IEEE-KC Electronic NL,
12JUN2002
In this issue:
- Student Paper Contest: The Next Generation
- August PES Meeting
- A Message from Cutler-Hammer
- A "Sure Thing" Investment
- Thought for the Day
1. Student Paper Contest: The Next Generation
We are now gearing up for the next Student Paper Contest.
Here is what you need to know:
- If you would like to judge a paper (this will be
via e-mail), contact zugelder @ieee.org.
For the last contest, we provided Amazon gift certificates for the judges
and will likely do so this year. We are especially interested in
participation from outside the Overland Park/KC area. Time frame: Early
2003.
- If you would to judge a presentation (these take
15 minutes each, and require in-person attendance), contact contact zugelder @ieee.org.
For the last contest, we provided Amazon gift certificates for the judges
and will likely do so this year. Time frame: Early 2003.
- Students: Please mark your calendar for late July, to
check www.ieee-kc.org/students
. We expect to have sign-up forms, a timetable, and instructions in place by
then. In addition to being an exceptional resume builder and skill-enhancer,
this contest also provides monetary rewards for students. Please take note:
The most valuable skills in your career are your writing and presentation
skills. Please don't limit yourself to purely technical skills--doing so is
a bad career move.
2. August PES Meeting
Mark your calendar for the 15th, where you'll be treated
to an update on the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator (MISO)
activities, including the merger with Southwest Power Pool (SPP), new members,
and the Single Market Design Forum efforts.
3. A Message from Cutler-Hammer
Eaton Corporation’s Cutler-Hammer business unit has
developed a proprietary project management support process, called e-POD, to
facilitate coordination of numerous project coordinators, project engineers, and
application engineers, as well as equipment needs and schedules. This
coordination provides single-point responsibility, responsive communication and
quick turnaround. For more information, call 1-800-544-6691, or visit www.cutler-hammer.eaton.com
4. A "Sure Thing" Investment
Are you looking for some financial security? Nothing can
guarantee that, but judicious investment can vastly improve the odds. In these
troubling times, one investment stands above the rest. Invest in yourself. Here
are some ways you can do that:
- Visit http://www.todaysengineer.org
and become familiar with the resources there.
- Visit www.ecmweb.com--it
has a wealth of information for electrical engineers. It covers everything
from Voice-Data-Video to Power Quality. You can also find articles by our
very own Dr. Dale Rummer. The Forensic Casebook is both fascinating and
educational. While you're there, sign up for the free, highly-acclaimed
electrical zone eNL--unsubbing is easy, if you change your mind later.
- Visit www.mikeholt.com
to keep up with the National Electrical Code.
- Work now to arrange your affairs such that you have two
evenings a week available this fall to take advantage of the outstanding
educational opportunities available through the Electric League. Mark your
calendar now to check www.electricleague.org
in early August so you can reserve your seat.
- If you have an interest in circuit breakers or UPS
systems, plan on attending the 7x24 Exchange Midwest Chapter Conference on
Friday, the 18th of October--details are at http://www.mindconnection.com/7x24/conferencefall.htm.
Big names in circuit breakers will share insights with you from a technical
viewpoint. Also, APC will bring actual cabinets to show Power Structure--a
system our very own Ed Rafter helped design.
- Check out the links and resources at www.ieee-kc.org/links.htm
and you'll find various items of interest to electrical engineers.
- Do a Google search for project management courses, time
management courses, how to write a business letter, and various other
career-enhancing skills. These run the gamut from inexpensive downloadable
white papers to online interactive university degree programs. A small
investment in time every quarter via the white papers pays off over time. A
larger upfront investment via the degree programs can increase your
marketability if you are looking to make a career change or major
advancement more quickly.
- Don't neglect your health, family, friends, or other
aspects of making life enjoyable and worthwhile. How you handle this does
leave its mark on your career.
5. Thought for the Day
The IEEE is not some monolithic body of
staffers off in a distant land. The IEEE is all of us. Its goals are directly
inline with the best interests of its members. Some people choose to immerse
themselves in the IEEE, and that's fine. Others choose to pursue a particular
interest as an adjunct to other things--they benefit with just a small
investment in time. Both strategies are worthwhile.
Others choose to pay their dues simply so
they can say they are in the organization. That's OK, too, but to my way of
thinking that is like joining a fitness center and then not using any of the
equipment. Let go of old conceptions that IEEE participation requires endless
hours of meetings. All it requires is a desire to do something positive, and a
commitment to make that happen. How much time you devote toward that is entirely
up to you. Not sure what to do? Contact any of the IEEE-KC
Officers for suggestions, or visit www.ieee.org
and look for something interesting on a national or international scale.
Wishing you the best,
Mark Lamendola
IEEE-KC Publications Officer
**************************
To unsubscribe, send your request to writer @ieee.org
Please consider this action carefully, as it
will essentially isolate you from the Kansas City Section.
**************************
Because of the overwhelming number of junk autoresponder messages, the e-NL
"from" address goes to a "throwaway" account. To contact
the NL editor, use IEEE-KC Webmaster.
