Professional Development Experience: Attending the Intelsat Flex VSAT System Conference
Overview
This reflection paper documents the author's attendance at the Intelsat Flex VSAT System conference in Washington, DC, as a professional development experience. The author, a Chief Engineer and Engineering Department manager, describes the conference content, key learnings about satellite communication systems, and how the experience expanded professional knowledge and networking opportunities.
What this reflection paper covers
- Introduction and preparation for the conference, including personal role and professional motivation
- Conference content overview with focus on Intelsat Flex VSAT System benefits and implementation requirements
- Educational benefits and application of prior coursework to real-world satellite industry practices
- Networking opportunities and engagement with industry professionals
Preview
Professional Development Experience
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course Affiliations
Instructor’s Name
Dare Of Submission
Professional Development Experience
As a Chief Engineer and Engineering Department manager for Microspace Communications, I ensure the company’s engineering department functions efficiently and effectively. To expand my professional experience and knowledge beyond my current job and career, I attended the Intelsat Flex VSAT System conference in Washington, DC, on March 15, 2023.
Before attending the conference, I prepared by reviewing the agenda and researching the topics to be discussed. I also reached out to my colleagues who had attended similar conferences to get some insights and advice on maximizing my experience at the conference. Before attending the conference, I expected to better understand the Intelsat Flex VSAT System and how it could benefit Microspace Communications (Microspace, n.d.). Additionally, I hoped to meet professionals who worked in the satellite industry and expand my network.
The conference started with a presentation by Peter Olar, Sales Director and Project Manager for Intelsat, who introduced the Intelsat Flex VSAT System and its benefits. He explained that the system is a cost-effective and flexible solution for companies that need to expand their satellite network coverage (Microspace, n.d.). The system allows for managing multiple networks through a single portal, making it easier to manage network resources.
The conference also covered topics related to implementing the Intelsat Flex VSAT System, including the planning and training needed to interface the VSAT system with the uplink Hub, infrastructure costs for satellite bandwidth and hardware, and final contract implementation (Microspace, n.d.).