National Engineer week is a time to reflect and recognize engineers around the globe. A time to show the importance of STEM careers especially to kids who are figuring out their interests. As Engineer week comes to an end, our officers reflect on how they began their journey to becoming engineers:



​"I became interested in engineering in high school after there was an opportunity to build a solar car for a competition. After helping build the solar car I knew I wanted to be an engineer. I have gained knowledge, leadership skills and friends from engineering so far and can’t wait to grow more in the field."

​-Sheena Lindorm

  


  "Growing up as a kid, I was fascinated with becoming an inventor and understanding how mechanical machines worked. I was in an inventor’s class in elementary school and an engineering class in middle school both which I really enjoyed. As I got older, I was almost scared to become an engineer because of all the hard classes and content I would have to take which almost made me change my mind. But I became and engineer to enhance my knowledge about how mechanical machines operated. My main area is in automotive and aerospace since that is where my passion lies. I have always been told that if you have a
passion for something, you will enjoy your career and strive to learn new things. I also want to encourage    
                                                               future and current female engineer students to set big
                                                               lifetime goals for themselves and help them to reach
                                                               their achievements for their passions."

                                                                  - Audrey Huneycutt

When I first joined UNT SWE, I started hearing the term 'conference' being thrown around. Being new to the game, I did not know what it exactly entailed. I did some research and after going to a couple of meetings, I understood the importance of conference and what it can do for you as a student,

At the time, SWE was getting ready to head out to National Conference in Austin, TX. I had already missed the deadline for it and I knew I was not ready for conference, especially one that was as large as national. Knowing that a local conference would soon be coming up, I had made up my mind to attend that.

Fast forward two months, during winter break, registration for WeLocal Tulsa had already began but I had not signed up. I had the website bookmarked, I knew the cost and what I needed to do but my nerves and fear of not knowing what to expect kept me from signing up. I kept making excuses that I would miss too much of school and would not be able to catch up but in reality, going to conference meant I had to leave my comfort zone. After realizing that the worst that could happen was not actually that bad, I registered overnight, wrote my essay for SWE transportation and started preparing. 

I printed over 50 resumes, and 500 business cards (YIKES!), just to be on the safe side. 
Conference turned out to be pretty fun and informative with workshops and speeches from the former mayor of Tulsa, Kathryn Taylor and Kate Van Dellen, an aerospace engineer turned advocate for STEM education in schools. From informative workshops that detailed the hardships of women as engineers to fun worships where you made ice-cream, from liquid nitrogen, the conference turned out to be blast. As a first time attendee, it was the perfect size for me to get use to. 

There was also a  career fair there with a mix of companies, from Lockheed Martin to Spirit AeroSystems. It gave me an opportunity to pitch myself and also fine-tune what I wanted to say to recruiters. In all honesty, the career fair was not as grand as I expected it to be and did not have as many companies that I had expected but it was good practice for next time.

Overall, the conference was a great opportunity to me and I hope all you make the leap and attend at least one during undergrad. I will definitely be going to National SWE Conference in October!

Until next time!

As the spring semester is about to begin, it's time to set our alarms and begin a brand new semester! The start of the semester is always tough because you are still in break-mode, hoping that maybe another Christmas will make an appearance before you start class again, but all the best students know that getting ahead as soon as school starts will pay off down the line.

What's important to know this semester?

1) TIME MANAGEMENT

We have all had those days where we've had two exams the next morning, h.w due and on top of that another project. A great way to combat all of this would've been if you go back to the first day of class and told yourself that you would keep up with your work. 

Time management is key to a successful semester! As engineers, its a great skill that we should have nailed down and comes in handy during those stressful weeks. Classes are tough but breaking everything down makes it much easier!

2) ORGANIZATION

Finding your Mechanics hw in your Thermo binder is a sign that you need to organize. Not only does this make your life simpler but it also alleviate any non-essential stress. Leave the stress for an up-coming exam!

3) STUDY!!

I cannot stress this enough! As college students, we have more time on our hands and no one to parent us. We have to be responsible for our own success and that won't come with out studying, so take some time out of your day to get some studying done (including the first day of class)

​Until Next time!

National Conference 2017 turned out to be a huge success for UNT as we won three awards, including one for the Collegiate Silver SWE Mission Award. 9 members went to conference including many of our officers as well as some first timers. Although they highlighted the best moments of conference, even now they are reflecting on the amazing opportunity conference is for all. Read more to find out!

SWE: How many times have you been and in what ways was WE17 different than the previous times you have gone?

Sammy Zellner (Senior, MTSE): This is my 3rd SWE conference. This year was different than previous years because it was closer to home than the other conferences (Austin, TX vs Philadelphia and Nashville). This year also had more sessions that pertained to topics for millennials (how to stand our in the workplace when you are the youngest there, etc.) 
 
Oluwasubomi "Suby" Adenuga (Sophmore, MEEN):  It was my first time attending conference. I really enjoyed the conference, although I didn't stay with SWE I had a lot of fun and got time to experience Austin. Before the conference I was just there I wasn't too excited because I didn't know what to expect but afterwards I was for sure happy I went.

Laura Mello (Senior, MTSE): This was my second time attending conference, I also went to WE16. This year there were more attendees than last year, but it felt less overwhelmingly packed, probably because I was ready for it this year. 



SWE: Can you tell us a bit about how WE17 works-what’s the schedule ?​

Zellner: Each day, there are TONS of professional development workshops, networking opportunities at the career fair, networking luncheons, and other events throughout the conference. I also had the opportunity to attend the Celebrate SWE awards banquet on Saturday night as well. 

