Supporting confidence, growth and professional success through mentoring.
For Sumeet Shah, engineering has never just been a career. It's been part of his life from the very beginning.
A lifelong passion for engineering
Growing up in a family involved in manufacturing and engineering, some of his earliest memories are of designing and building projects at his uncle's metal fabrication factory. Inspired by childhood favourites such as Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a young Sumeet set about creating his own model aeroplane and even a pair of nunchakus.
A few years later, while still at secondary school, he spent a summer helping to commission new plastic recycling equipment at his late father's factory as part of a move towards more sustainable manufacturing. Alongside a love of science and technology competitions, those experiences cemented an early fascination with engineering and innovation.
"It felt like a natural next step," Sumeet says, reflecting on his decision to study Manufacturing Engineering and Operations Management at the University of Nottingham.
The university's links with the IET meant he quickly became a student member, beginning a relationship with the Institution that has continued throughout his career at Rolls-Royce and now Siemens.
"I've always valued the importance of continuing professional development and professional recognition," he explains. "The IET is an excellent example of where this happens."
Not content with simply being a member, Sumeet soon found himself wanting to contribute more. After joining Rolls-Royce, he became involved with the IET's Younger Members Section in the East Midlands, UK, later serving as Chair. He also sat on the Regional Committee before progressing to Regional Chair.
"It was so much fun, and I loved every minute of it," he says.
But it was his own experience of professional registration that would ultimately shape one of his most enduring volunteer roles.
When applying for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status early in his career, Sumeet sought the support of an IET Professional Registration Mentor.
"A big part of getting me through the process was my mentor and his invaluable advice," he recalls. "Most importantly, he helped change my mindset and raised my confidence to move forward and apply."
Giving back through mentoring
Having experienced first-hand the difference a mentor can make, Sumeet was determined to offer that same support to others. Since 2008, he has volunteered as an IET Professional Registration Mentor, helping engineers and technicians navigate their own professional registration journeys.
His motivation goes beyond helping candidates complete an application.
"I wanted to guide people to a successful outcome, but also help build confidence and belief in themselves," he says. "I find it extremely rewarding to support the development and growth of people throughout their careers."
What keeps him coming back after nearly two decades of mentoring is the opportunity to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds, each with their own experiences, strengths and ambitions.
"No two mentees are the same," he explains. "You're always learning something new, building new ways to collaborate and working through different challenges together."
Professional registration can often feel daunting, particularly for those who are unsure whether they are ready to apply. Sumeet enjoys helping mentees identify their strengths, recognise any development gaps and create practical plans to move forward.
"It's the best feeling when someone you help comes back to say they were successful in what we set out to achieve together."
The benefits of volunteering as a mentor extend both personally and professionally. Alongside the satisfaction of helping others succeed, Sumeet sees mentoring as an important part of his own continuing development.
"It helps me refine my soft skills and develop frameworks that help people achieve important goals," he says. "As I progress through my own career, I'm able to offer different perspectives and approaches."
He also values what he describes as an element of reverse mentoring.
"I always learn something new from my mentees, whether it's about myself or something I could do differently."
Investing in future engineers
For anyone considering becoming a Professional Registration Mentor, Sumeet's advice is to speak to someone already doing the role to gain a better understanding of what's involved.
"I would also say go into it with your full heart and motivation, as it does need a level of dedication. I mean this not only in terms of time, but investing in shaping someone else's future. There's also lots of support available through the IET's Mentoring team, so you won’t be alone."
It's clear that for Sumeet, mentoring is about far more than helping someone complete an application. It's about encouraging confidence, sharing experience and helping people realise their potential. Through nearly two decades of volunteering, he has supported countless engineers on their professional journeys, helping them take important steps forward in their careers, just as someone once helped him.
Thank you, Sumeet, for your long-standing commitment to mentoring and for inspiring the next generation of professionally registered engineers.
Thinking about volunteering with the IET? Alongside many other volunteer roles, we now offer two mentoring opportunities: Professional Registration Mentoring, highlighted by Sumeet's experience, and our new Career Mentoring programme for both registered and non-registered members. Read more about these opportunities on our website Volunteering for the IET.
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