IEEE Young Professionals

Graduate students, post-doctoral candidates, and young professionals—the IEEE Photonics Society Young Professionals Initiative is an affinity group committed to helping you pursue a career in Photonics. We are here to help you: (1) evaluate your career goals, (2) refine your skills, and (3) grow a professional network.

young professionals man speaking to a group

young professionals working on a project

IEEE Young Professionals Announcements

Celebrate 60 Years of Photonics Innovation with the IEEE Photonics Society 60th Anniversary Toolkit

Illuminated Podcast: Exploring 60 Years of Photonics Innovation with Sir David Payne

2024 IEEE Photonics Society Award Recipients

View All Announcements

Partner Spotlight:

Dragonfly Mental Health Collaboration

Dragonfly Mental Health is a global nonprofit organization that conducts independent research on mental health initiatives as well as the stigmas and associated hurdles. Its leaders provide mental health and wellness guidance, coaching and best practices to institutions worldwide.

Partner Spotlight:

Global Solutions: Young Global Changers

The Young Global Changers is a community of students, emerging scholars, early-career professionals, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders from across the globe. They are dedicated to creating and implementing ideas that foster positive change by aligning the economy with social well-being and environmental sustainability at global, regional, or local levels.

More About the Young Professionals Initiative

Mission

Our mission is to provide professional development opportunities for Young Professionals and create the building blocks for lifelong and diverse professional networks. While school ties end at graduation, your support from IEEE Photonics lasts through your entire career.

Strategic Goals

Provide needed career and networking support for soon to be graduated students and professionals < 15 years post first degree.
Enable better networking and engagement between senior and younger members.
Provide access to online content and webinars to develop technical and professionals goals.
Create mentoring opportunities and support for those transitioning from student-to-early career.

Benefits

Networking and Mentorship
Regional Events and Chapter Activities
Access to Educational Resources and Trainings
Grants and Fellowships
Volunteer Opportunities and Leadership Roles

IEEE Young Professionals Sessions

Check out our professional development and mentorship sessions for early career on a variety of technical and professional topics.

"Volunteering is the key bridge for early career professionals as one develops in experience. Being part of a global network opens up opportunities for mentorship, collaborations, inspiration, and more. Be bold, put out your hand for support, but, in turn, offer your gifts as well."

Sinan Genc, Abdullah Gül University, TurkeyAVP of Young Professionals

“A sense of community is key. Within the IEEE Photonics Society, there is ample opportunity, awareness and drive to build not only a motivated and technically sound group of future leaders, but also those with a true sense of empathy and understanding for what success means in our world today. Our journey of sustained impact has only just begun.”

Akhil Kallepalli, University of Glasgow, UKPast AVP of Young Professionals

"Not all science is done in the lab. You need to collaborate and share your knowledge with others to make a bigger impact in our world. In that matter, being part of the IEEE Photonics Society has helped me expand my network, make new connections, and spread the word about the importance of optics and photonics."

Perla Viera-González, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, MexicoDeveloping Nations Representative, Education Committee

Attend YP Events

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet in-person and network virtually with other young professionals and mentors in the Photonics field. Check out our Community Calendar.

Boost Your Career

As an IEEE Young Professional, you have access to a broad array of career resources, global benefits, and a worldwide network of connections.

Volunteer / Mentor

To join a YP Affinity Group, organize local activities, or volunteer, reach out to our IEEE Young Professionals Advisory Committee for more info!