UK and Ireland Young Professionals Affinity Group Webinar | Career Pathways Series
Navigating the early stages of a career can be both exciting and challenging, especially in a world where industries, and the education and research sectors are rapidly evolving.
To support Young Professionals make informed decisions and confidently move forward in their careers, the IEEE UK and Ireland Young Professionals (YP) Affinity Group is hosting a series of virtual events, initially focused on career development in both industry, and education and research.
Contributors in this series will share their personal experiences and perspectives on opportunities and challenges within their respective sectors and share insight to help inform approaches to career development.
This series of Career Pathways Events aims to provide a platform showcasing local talent who will provide Young Professionals with insight and better understanding of different career paths options they can explore. By hearing directly from professionals at different career stages who have successfully navigated their fields, attendees will learn valuable lessons on overcoming obstacles, identifying opportunities, finding the right career fit, adapting to changing job markets, and developing the necessary skills to succeed and making informed career decisions.
There will also be opportunities for you to ask questions and engage with the speakers, making this event series both informative and interactive.
Join us to explore diverse career pathways and gain the knowledge to confidently pursue your goals.
For the first webinar in this series, we are very pleased to have a panel of distinguish speakers to share their experiences and support discussion. We encourage YP members to participate in this series.
Guest Speaker Overview
Sohaib Qamar Sheikh – Technical Program manager, Google – Skills Required for Career Advancement: Industry Trends, Networking Strategies, and Personal Development.
Abstract
This talk will explore my personal journey from academia to industry. I will share insights into the challenges and opportunities I’ve encountered, and how I’ve navigated the dynamic tech landscape.
You will learn about the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and networking. I will also discuss the value of a diverse skillset and how to cultivate a robust professional network. By sharing my experiences and providing practical advice, I hope to empower young professionals to make informed career choices.
About the Speaker
Sohaib Sheikh is a senior ICT and Smart Buildings professional with multidisciplinary, cross-sector, global consultancy experience. He has expertise in strategy, design, implementation, and commissioning of large-scale complex systems on major international capital investment programs, particularly in the commercial property and sports sectors across the United Kingdom, Middle East, and Russia. He currently works as a Senior Technical Program Manager at Google.
Sheikh has previously delivered keynotes and workshops at 40+ international events including the UNESCO World Science Forum, IEEE Sections Congress, and the World Engineering Education Forum.
Dr Nagham Saeed, Associate Professor, University of West London – The academic Career Track: Navigating Through the Tenure Track with Research, Teaching and Publication Responsibilities.
Abstract
Inspiring the next generation to pursue STEM careers requires embracing a variety of educational and training routes. Beyond traditional academic pathways, options like vocational and technical training, online and remote learning, as well as career transition and reskilling programs offer flexible entry points. This approach recognises that multiple pathways can lead to success in STEM fields, challenging the outdated notion of a single predefined route. By exploring diverse career pathways, we can empower future STEM professionals to find their unique journeys to impactful careers.
About the Speaker
Dr Nagham Saeed is an accomplished academic and researcher with over 20 years of experience in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Communication Systems. As Vice Chair of the IEEE UK & Ireland Section, she has advanced engineering education and professional growth.
Dr Saeed is dedicated to mentoring early-career engineers, offering guidance and support through IEEE initiatives, Early Career Talks, and annual Challenges and Opportunities events. Her mentoring approach fosters technical skills, career development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Through her involvement in IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) and the Intelligent Transportation Systems Society (ITSS) activities, she has created opportunities for young professionals to connect with experienced engineers, empowering the next generation to pursue impactful careers in STEM.