Navigating through Tough Times
There’s no doubt about it—electronic packaging, and indeed the entire semiconductor industry worldwide—is experiencing a downturn. This downturn has been explained by much more qualified personnel, so I won’t rehash their information here; what I’d like to do in this issue is address how we all can take steps to help us through these difficult times.
Many qualified professionals are finding that their services are no longer needed; others live with a constant worry of layoffs, reductions in force, downsizing, etc. Studies have shown that constant concern about the safety of one’s job position or company fiscal health is detrimental; yet most of us can’t help but worry that downsizing is imminent.
One way to stave off the negative effects of this worry may be to do something positive to counteract it. Sometimes it doesn’t make a difference who you know or what you know; other times, it may be the difference. For these times, I’d like to remind you of the following IMAPS services, available through your membership fee of only $60 per year (one of the lowest in the industry):
1) The IMAPS Industry Guide
http://www.imaps.org/indguide/
This members-only benefit allows IMAPS members to search for other members to enhance networking opportunities, as well as search companies by specialty. Specialty search allows you to narrow your focus of target companies that you may be able to benchmark against or work cooperatively with.
2) The IMAPS Market Place
http://www.imaps.org/market.htm
This free listing forum allows folks who are looking for a job to post a short description of positions wanted, as well as for organizations to post positions available. There is no cost to enter a listing, and it provides a two-way communication with IMAPS corporate members and others interested in finding talent.
3) The IMAPS Symposium
http://www.imaps.org/imaps2001
The Symposium, in addition to being a great place to learn the latest technologies and techniques, provides a ‘one-stop shopping’ location to get information on companies, products and services. In previous years, and most likely again this year, it provides an opportunity for posting of resumes or wanted positions with member companies on site.
4) IMAPS local chapter meetings
http://www.imaps.org/chapters.htm
This is a great place to meet others in the local area and develop a strong network of local contacts. It’s by far the easiest way to ‘plug’ in to the local industry and find out what’s what, who’s who, and what’s up.
5) Technical courses
http://www.imaps.org/advedu.htm
IMAPS is beginning to offer web-based courses on the website listed above; the first offering is Introduction to Hybrid Microelectronics, by Jerry Sergent, PhD. Several other professional development courses (PDCs) are available through attendance at various Advanced Technology Workshops (ATWs), also listed on this site.
And if the unfortunate does happen, and you are no longer employed, please contact IMAPS when it comes time to renew and let us know your status. We will waive the membership fee temporarily until you can find other employment. We value our members and want you to stay with IMAPS!
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