Sheryll Sison, Mechanical Engineering, Graduate Student
"This was my second year going as a representative for the University of Louisville section...First off, I was named a SWE Poster Competition Finalist in the Graduate Section and was given an opportunity to show my research from Dr. Bertocci's lab working on pediatric falls in children for child abuse detection. Only 10 finalists are named for each undergraduate and graduate level so it was an honor to be ranked among other women engineering students from top tier schools. Second, I attended leadership meetings in order to network with other SWE collegiate sections.  Third, I went to the career fair and its associated activities such as networking lunches and hospitality suites. During the career fair, I had the opportunity to talk to top companies such as Whirlpool, Medtronic, HP, and Boeing."

Simone Caston, Electrical Engineering, Graduate Student
"My second SWE National conference was very exciting and entertaining. There were many seminars focused on subjects I needed as a graduate student to advance in my career. My favorite seminar was “What Not To Wear”, about appropriate attire for interviews, the work environment, and even manufacturing environments. Attending the career far was good practice for me...I could practice speaking to many different companies, and also see what jobs could be available and which companies interested me after I finish graduate school. If I decide to do a co-op in the summer, I know which companies might be interested in me."

Jennifer Ellison, Chemical Engineering, Junior
"This past October I attend my first national conference...I had a blast! Since, I will graduate in three semesters with my bachelor’s, I was excited to find several well known graduate schools at the career fair during the conference. I was able to learn more about the engineering programs at each school. Now I have a better understanding of what schools suit me best.  In addition to workshops several of the members participated in the Subject Matter Expert (SME) Bowl. We technically won two rounds and we lost two rounds. The questions were difficult, focusing mostly on the oil industry which makes sense because it was hosted by Exxon Mobile. Overall, my National Conference experience was wonderful and I plan on attending next year as well. "

Angela Knight, Mechanical Engineering, PhD Student
"My experience at the SWE conference was both educational and fun. I attended several seminars and workshops about careers in academia. These included topics such as grant writing, interviews, leadership, and they provided general information for anyone interested in an academic career. The speakers were very knowledgeable and inspiring.  There were several opportunities to meet people and network.  I also participated in the SME (Subject Matter Expert) Bowl. This was a quick-recall style tournament that tested your engineering knowledge and was fun for everyone involved. Overall, the conference was a wonderful experience for me and I would recommend it to engineers at all levels."

Stephanie Sharp, Civil Engineering, Graduate Student
"I attended the conference with the desire to network with a variety of Civil Engineering companies at the conference and to obtain some interviews with companies who were hiring.  At the preview of the career fair, I talked to various companies, and set up interviews for Friday and Saturday.  At the fair, I passed out my resume, and talked with company representatives to learn more about the companies. Also, I interviewed with a couple of companies. Friday evening, the U of L chapter went out to dinner for a good time. It was lots fun, especially playing pool and talking to everyone over dinner.  The first seminar was on transferring from school to a fortune 500 company. It was hosted by GE, and has three GE representatives to answer student questions.  The second seminar I attended was travel tips for women. It was a funny seminar, but informative.  Saturday evening, we attended the Celebrate SWE banquet, which was fun because each region performed a skit in front of the entire group. The food was good, and the speaker for the banquet was entertaining. Overall, I had a great time at the SWE Conference. I enjoyed the networking with other women engineers and engineering companies."

Kameryn Lehring, Civil Engineering, Freshman
"This was my first time attending, and I had an absolute blast, I discovered many promising companies for my co-op next year, and I learned that the booth at Procter & Gamble gives out free tubes of toothpaste, the big size. It was very intriguing talking to the engineers at the convention about what their jobs entail, though if you’re touring the center with a grad student by your side, prepare to be ignored occasionally.  Hanging out with my fellow SWE members was fun, too, although most of my free time was spent sleeping. Just whatever you do, don’t wear high heels/uncomfortable shoes. Otherwise, your feet will separate from your body and kill you while you sleep. You have been warned… "