Institution news
The Institution’s Young Member of the Year competition is not just a great way to recognise engineers starting their careers, it is also a powerful way to spread ideas across the globe, says past winner Jose Garteizgogaeascoa Foraster.
Last year’s Volunteer of the Year, Jose, who is based in Spain, says winning the category is an achievement he will always be proud of. He’s urging young members of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) from around the world to enter this year’s awards.
“It doesn’t matter if you have done many things in your country,” Jose explained. “The important thing is to let the Institution know that you have done these things and to let other people know what you are doing. Maybe this increases the interest [in this field)] and brings new ideas.”
Entries for this year’s competition are now open. The three categories are: IMechE Volunteer of the Year, Developing Engineer of the Year and Young Member Visionary (previously the Young Member of the Year).
Jose joined IMechE’s Iberia Group in 2012 and became its Chair in 2016. His work has allowed local chapters to grow, new events to be held and for campaigns like Speak out for Engineering (SOFE) to flourish. “To win last year’s award was a way for the Institution to recognise the effort I had made. The Institution should keep on recognising members who promote it and the engineering profession around the globe.”
Adjudicated by IMechE’s Young Members Board (YMB), the awards seek out role models and members who apply themselves in the workplace and promote engineering.
Judge, Ben Vallely, believes the “clearest indicator of excellence” is to let the judges know what impact your work - be it volunteering or career development - has had.
“The prestige of winning this award, of being recognised by your peers, is empowering and confidence boosting,” Ben says. “Having a prestigious award on your CV can be looked on very kindly by prospective employers, who look for people dedicated to the profession. The opportunity to interact with key members of the Institution cannot be underestimated.”
Judge Lydia Amarquaye agrees. “This is a great opportunity to talk about the work that you have been doing, As a community, we don’t always like to shout about our achievements, but we love to hear about what’s going on in different pockets from all around the world. Ask others around you to contribute to your application… they will help you realise how much you have achieved.”
Christian Young, who also judges the competition, says the awards help showcase a “dynamic and vibrant” industry.
“These awards help employers identify the most promising young engineering talent. They are highly competitive and it takes real achievement to win one.”