The last few weeks has seen university graduation ceremonies across the country, often accompanied by departmental prize-giving. The Sussex Network has presented IET awards at the University of Chichester, the University of Sussex and, most recently, the University of Brighton.


I was privileged to present awards at the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics at Brighton. There were two IET awards to graduates and two Sussex Network awards, one to a first-year student and one to a second-year student. It was wonderful to speak with the graduates and their families and to recognise their hard work and achievements.


At the end of my presenting stint I had the opportunity to say a few words to the assembled students and their supporters and I think that the message I tried to give is one that can be used more widely throughout the IET.


Whilst at university, students develop a support network of friends, fellow students, lecturers, tutors and admin staff. Hopefully they will maintain those contacts, but as they progress in their careers they need to develop other, perhaps more relevant, support networks. This is where institutions such as the IET can help. For example there is the YP network for our younger members, a whole range of technical networks and, of course, local networks that can be found throughout the UK and the world. Through these various networks new graduates can join in social events, attend local lectures, ask questions of technical experts and discover the joys and benefits of volunteering, particularly for schools events. We all need support of various kinds and the IET is well placed to help support students as they move into the career phase of their lives.