Less than a year after helping to form a Sask Polytech Moose Jaw student branch of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Kareem Marshall accepted the George Armitage Outstanding Student Branch Award during the IEEE Canada annual student congress.
Originally a mechanical engineer working mostly in management in his home country of Jamaica, Marshall is now in his third of five semesters of electrical engineering technology at Sask Polytech. He was recruited as the first president of a student branch of IEEE by Babith Varghese, program head of electrical engineering technology.
"Student organizations need strong leadership, and it was clear from the start that we had that in Kareem," Varghese said. "He has been an excellent role model for everyone working to get a Sask Polytech IEEE student branch up. His leadership and hard work played a big role in its quick success.
“These types of organizations help participants to become fully engaged in their profession,” Varghese added. “They present networking opportunities and help professionals come together to collaborate and learn from each other.”
The IEEE is international, with Canada making up the professional organization's Region 7. The IEEE Canada annual student congress is a chance for students to network with each other and with professionals in their industries, and to learn from each other's presentations. It took place over two days in Toronto in September, and Marshall flew there to be one of the presenters.
“There were sessions on personal development, entrepreneurship, and lots of chances to network and meet like-minded students,” said Marshall. “We talked about innovative ideas for challenges posed by climate change and other relevant topics. It was really invigorating.”
Marshall decided to attend Sask Polytech because of his interest in electrical engineering technology, coupled with the desire to pursue further education and extend his previous career and skill set. He has already undertaken a co-operative education work term in addition to his studies.
“My additional education will give me an opportunity to work in Canada,” Marshall said. “But I didn’t know when I started that I’d have so many new opportunities while completing my studies. ... Babith was recruiting students to come together, and I knew it was a good opportunity. He’s really pushed my growth and the growth of the student branch. It’s been amazing.”
Saisa Maaroufi, chair of IEEE Canada's student activities committee, said that, "Saskatchewan Polytechnic has made significant efforts to improve the vitality of the branch with regards to the quality, quantity, and diversity of its activities that aim at promoting the growth and development of its members and allow interaction of the branch with the local section.”
The George Armitage Outstanding Student Branch Award was presented at a dinner held the last night of the congress. Marshall accepted it on behalf of the Sask Polytech students. He only learned about the award the night before flying out.
"It was a wonderful surprise on top of an already exciting trip," he said.
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