WE25 Conference Recap and Highlights

The WE25 conference was an incredibly impactful experience for our executive board, offering opportunities for professional development, networking, and career advancement. Throughout the conference, members participated in multiple on-site interviews, leading to additional second-round interviews after the conference, and several job offers. These outcomes reflect both the strong preparation of our members and the value of WE25 in connecting students directly with industry professionals.

Our members at the conference in New Orleans, LA!

Ashley Wubben, Secretary, described WE25 as a valuable opportunity to explore companies aligned with her interests. Through the career fair, she gained insight into what recruiters look for in internship candidates and strengthened her confidence in pursuing engineering. Ashley also attended career development and leadership talks that helped her better understand how to position herself professionally and build meaningful networking connections she plans to follow up on.

Danisha Nava, Vice President, found this year’s conference especially fulfilling, drawing on her previous conference experience to approach the career fair with confidence. She connected with several companies, attended sessions on resume building, standing out at career fairs, and embracing change, and interviewed with her top-choice company. Danisha emphasized how preparation and intentional networking made the experience less stressful and more rewarding.

For Audrey Fields, Webmaster, WE25 was a highlight of her college experience. She interviewed on the first morning of the conference and received an offer shortly after. Audrey also attended technical talks, participated in ongoing interviews with additional companies, and was invited to private networking events that offered a deeper look into company culture. She highlighted the strong sense of community and belonging she felt while connecting with other women in SWE.

Georgia Krillies, Philanthropic Chair, attended one of her first large-scale career fairs at WE25 and gained valuable insight into both her strengths and areas for growth. She connected with companies she hopes to work for in the future, learned what employers look for in both interns and full-time applicants, and attended talks on semiconductors and emerging technologies. Georgia also secured an interview at the conference, which was especially meaningful as a younger student seeking her first internship.

Han Ju, Outreach Chair, described WE25 as a supportive and exciting opportunity as she begins her journey in engineering. She received an internship interview with Caterpillar, one of her first engineering interviews, and found the preparation process to be personally transformative. Han Ju also shared how networking extended beyond recruiters by forming friendships with fellow engineering students from other universities and strengthening bonds within her own SWE chapter.

Juliana Martinez, Recruiter, emphasized the breadth of opportunities available at WE25, noting that the conference offered valuable experience for students across engineering disciplines. As a mechanical engineering major, she connected with multiple companies, practiced her interviewing skills, and received invitations for follow-up conversations and private networking opportunities. Juliana also highlighted the importance of connecting with women in engineering from across the country and learning from their diverse academic and professional paths.

Overall, WE25 provided the chapter with hands-on professional experience, meaningful connections, and a renewed sense of confidence and belonging within the engineering community. The conference not only opened doors to interviews and job offers but also strengthened our members’ vision for their future careers and reinforced the supportive network that SWE provides.