At the IET, our volunteers play a vital role in supporting the engineering and technology community. From mentoring to professional registration, their contributions help shape careers and inspire others. In this edition of our volunteer spotlight, we caught up with David to learn more about his journey, the variety of roles he’s taken on, and what keeps him coming back.
Let’s start at the beginning, what inspired you to start volunteering, and how has your experience evolved?
My interest in volunteering began early in my career, inspired by the encouragement of colleagues at my first workplace, particularly my first manager, whose support was instrumental in my journey towards CEng registration. That early influence sparked a desire to get involved, and I soon joined the younger members committee of my Local Network, taking on the role of visits secretary. It was a steep learning curve, but it gave me valuable insight into the world of professional volunteering and helped build my confidence.
That sounds like a great foundation. How did your volunteering journey progress from there?
As my career developed, I became increasingly aware of the importance of mentoring and wanted to better support those around me. This led me to train as an IET mentor, where I had the opportunity to work with postgraduates from a variety of organisations. Helping others navigate their professional journeys has been incredibly rewarding, especially as I’ve benefited from similar support myself.
Later, I took on the role of Professional Registration Advisor, stemmed from a desire to support others in their professional development and to broaden my own understanding of the registration process. After completing training at Savoy Place, I began volunteering at registration clinics, an experience that quickly became a regular and rewarding part of my professional life.
It’s lovely to hear how each step built on the last. In what ways has volunteering with the IET supported your own professional development?
Volunteering with the IET has been incredibly valuable in helping me develop a range of personal and professional skills that have proved useful in the workplace. It’s encouraged me to be more proactive in seeking out career development opportunities and has broadened my perspective on how engineers grow and evolve throughout their careers.
One particularly rewarding experience was contributing to the development of the IET’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework, shaped by requirements from the Engineering Council. It was very much a case of learning by doing, and through that process, I gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of reflecting on recent experiences and learning outcomes.
A brilliant example of learning through volunteering. Could you tell us a bit more about the CPD Advisor role, what does it involve?
The CPD Advisor role originally came about so that the IET could satisfy the Engineering Council requirements for mandatory CPD assessment of its registered members, and I met with a number of other institutions to look at their different approaches, however the IET grasped the opportunity to develop a system that would encourage all members to engage with this important topic.
In this role, I provide feedback and encouragement to whoever is assigned to me. Standard questions need to be answered, but I do have the freedom to make it personal and based on the specific information I'm reading. My goal is always to try to help engineers reach their own personal best, whatever that may be, and this role provides one more way for me to do this.
I am free to choose how many people I advise so that I don't get overloaded and, being part of the on-line Career Manager, it is a straightforward process to use. We need more CPD Advisors - give it a go!
It’s fantastic to hear how the CPD Advisor role supports professional standards. Hopefully your positive experience will encourage others to get involved too!
We love hearing about standout moments, can you share a memorable experience from your time volunteering?
One volunteering day that really stands out took place at the National Railway Museum in York. Due to an unexpected change in circumstances, I found myself as the sole Professional Registration Advisor available for the event. Over the course of the afternoon, I conducted interviews with 13 potential applicants, an intense but incredibly rewarding few hours.
Despite the busy schedule, I managed to squeeze in a moment to appreciate the surroundings, including a quick visit to see the iconic “Mallard” locomotive. It was a brilliant blend of professional engagement and personal enjoyment, and a great example of how volunteering can lead to unique and memorable experiences.
Mallard: The world's fastest steam locomotive | National Railway Museum
I've had the pleasure of visiting the National Railway Museum in York a couple of times myself, and it never disappoints. For anyone who hasn’t been, it’s full of fascinating history and iconic exhibits, it’s one for the must visit list!
What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering with the IET?
Be open to the opportunities that volunteering with the IET can offer. There’s a wide variety of roles available, and excellent support from IET staff to help you find your feet. Don’t be afraid to dip your toe in the water, sometimes the best way to discover what suits you is simply to give it a go.
If you're asked to get involved, say yes and take time to consider it properly. You’re never locked in, and it’s perfectly okay to step back if it doesn’t feel like the right fit. The key is to stay curious and give yourself the chance to explore. You never know what you might learn or where it might lead until you try.
And finally, David, when you’re not busy volunteering, how do you like to spend your time?
When I'm not volunteering for the IET (or other groups and organisations), I'm usually gardening which I find to be very therapeutic - or looking after my lovely grandchildren.
Thank you, David!
A huge thank you to David for sharing his story and for the incredible work he does as a volunteer. His journey is a brilliant reminder of how volunteering can not only support others but also enrich your own professional and personal life.
We’re currently open for applications to become a CPD Advisor until 20 October, if you’re feeling inspired, why not explore the many ways you can get involved with the IET?
Read the role description on our website, or email volunteer@theiet.org for more information.
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