Topic: Develop database of recent graduates for networking purposes

Program Description: The purpose of this program is to establish an electronic and printed database of graduating seniors and recent graduates. Written approval will be requested from each contact for limited use of database information as follows:

1. Contact graduates to request future student branch meeting programs
2. Contact graduates to arrange field trips to their place of business
3. Request graduates to provide resume reviews
4. Request graduates to give mock interviews
5. Provide information to EE Department Chairman to assist in satisfying ABET outcome requirements
6. Provide information to database members to facilitate personal network expansion
7. Provide contact information to appropriate IEEE sections and societies.

Time Frame: This program will be initiated during one quarter or semester. A database will be initiated with graduating seniors and expanded in future years to include recent graduates in the last 5 years.

Activities: Students will use existing information to contact graduates, describe the database project, solicit their participation, and update contact information. This will be accomplished by e-mail, telephone calls and written letters. Information received in these contacts will be used to update existing electronic files. When corrections have been completed, a directory will be printed. Copies of this directory will be distributed to each member of the database, to the EE Department Chair, to appropriate IEEE Section Membership Chairpersons based on zip codes. This will be used for future contacts by the student branch in planning meeting and activities.

Intended Outcome: Students participating in this venture will develop skills in making initial contacts, in sending effective e-mail messages, telephone calls and written business letters, and in developing personal networks. Other skills that will be developed include organization, teamwork, interpersonal relations, appreciation for diversity, database construction, and database directory publication.

Milestones: The GRAND committee will have the following tasks:

1. Establish process for contacting graduates and obtaining their approval
2. Develop models for e-mail messages, telephone calls and letters
3. Provide proposal to sponsoring IEEE Section and request funding
4. Enlist 5 – 10 student members to make contacts
5. Arrange for student branch members to use the IEEE alias program
6. Develop electronic database and publish a written directory
7. Provide database information to all interested parties
8. Submit budget form and final report to SAC committee