The Society of Women Engineers National Conference (WE23) took place in Los Angeles, CA
This year's theme was “Live without Limits” . This theme was seen in each of the amazing three keynote sessions. The conference also featured tons of breakout sessions ranging from technical talks, professional development, career advice, and so much more. This year the two day career fair had nearly 500 exhibitors for attendees to talk and network with! The conference wrapped up with its closing celebration featuring makeup artists and a live magic show to fit its theme of “A Show Without Limits”
This year SWE national broke their record and WE23 is officially the LARGEST SWE conference in the history of SWE with 17,000 in-person attendees and a total of 20,000 in-person/virtual attendees!
NIU SWE could not be more excited to have attended the conference! Here more from each NIU SWE member as they share their experience at WE23!
Courtney, President - “This year was the second time I was able to attend the SWE National Conference in-person. WE23 was an incredible experience from keynote and breakout sessions packed with encouraging, distinguished women in engineering. The three keynote sessions were so inspiring and really spoke to the theme of “Live without Limits” by sharing their personal experiences as women in engineering and tips that have helped them continue to grow their careers.
At the career fair I was able to talk and interview with several large aerospace and defense companies and grow my network with recruiters and other students attending the career fair!
As section president I was able to network with several other chapter presidents from the Midwest and share meeting ideas with them! WE23 was an amazing experience!”
Emily, External Vice President - “As an international student, WE23 gave me great insight on what my future post-graduation could look like. I had the opportunity to speak with over 40 companies about my foreign status and got some clarity on the process of obtaining a work visa. While many of these companies provided me with great advice, the people I believe I benefited the most from were the speakers of the many sessions spread out through the three days. With my interest in graduate and PhD programs, most of the talks I attended were focused on academia and were given by international speakers. I learned a lot about the benefits of continuing my education and was able to speak with multiple representatives from schools like Dartmouth, Cornell, Duke, etc. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity NIU SWE gave me at WE23 and will cherish this experience into my academic and professional career.”
Jacki, Internal Vice President - “The SWE 23 conference was full of great opportunities. Opportunities like getting to meet with companies, hear great discussions from industry leaders and professionals, as well as connect with other women in stem from all over the country, as well as internationally. Getting an experience like that is truly something that cannot be replicated, and the information gained is priceless.”
Elizabeth, Treasurer - “This was my first time attending a SWE national conference and it was a wonderful experience overall. The conference lasted for 3 days, and it involved many workshops, a career fair and keynote speakers. It was an amazing opportunity to get to attend this conference and meet many women in the same field, bond over shared experiences and likes and meeting all these big companies. There were also many lounges where you could rest, do arts and crafts, there was a boutique area where you could buy different types of SWE merchandise from different chapters across the nation. At the conference and the workshops, it had an empowering atmosphere and it helped me get confidence for the career fair. At times it was overwhelming, meeting all these amazing new people and speaking to all these companies. I would recommend this conference to all women in STEM to attend if they have the opportunity, it really is a life changing experience and so empowering.”
Maria, Secretary - “WE 23 was personally an amazing learning and networking experience. The three day conference included events such as panels, keynote speakers, career fairs, and hospitality suites.
The days commenced with the keynote speaker who all had personal stories to share and inspire all of those present. They provided me with confidence, inspiration, and goals for a great future in engineering. This was often followed by the career fair and interviews, which allowed me to meet engineers and recruiters working across different engineering fields from biomedical to entertainment, many of which had conference specific roles to apply to, an advantage that comes to attending this conference versus applying outside of it. Afterwards, there were panels and sessions hosted by professionals and companies that talked about their personal experiences or technical skills. Some of the most memorable were the Machine Learning session from an engineer from Jacobs, and a talk from four of the women engineers who worked on the James Webb telescope.
The Society of Women Engineers Conference was an experience that provided me with great networking and learning opportunities. Talking to many women in engineering, both students or well-established in their careers, was inspirational and helped me realize where I want to take my career.”
Jade, Social Media Chair - “WE23 was an invaluable experience. I gained so many wonderful connections and I learned so much. I also was able to meet up with other women in STEM connections I had previously made, which was very exciting for me. I bonded with fellow attendees, recruiters, speakers, and interviewers about how safe and inclusive the conference was. More than a few of the women I spoke to shed tears about how nice it was to be in an area primarily composed of women, as this happens so very infrequently in our everyday lives. The keynotes were also so interesting and inspirational. I loved being able to attend interesting talks, and to connect with the speakers afterward. The job fair also gave me so many connections. I learned more about companies, practiced my interview skills, and got fun company SWAG. Overall I had an amazing experience at WE23!”
Maja, Philanthropic Chair - “I benefited a lot from attending the WE23 conference. A choice that I have been struggling with regarding my academic/work goals is whether I should apply to graduate programs right after finishing undergrad, or if I should go straight into the workforce and continue my education after I work for several years. From this conference, I was able to figure out what I believe is the best route for me. After speaking with many company representatives, graduate program representatives, and other attendees, I came to the realization that I want to gain real-life experience prior to re-entering academia and doing research. Another benefit I had attending this conference was feeling inspired by the other attendees. In the past, I had many discouraging experiences where my gender has caused me issues in work and academic environments. Attending the WE23 conference with thousands of women in engineering and technical fields motivated me to work harder since returning and provided me with great connections around the globe.”
Naomi, Sponsorship Chair - “I had an absolutely amazing time at the national conference for the society of women engineers! The first day of the conference we got to see the opening keynote who gave some amazing insight into being a woman in the field. That day was also the first career fair! I was very fortunate to have many interviews. I was able to interview with whirlpool, John Deere, Milwaukee tool, Lowe's, Worley, and Walmart! We went to a hospitality suite provided by Milwaukee tool. It was very beneficial to be able to talk one on one in a more relaxed environment with the employees. The next day we saw the opening keynote as well as went to several separate talks as well. The rainbow room was a nice relaxation spot where I could go to calm my nerves by using my hands. Being able to see that there were so many women who are in engineering and are looking out for each other was amazing!”
See you in Chicago for WE24!
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