potentials was published in January 1982.
During its early years, IEEE Potentials focused on providing students with practical and applicable knowledge that would help them advance in their academic and professional careers. The magazine’s content featured technical articles, career advice, and information on IEEE student activities, events, and programs. It quickly gained popularity among students and educators alike and became an important resource for students looking to expand their knowledge and network in the field of engineering and technology.
In the 1990s, IEEE Potentials expanded its focus beyond traditional engineering fields to include a broader range of topics such as computer science, information technology, and telecommunications. This expansion allowed the magazine to reach a wider audience and provide students with a more diverse range of information and resources.
During this decade, IEEE Potentials also introduced new columns such as “Student Activities,” which featured articles on student-led initiatives and IEEE-sponsored events, and “Industry Outlook,” which provided insights into the latest trends and developments in various industries. Additionally, the magazine began to feature articles written by leading experts in the field, providing students with access to cutting-edge research and knowledge.
The advent of digital media in the 2000s brought about significant changes in the way IEEE Potentials produced and distributed its content. In addition to the print magazine, the publication launched its digital edition, which allowed students to access articles and resources online. This made the magazine more accessible to students around the world and allowed for more interactive and engaging content.
The magazine also began to produce multimedia content such as videos, podcasts, and webinars, providing students with a more dynamic and immersive learning experience. The new format also allowed for more targeted and personalized content, with articles and resources tailored to the specific interests and needs of individual readers.
The 2010s saw IEEE Potentials expand its reach and impact on a global scale. The publication began to feature articles written by students and educators from around the world, providing a more diverse and inclusive perspective on engineering and technology education.
Additionally, the magazine launched several initiatives to promote student involvement and engagement in the field. These initiatives included the IEEE Potentials Design Challenge, which challenged students to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems, and the IEEE Undergraduate Scholarship Program, which provided financial support to students pursuing degrees in engineering, technology, and science.
During this time, IEEE Potentials introduced theme issues to highlight particular topics, research areas, or emerging topics of interest to students. In doing so, the editorial board was able to plan issues in advance, solicit content through calls for papers, and therefore attract high-quality submissions from subject matter experts in the field. After testing this in a few issues, the magazine converged on publishing an average of four themed issues per year, dedicating the September issue to careers and graduate education, and having one catch-all issue to feature other content received throughout the year.
Today, IEEE Potentials continues to innovate and inspire the next generation of engineers, technologists, and scientists. The magazine remains committed to providing students with the latest information and resources to help them succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.
In recent years, the publication has focused on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain, providing students with insights into the latest developments and trends in these fields. The magazine has also continued to expand its digital presence, with an enhanced website, social media presence, and mobile app.
John Benedict Boggala (john.benedict@ieee.org) is with an AL logistics startup called Locus.sh, and he previously had stints with Amazon and ZoomInfo. He is an associate editor for IEEE Potentials.
Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/MPOT.2023.3302668