Events such as IRE Talks and AI Feast are designed to provide shy students with a safe and experiential platform on which they can gradually step out of their comfort zone on a new campus. Students are encouraged to communicate with the public through interactive sessions with their peers, live discussions with industry professionals, student anchors, and panel interactions, and to ask questions and communicate their ideas without being concerned about being judged. A supportive academic environment where students are surrounded by their peers also reduces the students' hesitancy to communicate and builds confidence as the student participates in these events repeatedly.
Over the years, involvement in these events will change a student from a passive listener to an active contributor and/or leader. By being responsible for such things as hosting workshops, coordinating teams, presenting ideas, and interacting with experts, students develop their interpersonal communication skills, decision-making skills, and self-confidence. The modern campus environment allows students to experience this transition by providing them with professional environments that resemble corporate settings, allowing shy students to envision themselves being not only learners but also future leaders.
