ASME early career leadership intern program to serve engineering (ECLIPSE): A talent pipeline model for developing early career mechanical engineers into future leaders

Abstract

This Lessons Learned Paper highlights my experience of a 15-months leadership internship provided by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Each year, ASME provides an exclusive professional development opportunity known as the ASME Early Career Leadership Intern Program to Serve Engineering (ECLIPSE). Mechanical Engineers who have completed a four-year degree with 3-10 years of work experience are eligible to apply. ASME has established this annual opportunity to develop Early Career Engineers (ECE) into future leaders within the community, strengthen their connections with peers and mentors, and expand overall membership levels across the profession. Selected into the 2018-19 ECLIPSE Program, I had the opportunity to complete a project for the Board of Governors (BOG) in collaboration with an assigned coach. My experience included the privilege to participate in several networking and training events, travel to a series of engineering conferences including the IMECE (International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition), the Board of Governors' strategic planning retreat, the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Conference, and attend an ASME Annual Meeting. Being selected into this distinctive Program significantly enhanced my leadership and project management skills, and enabled me to expand my professional network. Most notably, together with fellow 2018 ECLIPSE members we developed structured material to raise awareness of the Society and highlight the many benefits to early-career ASME engineer membership and volunteerism. Content in the form of brochures and email templates included a business case and guidance for early-career individuals (less than 10 years) on how to gain support from their employer or institution for time spent performing volunteer or general membership activities in ASME. My preferred presentation format is a lightning talk.