Kelly Smith

Name:  Kelly Smith

Nationality: USA

Job Title:  Substation Design Engineer

Organization:  Pacific Gas & Electric

Industry:  Power & Energy

Location:  California

Work Description: (1 line) - Design 4 thru 230kV electric substations including various relay, breaker, instrumentation, transformer replacements & additions.

Personal Interests:  Rock Climbing & Kayaking

Current IEEE Volunteer Position:  Student Branch Mentor

How did IEEE find you?  A friend of mine in college told me about the fun activities and projects they did in IEEE. I went to a meeting and shortly thereafter got involved in one of their projects. I became a member and stayed active ever since.

Describe shortly something that you did as a volunteer that you are proud of.

I helped to coordinate the sharing of ideas & events between numerous student branches. I got the satisfaction in seeing the IEEE activity levels at these colleges increase.

How has IEEE nurture you as a person?

IEEE has provided a lot of interaction between engineers from all levels & backgrounds. They've helped me with direction and keeping a level head while pursuing my goals.

How has IEEE prepared you for your workplace?

Attending the power engineering society meetings gives me insight into some of the latest trends happening in the industry and greater detail about various topics. It has helped me be more rounded in my job, since I have a greater understanding of topics outside my normal area of work.

What do you like most about volunteering with IEEE?

Two fold, volunteering puts you in a place of working with and meeting many people. Plus, it has built my own skills in organization, communication, and building team concensus.

What wouldn't be possible for you, if you hadn't volunteer for IEEE?

I might not have received my current job. Conference attendance and power engineering society meeting subject matter made a major addition to my resume out of college. It contributed greatly to my success in gaining an internship and ultimately a career.

What do you find unique about IEEE?

IEEE has a great depth in its members. It is common to find engineers that have worked in industry for 20+ years at power engineering meetings. They are great resources for my current work and greater understanding.

Why did you continue volunteering?

It's a lot of fun, at the cost of a little work. It generates a lot of satisfaction seeing my efforts pay off. Plus, I like working with the fellow volunteers, they are great!

Does volunteering help you to achieve your aspirations?

Yes, I get a greater understanding of the field of electrical engineering and it helps to give me a wider view of paths I can go in engineering. It's opening my awareness of the job best suited to me.

One (Two or Three) IEEE friend/s who left an inspiring impression on you.

I have a friend +30 years older than me that constantly gives me advice from what he wished he would have done if he were my age. I quickly learned the value of his wisdom when I started applying it, and even more so when I didn't apply it.