Bala Prasanna of IEEE Region 1

Workplace habits and expectations have changed significantly in the last several years.

Surviving and thriving depends on your ability to grasp the broader picture and hone some essential skills.

In these days of extreme competition, what is it that makes you get that job or assignment that you are very good at? The invariable answer: when someone like a professor, manager, or peer makes a recommendation or provides a reference, the likelihood of success is much higher than going it alone. Making sure that professors/managers/peers are familiar with your work and personality attributes is crucial to getting desirable results. Consider, for example, starting early on and offering your help or services to professors/manager/peers, and follow through with it—and when the time comes, make a request for a recommendation. The resulting recommendation is much more beneficial just because of your approach to networking. Thus, in order to get something from a network, you are contributing or investing in the network upfront, for a much better outcome. This presentation discusses the why and how of networking internals to increase your chances of success and the quantity and quality of returns.

Likewise, if we do not manage relations with managers and peers in the workplace, we will not have the resources to get our jobs done.  Communication—of all kinds—is an essential part of this management. Can we ask better questions? How do we work with difficult people? Do we always say nice things, but carry a stick? Have we tried talking-up? Are we deadline-passionate, and how do we manage that?

Do you believe that conflict holds creative potential, conflict is unavoidable and common, and conflict and negotiation are central parts of workplace life? If you do, you are already ahead in the game. For most of the remaining folks who get stressed out dreading conflict in the workplace, this presentation offers perspectives on conflict in the workplace and practical approach to handle conflicts or differences. We include discussions on topics such as handling criticism, and how important it is for us to deviate from our comfort zones once in a while to set different expectations for everyone—including ourselves.

We will discuss all this and more with examples and anecdotes.

You'll walk away more aware to train yourself to be relevant and successful in today's workplace.

Biography:

Mr. Bala Prasanna’s professional career of over 35 years includes working in institutions like SUNY-State University of New York,  AT&T and IBM in various roles in senior technical and management positions. He volunteers his time at IEEE Region 1 as a board member. He has also served as a board member at IEEE-USA during 2016-17.  Mr. Prasanna is proud to be a member of IEEE HKN Honor Society . He cherishes his time talking to students and career professionals specifically on the importance of career management skills and technology frontiers. As IEEE national speaker, he has spoken at various US and international universities and colleges on career management skills to survive and thrive in today’s workplace. His passions are photography, reading biographies and meeting people of accomplishment. Mr. Bala Prasanna is currently serving as  IEEE Region 1 Director for  2024-25 term and is on the IEEE Board of Directors during 2024-25. Bala is also involved in IEEE MOVE and IEEE HKN (Honor Society) programs.

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Kartik Srinivasan

Autonomous vehicle (AV) technologies have rapidly evolved, integrating advanced artificial intelligence, sensor fusion, and real-time decision-making capabilities. Ensuring safety, reliability, and performance remains paramount, necessitating rigorous verification and validation (V&V) methodologies. This presentation focuses recent advancements in AV systems, focusing on perception, planning, and control enhancements. It also explores state-of-the-art V&V frameworks, including simulation-based validation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and formal verification techniques. Emphasis is placed on scenario-based testing, regulatory compliance, and AI-driven validation strategies to address edge cases and unpredictable real-world conditions. Furthermore, the role of data collection and in house HIL design supporting Shift left testing is discussed. By integrating novel validation approaches with emerging AV architectures, this work aims to establish robust methodologies for safe and scalable deployment. The findings contribute to ongoing efforts in standardizing V&V processes, ensuring AV systems meet stringent safety and performance criteria before real-world implementation.

Biography:

Kartik Srinivasan is a Staff Systems Engineer specializing in Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Verification & Validation (V&V) for autonomous vehicles. With over a decade of experience in automotive and autonomous systems, he has played a pivotal role in developing HIL V&V strategies for Level 4 autonomous trucks at Torc Robotics. His expertise includes designing HIL test environments, system integration, and test automation for safety-critical vehicle systems. Previously, Kartik led HIL validation teams at Motional, contributing to the development of Drive-by-Wire and Perception subsystem testing frameworks. His work at Nexteer Automotive and LG Chemical Power further strengthened his experience in mechatronic test benches, functional safety, and battery management systems. Holding a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University, Kartik has pioneered innovative HIL testing methodologies. Passionate about AV safety and scalable validation frameworks, he actively contributes to advancing the field of autonomous mobility.

Connor Shelton of Wright Technical Services

In this session, recruiters Connor Shelton and Haley Coppes from Wright Technical Services will share insights to help young technical professionals navigate the job market with confidence. Attendees will learn what recruiters look for in engineering and technical candidates, how to craft a resume and LinkedIn profile that gets noticed, and how to make a lasting impression in interviews. They will also offer early career advice, tips for standing out with limited experience, and how to build a strong professional network. A Q&A will follow to address any specific questions.

Biography:

Connor Shelton is a Talent Consultant at Wright Technical Services where he supports clients with their Engineering hiring needs. Since joining Wright, Connor has grown from an entry-level Talent Associate to a Consultant, guiding candidates from initial outreach through to their first day on the job. His favorite part of his job is helping people land roles that are not only aligned with their skills but also have the capability to help redefine their life.

Connor earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a major in Human Resource Management from the University of Toledo’s College of Business and Innovation. While there, he was actively involved in leadership development programs and DEI initiatives; he also founded the university’s first school pride, serving on the executive board of his campus’s LGBTQ+ group.

Before joining Wright, he gained valuable experience as the first HR intern at a Cleveland property management company, which further solidified his passion for a career in human resources.

Outside of work, Connor enjoys playing clarinet in orchestras and ensembles, exploring local restaurants, and spending quality time with his family.

Haley Coppes of Wright Technical Services

In this session, recruiters Connor Shelton and Haley Coppes from Wright Technical Services will share insights to help young technical professionals navigate the job market with confidence. Attendees will learn what recruiters look for in engineering and technical candidates, how to craft a resume and LinkedIn profile that get noticed, and how to make a lasting impression in interviews. They will also offer early career advice, tips for standing out with limited experience, and how to build a strong professional network. A Q&A will follow to address any specific questions.

Biography:

Haley Coppes is Wright’s Market Director of IT Talent Solutions. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from Indiana University, and spent the ten years of her career in retail management, where she discovered her passion for strategic hiring, training, and development.

Since transitioning to Recruiting, Haley has worked in both Corporate Talent Acquisition and agency staffing, with a focus on technical hiring in the manufacturing industry. Throughout the pandemic, she helped hundreds of people find jobs in essential roles, and led staffing efforts for large events such as the 2021 Super Bowl. Since then, she has specialized in identifying and placing the top IT talent across the country in strategic roles.

Haley is passionate about candidate experience and creating long-lasting partnerships. She loves working with new people every day, learning about candidate’s goals, and guiding them through the resume and interview process to secure their dream jobs.

In her free time, Haley enjoys reading, gardening, and traveling. She expresses her creative side through art and home improvement projects.