This editorial is from the March 1, 2026 issue of The Reflector

By Soon Wan, IEEE Boston Section Local Conferences Chair

IEEE is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. I joined IEEE when I was an undergraduate student. At that time, I was not aware of all the great benefits that I could enjoy from my IEEE Student Membership. All I knew was that IEEE was a professional technical society. As a freshmen student, I wanted to be part of it, and I thought it would be cool to be belonged to a professional society that would help my life as a student. Then, I learnt that I could volunteer for IEEE, and began to volunteer for the IEEE Student Branch. I was elected as the branch president when I was at junior year. Since then, I have been an active and influential member and volunteer for the IEEE community. I have served several IEEE Major Boards – Member and Geographic Activities (MGA), Technical Activities, Educational Activities, and IEEE-USA, IEEE Region 1 (US Northeastern) and Boston Section.

I have realized that volunteering has been the greatest benefit of my IEEE membership. Beyond conferences, publications, and technical resources, it is through service that IEEE truly comes alive. Volunteering transforms membership from a line on a resume into a meaningful journey of leadership, impact, and global connection.

Through volunteering, I have had the privilege to support students, organize activities, collaborate with professionals, and contribute to initiatives that extend far beyond my local community. Each opportunity to serve has strengthened not only my technical skills, but also my ability to lead, communicate, and inspire others. IEEE provides the platform, and volunteering provides the purpose.
Unlike many professional associations driven primarily by paid staff, IEEE thrives because of members who generously contribute their time, expertise, and passion. From organizing conferences and publishing research to mentoring students and advancing technical standards, IEEE volunteers are the engine behind every achievement.

As a volunteer, you are not just participating, you are shaping programs, empowering future engineers, and building a community that supports lifelong learning. The impact is reciprocal – while we give our time and energy, we gain friendships, mentorship, confidence, and a deeper sense of belonging – IEEE is my Professional Home.

For me, volunteering is not an extra activity. It is the heart of my IEEE experience. It has expanded my perspective, amplified my voice, and reminded me that leadership is service. In giving back to IEEE, I have received far more in return.

IEEE Boston Section is looking for volunteers. Please volunteer:  https://ieeeboston.org/become-a-volunteer

Soon Wan has been an active and influential member and volunteer of the IEEE community, particularly within IEEE Region 1 (US Northeastern) and Boston Section. His dedication to fostering student engagement and professional development is evident through his leadership roles and contributions to various student activities. As the past Region 1 Student Activities Chair, Soon Wan played a pivotal role in organizing and overseeing numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the educational and practical experiences of IEEE student members. One of Soon’s major contribution is to instrument in promoting the Micromouse Competition, a prestigious event that challenges students to design, build, and program autonomous robotic mice to navigate a maze. Soon also spearheaded the organization of Drone and Robotics Workshops at many IEEE Student Branches and Student Conferences. Soon’s insights and experiences from working closely with students and young professionals help shape initiatives that foster lifelong learning and professional growth.