We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Jaya Sujeewon Rughoo, whose journey from curious newcomer to community leader is nothing short of inspiring. Jaya spoke to us about how it all began, the moments that have stayed with her, and the advice she’d offer to future engineers. 
Let’s start at the beginning, what first drew you to volunteering with the IET, and how has your involvement evolved over time?
Honestly, my story might sound familiar to others, but it all started with PATW (Present Around The World)*. I love sharing how I first came across the IET, it was during a job interview back in 2015, right after I’d finished the fourth year of my engineering degree. One of the interviewers asked if I knew about the IET (I didn’t at the time) and mentioned I could enter the PATW competition to present my final year project. Wanting to make a good impression, I said yes, even though I had no idea what it was! Turns out, he was a volunteer on the Mauritius Local Network Committee.
I wouldn’t say my life completely changed after PATW… but it really did feel that way! As a trainee engineer, winning the local competition and flying internationally for the first time was such a big moment. That experience made me want to give back and help other engineers have the same opportunity.
After that, I was co-opted onto the Mauritius Local Network Committee, and I’ve been elected every year since. From 2016 to 2019, I organised all the local PATW competitions, something that I used to really enjoy!
My journey has taken me from committee member to assistant treasurer, then treasurer, vice chair, and now chair. I wasn’t sure I was ready for the step into the chair position (known as president in Mauritius), especially with a 15-month-old at home! It’s a big commitment, and I hesitated because I didn’t want to take it on unless I could give it my all. But this year, I finally said, “Yes, I’ll do it!”
I’ve also had the chance to serve as finance lead and Vice Chair on CC-EMEA (Communities Committee - Europe, the Middle East and Africa) from 2019 to 2022, and as representative on the Young Professionals Committee from 2022 to 2024.
*PATW ceased at an international level in 2019, but many local iterations still take place in local networks.
From a chance mention in a job interview to leading your Local Network and representing your region internationally. That’s quite the journey! Is there a particular moment that stands out from your time volunteering?
There are so many great memories from my time with the Mauritius Local Network, but if I had to pick just one, it would be meeting the EMEA team in person.
I was selected to join CC EMEA in October 2019, and we were all set to have our first face-to-face meeting in Oman in April 2020, but then COVID happened. So instead, we spent nearly three years working together virtually, monthly online meetings, countless WhatsApp messages, and even a virtual half day Communities Volunteer Conference for EMEA volunteers (plus all the prep that went into it!).
Finally, in October 2022, we met in person, and it was honestly one of my fondest memories. After all that time collaborating online, meeting everyone felt so special. I don’t know how they felt, but to me, it felt like meeting family.
That must have been such a meaningful moment. Proof that strong connections can grow even from afar. Has volunteering changed the way you view engineering or your career?
There’s this common misconception that engineers are introverted, not great communicators, and only good with machines. Of course, that’s not true, but I’ll admit, I was a little introverted myself at first.
Volunteering really pushed me out of that bubble and out of my comfort zone. It threw me into situations where I had to connect with people, collaborate, and create things together. You quickly realise you can’t do it all on your own.
I’d say volunteering has made me a much better communicator and a more confident engineer overall.
That’s such a powerful takeaway. Engineering is as much about people as it is about technology. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in engineering?
If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self, or to anyone aspiring to be an engineer, it would be this:
“It’s amazing if you’re one of the best in your field, but that alone won’t be enough. To really thrive as an engineer today, you need to build up your soft skills too, things like communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Oh, and definitely learn programming! Programming is the future.”
And finally, when you’re not volunteering, how do you like to spend your time?
A couple of years ago, you’d probably find me on a badminton court! These days, though, life looks a little different, I’m spending most of my time with my daughter and enjoying nursery rhymes together!
Thank you, Jaya, for sharing your story with us. Your journey is a brilliant example of how volunteering can open doors, build confidence, and create lasting connections. We’re proud to have you as part of the IET community!
IET Local Networks are active in many countries across the globe. Are you interested in learning more about volunteering on a local network near you? You can read more about our communities on our website.
Register your interest in being a communities volunteer with the IET through our quick and easy online form.
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