Mattie Eckerstrom
FY22 Graduate Programming Coordinator
Graduate students, perhaps especially those in engineering disciplines, are known for having a lot on their plates. Classes, research, work, and extracurricular activities don't leave a lot of free time. So, you may be wondering why you should spend a weekend attending a conference with a bunch of other engineers. Well, I'm here to tell you why you should do exactly that. Read on for several reasons why you, an engineering grad student, should attend WE21.1. Networking
It's not called "The World's Largest Conference for Women Engineers" for nothing! SWE's annual conference is a great place to meet new people from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. You can connect with others in your field or meet people who do something completely different. You can make new friends or professional connections or simply have some interesting conversations. No matter what, you're guaranteed to leave feeling inspired. There are also several events specifically for grad students. Be sure to attend the Graduate Member Meeting (2:30-4:30 on Friday) to hear about GradSWE's work this past year, plans for the future, and resources for engineering grad students.Then, stop by the Graduate Student Reception (5-6:30 on Friday) for networking with appetizers and drinks! There will also be an off-site Grad Student Social Hour on Friday night - stay tuned for more details!
2. Learn something new
With 3 days of in-person and virtual content, there's something new for everyone at WE21. Sessions cover a variety of topics, including Advocacy and Outreach, Career Development, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership, and Technical Innovations. Get advice on careers in industry or academia, learn about recent scientific advancements, or pick up some tips on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. There are over 175 sessions to choose from! Be sure to check out the onsite schedule and the virtual schedule to preview the sessions and plan which ones you might want to attend.
3. WE21 Career Fair
Whether you're graduating this semester or still have a few years to go, it doesn't hurt to start considering your next steps. There's no better place to do that than the WE21 Career Fair! There will be representatives from companies around the country and the world spanning many different engineering and scientific disciplines. Bring your resume and be prepared to network! Many companies will be conducting interviews onsite. You could come for the conference and leave with a job lined up, and that's definitely a win-win situation. The Career Fair will run from 2-6 on Thursday and 10-4 on Friday. If this is your first career fair or you want some feedback on your resume, stop by the Career Fair Tips and Tricks session (11-12 on Thursday) or the Rapid Resume Review (10-12 on Thursday).
4. It's fun!
Ultimately, WE21 is 3 days of hanging out with other engineers, meeting new people, and learning new things - what more could you want? For more information on the venue, registration, events, housing, and transportation, visit the conference website. We hope to see you at WE21! :)
