Empowering Journeys: HCDE Students at the Society of Women Engineers Conference

By Jessica Zhang, HCDE undergraduate student

At the conclusion of October, I had the privilege of attending WE24, the largest global conference for Women in Engineering and Technology, organized annually by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Throughout the event, I was able to hear from keynote speakers, take part in workshop sessions, engage in a career fair, and connect with fellow women in engineering.

This marked my third attendance at the conference, yet each year, I am reminded of the strength found in community. Entering the opening keynote and observing over 10,000 women engineers gathered in one space is consistently a profound experience. This year’s opening keynote speaker, Sharon Hong, shared insights on surmounting internal obstacles and discovering strength in being vulnerable. Her message highlighted that true strength lies in being open and adaptable amidst challenges. This is a principle I strive to embody in both my personal and career paths.

One of the workshops I participated in was titled “Building a Personal Brand: What’s Your Vibe?” This session emphasized the significance of establishing a consistent and genuine brand that resonates with colleagues and peers. It was enlightening to learn how a robust personal brand can create opportunities and facilitate career development. The discussion also pointed out how utilizing social media, particularly LinkedIn, can effectively enhance one’s professional image. Hearing how the speaker had leveraged personal branding throughout her journey and how these insights can be integrated into our own careers was invaluable.

I also took part in the leadership reception, where I had the opportunity to connect with other SWE members from various universities. It was enlightening to discover how SWE chapters function across different campuses, and I left the reception invigorated by the collective commitment to uplifting women in engineering. The insights and experiences shared reinforced the significance of community within the profession.

In summary, the conference was an enriching experience that not only broadened my understanding but also fortified my ties to a global network of women engineers. I am appreciative of the opportunity to engage with individuals who are committed to creating change within engineering. The knowledge I acquired will aid in my professional development as I move forward.

A heartfelt thank you to the HCDE Student Travel Fund and the HCDE DEI Mini Grant for their financial assistance, which enabled my attendance at this conference. I am eager to apply what I’ve learned and to continue contributing to the SWE community as I advance in my career.