Adenuga: You get up a little early in the morning say about 7am and get ready to arrive at Austin Conventional Center by like 8:30am. Afterwards, you register at the front desk and then you explore the convention center to familiarize yourself with the [lace. Then afterwards you search for where the seminars you paid for are located and you wait patiently outside for them to start. Now at this point its about 2pm, You then get ready for the career fair by brushing your hair, taking a quick freshener like mint and correcting your appearance in the mirror before  walking in. You meet with companies, hand them your resume and follow up with them. It is getting a little late (9pm) then you head on the bus and go back to the hotel and relax for the next day of events.

Mello: A typical day at conference starts with breakfast out someplace or at the hotel, followed by plenary sessions you've chosen, followed by the career fair, followed by more food. Although usually your plans change once you get there because some sessions fill up, or you run into old connections and end up spending time catching up!

​
SWE: What's was your most memorable moment from Conference?

Zellner: Receiving 3 awards for UNT SWE - 1 regional award for Outstanding Innovative Existing Program (for the Brain STEMs Program), and 2 National awards (SWE Mission Award Silver - Collegiate and SWE Best Practice Award-Communication). 

Adenuga: Getting an interview from Toyota was by far my most memorable moment.

Mello: The most memorable moments of conference happen outside of conference with the people you meet or get to know better. Mine for this year was at a local eatery/bar that served DIY s'mores at your table. So they brought out a little fire and smores supplies, and my friends and I made smores together!

SWE: Lastly, what advice would you give those who are considering going in the future?

Zellner: If you are on the fence about whether you want to attend conference, I encourage you to definitely go! There is nothing else like conference, and the benefits of attending outweigh the cost of it. 

Adenuga: If you go, definitely come prepared and apply online for EACH and EVERY company because most recruiters asked that question, on one occasion one even refused to talk to me till I applied online. Applying online builds a base for the recruiters and interviews to build upon. Also bring business cards.

Mello: Buy comfortable, quality flats. It should be an investment, you will use these forever. I like Cobb Hill because they're made by New Balance, so they're basically formal and cute with the comfort of tennis shoes. Also, overbook yourself on sessions so you have backup plans, and make sure to bring your resume on a USB just in case you run out (which is rare, but could happen). 

Until next Time!

Last Monday, Schneider Electric came to visit and talked about the importance of personal branding. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
- Offers a strategic framework for managing your career
- Improves confidence
- Increases visibility 
​- Helps achieve your goals 

HOW DO I CULTIVATE THIS?
1) Discover
2) Develop
3) Implement
4) Nurture 

     1) DISCOVER
You need to find out what your personal goals are: what makes you unique? How are you perceived right now? What does your online profile say about you? What is you niche? And lastly, what is your market? 

Asking yourself these simple questions has already led you down to the your own path!

    2) DEVELOP
Next, you need to identify the target audience (BIGGEST PART). Knowing your audience will allow you to develop your brand with their concept around. Find your mission statement and vision!!
   
    3) IMPLEMENT
Now this is the fun part. Here you get to make your business cards (vital for elevator pitches) , resumes/cover letters, portfolio, blog/website( not necessary ), Linkedin Profile, FB profile, Twitter, and wardrobe.

** Wardrobe tells you a lot about a person. Knowing who your audience is, you can build your wardrobe around their criteria.

    4) NURTURE
The last step intends to keep at your personal brand. Keep adding, updating and rearranging your brand. Nobody said that it will be perfect the first- it'll take time to find your niche!

Until Next Time!

​

In the last general meeting, Discovery Park Career Center, Sean McNamara, came to talk to SWE regarding interviews, presentation  in regards to how the  career fair went.

​1) Know  the company:
One feedback he received from the employers is that students need to do some background knowledge on the company they would like to work/ intern for. Be prepared for questions regarding  their company's goals, their purpose and the jobs/internships they offer. Knowing a bit about the company puts you ahead of your peers!

2) DP is here for you:
Although there was not many companies looking for biomedical or material engineers, McNamara assured that the Career Center can work with you 1:1 to ensure that you find the right internship.

3) Don't give up
Most resumes are taken online by the companies so when you are presenting yourself to a employer and they say "submit your resume online," do not take that as a "NO!". They have many students to see and they don't say that to everyone so don't fret. 

Until next time! 
 

Our last general meeting brought about two Peterbilt representatives; Allison Mbambi, an HR rep and Brianne Martin, an engineer at Peterbilt. 

They both went through the best way to present yourself online, in interviews and on paper as well.

Here are some resume tips:
1) Formatting:
  - One page is desirable but two pages max
  - No color, only stripped down to black, white, and gray print
  - Use heavy resume grade paper!! It may not seem like much but in a mountain high stack of resumes, quality of paper really stands out!
  - Use crisp, clear font that is consistent throughout 


2) What to include:
  - In the header you should use your campus email because it lets them know if you are local to the area and may up your chances on getting that job or internship

  - Have a quick summary of your goals. Make sure it is specific to the job/internship you are applying for 

   - A skills section is vital and include non-engineering stuff because it shows that you not just engineer focused, but have a life. Make sure you can explain your skills in an engineering aspect. For example, if your skill is knitting, how does this pertain to engineering? Well knitting requires great precision and detailed work which is what skills come in handy in any engineering field! TA DAH!
​
  - any experience includes jobs held and projects you've done in classes
 

​Until next time!