Mattie Eckerstrom, Incoming GPC
The GPC-E is responsible for aiding the GPC in organizing content for graduate students at annual conference. This is a two-year commitment - you will spend the first year as GPC-E, then move on to GPC for the second year. This is a great system, and allows you to be really involved and knowledgeable before you take on more responsibility. This position is to be filled by a SWE graduate student or recent Ph.D./M.S. graduate. The position is filled following the Society conference (i.e. the position runs February 2021 to December 2022). Time commitment is usually 2-3 hours per week, although it can be closer to 7-10 hours per week in the weeks before the annual conference. All meetings are through conference calls, except for required conference attendance for both WE21 and WE22.
The goals of the Graduate Programming Coordinator and Graduate Programming Coordinator-Elect are:
1. Increase representation of graduate-focused content at annual conferences by holding brainstorming conference calls, following up with people who have expressed interest in holding sessions, and working with our CAB representative to push for graduate-focused talks to be selected.
2. Work with the WE Local Liaison to improve graduate participation at WE Local conferences via social media platforms by pushing the call for talk submissions and by encouraging networking of members at annual conference.
3. Provide informational and community building opportunities at annual conference, both formal and informal, through a casual meet-up, graduate focused sessions, the GradSWE Member meeting, and the GradSWE Student Reception.
It is absolutely critical that applicants are able to attend WE21 in Indianapolis, IN from October 21-23, 2021 and WE22 in Houston, TX from October 20-22, 2022. Travel funding may be available but is not guaranteed.
I also wanted to share what I have gained by serving as GPC-E for the past year.
1. I learned more about the ins and outs of the GradSWE community and all the work that goes into growing and running it
2. I was able to spread awareness of SWE and its grad-focused programs to fellow students, and I was able to advocate for my peers by developing more grad-focused programming
3. I gained a better understanding of the annual conference and how it is planned. I got to help organize the annual GradSWE member meeting and GradSWE Student Reception. This was challenging due to the limitations of a virtual conference, but both events ended up being very successful.
4. I got to work with a great group of leaders from all over the country and learn from them and their experiences. The GradSWE Leadership Team is truly amazing, and I am lucky to be a part of it.
I've had a great time this year as GPC-E, and I’m really looking forward to working with the incoming GPC-E! If you are interested in applying, please submit an application as soon as possible. If you have any questions about the position or application process, feel free to email me at meckerst@u.rochester.edu