Lael Wentland is a 4th year Bioengineering PhD student. She supports graduate student WeLocal conference content.
When I became a graduate student I had this fixed notion that the only way I could get financial support was by applying to extremely competitive, large payout fellowships. This was completely untrue and throughout my graduate career I found I had much better luck by applying to smaller, less popular scholarships - like from SWE. SWE scholarship applications are due on Feb 15th, 2021 so there is still time to apply!
SWE gives out many scholarships every year and I recommend applying, especially if you are active in your local SWE chapter. You can apply and learn more at this link here but I provided some of the general information is below. There is no specific scholarship you apply for, rather you submit to a pool of scholarships and many are open to graduate students.
SWE gives out many scholarships every year and I recommend applying, especially if you are active in your local SWE chapter. You can apply and learn more at this link here but I provided some of the general information is below. There is no specific scholarship you apply for, rather you submit to a pool of scholarships and many are open to graduate students.
SWE scholarship application components
- Application due by Feb 15, 2021
- Fill in the general information about yourself
- Provide a resume, ideally highlighting your SWE experience. I recommend drawing inspiration from a previous post on a SWE resume here
- Short essay on why you want to be an engineer
- Unofficial transcripts
- Two reference letters due by Feb 22, 2021
There are a few eligibility requirements noted below. If you are an international student, you CAN apply.
- You must not be fully funded for tuition, fees, and books or equivalent.
- Note: research assistants and teaching assistants can still apply. We still have to purchase our own books and pay fees even if most of our tuition is paid and/or we get a stipend.
- Only candidates who identify as a female/woman.
- Masters and PhD candidates must be enrolled or accepted at a school with ABET-accredited programs in engineering, computing, or technology.
- You must be planning to attend full time (exceptions are made for reentry and non-traditional applicants).
- Transcripts must be in English.
When I applied and was awarded a scholarship in 2020 they asked:
“Please write an essay on why you would like to be an engineer or computer scientist. You can include information on why you believe you would make a difference in the field, and what influenced you to study engineering. Please do not exceed 350 words.”
My essay spoke to an experience that inspired me to study my current research and I highlighted my skills that will help me make a difference in my field. I made sure that my letter writers also mentioned this experience in their letters to support my application.
In my opinion, the amount of effort for this application is well worth the potential for $1,000 or more in scholarship support. Drop a comment if you have any questions or suggestions for your fellow graduate students to apply to the annual SWE scholarships!
In my opinion, the amount of effort for this application is well worth the potential for $1,000 or more in scholarship support. Drop a comment if you have any questions or suggestions for your fellow graduate students to apply to the annual SWE scholarships!
