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Education Forum

Education Info & Resources
for the Power Electronics Industry.

PSMA/PELS Educational Series for Young Professionals

The PSMA  Industry Education Committee and IEEE PELS is sponsoring a series of seminars for young professionals designed to provide them guidance in their professional careers in the power electronics industry. The series will include in-person, webinar and hybrid events. The seminars will cover a range of non-technical topics that are vital to advancing the careers of engineers starting in the power electronics industry and will be made available at no cost to attendees.

If you have any suggested topics to be included in the series and/or are interested in presenting a seminar, please contact the PSMA Office at power@psma.com.

To join the mailing list to receive information on future seminars, click here.

Upcoming Seminars:

Check back in April for future seminars.

Previous Seminars:

Managing Experts 

Abstract: Managing experts around the world and keeping up with changing conditions has always been a challenge. In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed things dramatically, requiring adaptation even faster than ever thought. Now there are more online than face-to-face meetings and more long-distance management than onsite training and discussions.

This webinar will address:

  • How to make individuals and groups with different backgrounds, from a variety ethnical groups and religions, beginners to professionals, freshly employed or already an old-timer, into a cohesive team.
  • How to guide an organization in today’s work environment.
  • The current challenges and opportunities, and how can these be used to create higher value.
  • The principles for working together that should be considered by an organization.

Alexander Gerfer, CTO of Würth Elektronik eiSos, will share the experience he has gained from managing an international team of over 400 technicians, engineers and marketing employees, and address the need to stay humble, curious and calm in order to guide experts successfully.

Presenter: Alexander Gerfer, CTO, Würth Elektronik eiSos

Alexander Gerfer is Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer of one of Europe's largest manufacturers of electronic and electromechanical components. Headquartered in Waldenburg, Germany, the company employs over 7,000 people and has manufacturing, logistics, quality and administrative sites in 50 countries. The graduate engineer (FH) for electrical engineering and trained radio and television technician has been with Würth Elektronik eiSos since 1997 and started his career classically as a technical sales representative. His knowledge of the many unanswered questions about inductive components combined with his practical experience in power management, recognized the need for standardized power inductors and interference suppression ferrites. Which became the starting point for today's product range of the eiSos Group. He has been instrumental in establishing the company's research and development, product, quality and supply chain management divisions. Alexander Gerfer is a technical book author, lecturer and sought-after keynote speaker. With his experience and creed, he has helped shape the development and direction of Würth Elektronik eiSos as a service-oriented manufacturer and technology promoter. 

Building Momentum in Industry: Skills to Excel During Your First 5 Years

Abstract: Moving from an academic or research-focused environment to a career in industry can be a major transformation point in any professional’s career. This talk focuses on the importance of developing skills outside of those which demonstrate pure technical acumen to complement your growth in engineering positions; specific advice and recommendations for how to improve your communication, leadership, and networking skills – which are crucial to developing your career – will be discussed interactively.
 
Presenter: Lauren Kegley, Wolfspeed

Social Networking for Engineers

Abstract: This session will address the importance of social networking and how to network or connect with people more effectively. Students, young professionals, and even seasoned professionals will gain valuable insights and guidance on making meaningful connections with others. This session was held in person in conjunction with PwrSoC 2021.
 
Presenter: Ada Cheng, AdaClock 
Ada Cheng was an electrical engineer at Motorola for 11 years before transitioning into a market analyst role at Gartner Dataquest. Consequently, she had to learn how to network quickly. As a result of networking, Ada served over 13 years on the APEC committee in various invited roles. Now as a market consultant with AdaClock and Anagenesis, she shares practical advice and tips for engineers to network effectively as part of their careers.

 

 

PSMA and IEEE PELS Educational Series for Young Professionals "Social Networking for Engineers" October 24, 2021

The PSMA Industry Education Committee and IEEE PELS have partnered to sponsor a series of seminars for young professionals designed to provide them with guidance in their professional careers in the power electronics industry. The seminar series will include in-person, webinar and possibly hybrid events. The series is designed to provide training of critical skills that most colleges do not teach but are important for advancing engineering careers. The seminars are being made available at no cost to attendees.

"Social Networking for Engineers," which was the first in the series, was held in-person on Sunday October 24 at the Singh Center for Nanotechnology on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia PA. This one-hour introductory class was held in conjunction with the 2021 Power Supply on Chip (PwrSoC) Workshop so that attendees had the opportunity to apply their new skills right away and thus maximize their event experience.

Many engineers tend to be introverted or shy, so social networking may not come naturally. However, the good news is that the class offered practical tips to overcome these challenges.


Ada Cheng in front of the University of
Pennsylvania Singh Center for Nanotechnology 

The class had four major sections:

  • What is social networking & why is it important?
  • Preparing to network
  • How to network at an event
  • How to network after an event

The seminar was conducted by Ada Cheng, Technical Marketing Consultant with AdaClock. Ada developed this shorter introductory class from training on social networking she created for clients to develop a competitive edge.

The feedback from all who attended this session was very positive.

For more information and to join the mailing list to receive information on future seminars, visit the PSMA Education Forum. If you have any suggested topics to be included in the series and/or are interested in presenting a seminar, please contact the PSMA Office at power@psma.com.