Is IEEE worth the $$
Just as a boy becomes a man when he picks up his first BB Gun, so too have I entered the EMS Industry with the arrival of my first trade magazine addressed to my name. Of course, I live by the motto of “go big or go home” and so it was only fitting that two would arrive, and that they would be the extent of today’s mail.
A little over a month ago I applied for membership with IEEE and joined a variety of societies pertaining to my line of business. However, I have yet to really feel the benefit of membership aside from the barrage of emails asking me to sign up for conferences. In an effort to effectively use my membership, I open the floor to you – my reader and potential IEEE confederate. How have you taken advantage of the various services IEEE offers? Has it been an effective networking/educational tool for you? Share your story of how it has been a blessing – or a bust.
All the best,
Liam
With this membership do you have access to the following?
– IEEE Papers from all different Societies?
– IEEE Spectrum Magazine?
I believe having just those two, gives one access to a wealth of knowledge. I believe those are good tools to have in any project.
~k
While I agree Spectrum is a great magazine it is the ONLY thing of value I miss since I had to resign due to a layoff. If money is tight skip it for now. They keep sending all the junk mail.
-jim
Hi,
As an IEEE member the past 24 years, I can say that
if you are not participating in technical conferences
or using the membership options like term life insurance
or other insurance features, then you will not be getting
your money’s worth.
Best features of membership according to my experience:
1) Discounts for technical conferences
At Design Automation Conference, the full conference may cost $600,
but IEEE member may be charged something like $300.
2) Term life insurance through New York Life (a solid company)
at very reasonable cost.
I believe I saved between $200 – $500 / year on $500k policy
by using IEEE administered term life insurance.
3) Short-term medical insurance
Having been also laid off I found out about
Assurant Health Insurance and found their costs to be reasonable.
It’s not meant to be a long-term insurance as there
are some limitations, especially pre-existing conditions.
I would highly recommend to use either the
Cobra which now has Stimulus Plan subsidy or going to
a regular long-term medical insurance plan.
4) Volunteer
Signup to help at local chapters and network with fellow engineers.
This may get you a job someday.
Support local community through volunteer activities
such as K12 outreach (Engineer’s Week, Science Fair judging,
Lego Robotics mentoring/judging,…)
The life experience as a community member is memorable
and beneficial to everyone.
David
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