STEP2025: Student Transition and Elevation Partnership

Sessions & Activities
Day 1 – 28 November 2025
Registration & Lab Visits
The event commenced with participant registration from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by guided laboratory visits across various departments of IIST. Students explored cutting-edge research facilities and interacted with faculty members, gaining valuable exposure to real-world engineering applications.
Inauguration Ceremony
The formal inauguration took place from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Swayamprabha Hall, Department of Avionics.
The ceremony was graced by:
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Dr. Dipankar Banerjee, Vice Chancellor, IIST
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Dr. Kuruvilla Joseph, Pro Vice Chancellor, IIST,
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Dr B S Manoj Chair IEEE Kerala Section, Senior Professor and Associate Dean IIST
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Unni Shankar, Chair PIE IEEE Kerala Section
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Prof Chinmoy Saha, Chair Awards Committee IEEE Kerala Section . Professor, IIST
The inaugural session highlighted the significance of empowering students during their journey into professional life and emphasized the role of IEEE YP in shaping future leaders.
Keynote Address — Dr. Amalendu Patnaik
From 3:15 PM to 4:00 PM, Dr. Amalendu Patnaik, Professor at IIT Roorkee, delivered an inspiring keynote session on Microwave Antenna. His talk explored emerging technologies, innovation-driven careers, and the importance of continuous learning for young engineers.
Lab Visits (Session 2)
A second round of lab visits was conducted from 5:15 PM to 6:00 PM, offering participants deeper insights into advanced research setups and ongoing projects at IIST.
Ice-Breaking & Group Activities
From 6:00 PM onwards, students engaged in high-energy ice-breaking sessions, team formation, and curated group activities. These sessions were led by YP mentors assigned to each group, enabling participants to bond, collaborate, and develop soft skills through interactive challenges.
Dinner & Night Activities
Dinner was served from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, followed by extended group activities until 10:00 PM. These activities were designed to enhance teamwork, creativity, and communication—key skills essential for transitioning into a professional environment.
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Day 2 – 29 November 2025
MD Session by Mr. Akhil Raj
The second day began with a Management Development session by Mr. Akhil Raj, Secretary, IEEE CS Kerala Chapter, from 10:00 AM to 10:40 AM. The session focused on leadership, effective communication, and navigating early career challenges.
Session on Higher Education & Industry Perspectives by Dr. B. S. Manoj
Chair, IEEE Kerala Section
Senior Professor & Associate Dean, IIST
He spoke on the significance of higher education, various paths to pursue advanced studies, and how advanced qualifications influence career growth, industry readiness, and job opportunities from 10:40 AM to 11:30AM. The session provided strategic guidance for students aspiring to build strong academic and professional careers.
YP Round Table Session
From 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, IEEE Young Professionals hosted an engaging round-table discussion where YP members shared their experiences, project stories, and insights into IEEE opportunities. Students interacted openly with YPs, learning about mentorship, global programs, and professional growth pathways.
Valedictory Session
The event concluded with the valedictory session from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, acknowledging the support of all speakers, organizers, volunteers, and participants. The session reaffirmed the mission of STEP—to guide students into the next phase of their professional journey with confidence and clarity.
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Valyamala, Nedumangad, Trivandrum, Kerala, India, 695541