SWE annual conference offers students new experiences, contacts, knowledge

Two CECS students got a taste of things to come when they traveled to Philadelphia last October to attend the annual conference of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Helen Mills, president of the CSUN SWE chapter, and Erin Hong, a chapter member, were among the more than 11,000 people from across the nation and beyond who gathered to connect with colleagues, enhance their technical training and share their expertise. Attendees ranged from students seeking internships or first jobs to established professionals in search of new opportunities.

The event, called the WE Conference, is the world’s largest conference and career fair for women in engineering and technology, and it is SWE’s flagship event. In addition to making the rounds at a huge career fair, Mills and Hong took part in a variety of sessions, including “Lean Manufacturing and the Philharmonic,” “Get Your Worth: Salary Negotiations,” “Virtual Reality beyond Gaming” and “How Is NASA Empowering Women in Engineering?” Mills, as chapter president, also attended a session that provided background on the national SWE organization and gave her insights into the benefits and opportunities available to members.

“This conference is a must for any member of SWE,” Mills reported afterward. “There are so many things a member can do and learn. I had an opportunity to meet professionals and organizations that I would either never have been exposed to, or been able to meet in a more casual setting…. I cannot wait to attend the conference as a professional!”

Hong was equally enthusiastic, citing the opportunities to connect with women who offered advice about career-life balance. “It is integral for women to connect with other women and stick together,” she said. “A lot of women experience very similar things, so it is nice to hear how to tackle those situations. It was amazing and so encouraging to be surrounded by like-minded individuals—more specifically, women—in STEM!