Navigating a career in Engineering and IT can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to figure out the best way to gain hands-on experience, network with professionals, and build a strong resume. One of the most effective ways to do this is by joining student organizations that align with your career goals and interests. Luckily, we have several on-campus organizations that aim to support, uplift, and make the process of recognizing one’s potential and engaging students so much easier.
If you are passionate about coding, software development, cybersecurity, or engineering, consider joining ACM, NSBE, ColorStack, or SWE, which are just a few of several organizations available to students. These organizations provide a supportive community and offer exclusive career opportunities, mentorship, hackathons, and industry connections.
Which Organization is Right for You:
- ACM (Association for Computing Machinery): Great for students interested in coding, AI, and cybersecurity. Offers coding competitions, guest speakers, and resume workshops. ACM provides a platform for students to work on real-world projects, engage with professionals in the tech industry, and strengthen their technical skills.
- NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers): NSBE, from its mission statement, is dedicated to increasing the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. NSBE offers networking opportunities, career fairs, technical workshops, and an annual National Conference where students get the opportunity to network and gain professional skills as well as internships. NSBE is open to all students looking to engage and enhance their skills in engineering.
- ColorStack: Perfect for those pursuing or interested in computer science and software engineering. It offers technical skill-building programs, professional development events, and focuses on diversity in tech, and has a larger community dedicated to helping underrepresented students succeed professionally.
- SWE (Society of Women Engineers): This organization is great for women pursuing engineering and aims to put women at the forefront of solving real-world problems through engineering. SWE offers networking opportunities, leadership training, and community engagement events. Here, you will be empowered and gain career-building resources as well as develop a strong professional network. SWE is great for women in engineering and IT fields(like myself) who are probably not new to being one of the very few girls in their classes.
The Benefits of Joining a Student Organization:
- Networking opportunities: Connecting with the industry professionals, recruiters, and like-minded students is a great way to prepare yourself for a future career and help in developing skills that make you stand out in the field.
- Career advancement opportunities: Get access to exclusive job postings, internships, and scholarships that can help smoothen your college experience and help you gain exposure to what you can expect in a professional setting
- Leadership experience: Join an executive board(e-board) to gain leadership and organizational skills as well as to work with motivated and dedicated students
- Community support: Find mentors and peers who can guide you through your college experience and career journey. This is especially important and helpful for international and transfer students as it can help you immerse yourself in a community setting and help you make connections.
How to Get Involved:
- Attend a General Interest Meeting (GIM): Most student organizations host GIMs at the beginning of every semester. This is a great way to meet current members and learn more about what the organization stands for and its upcoming events.
- Follow their social media and join their email list: Stay updated on upcoming events, internship opportunities, and job postings.
- Participate in events and competitions: The more involved you get, the more you will be able to gain from the organization and benefit from the events and opportunities the organization has to offer.
- Apply for leadership roles: As early as freshman year, it is a wonderful time to intern for the various organizations and learn what each e-board position is about and how it speaks to you in your aspirations for your professional development and college life. With this experience, if you want to develop leadership skills, consider running for an e-board position even if you were not previously an intern but are an active and dedicated member.
- Make the most of your time in college by surrounding yourself with a community that helps you grow and prepare adequately for a professional career! I know I am.
Take the Next Step:
Interested in joining one of these organizations? Check out their Instagram pages to learn more about what interests you or connect with our wonderful campus chapters today!
By getting involved in student organizations, you are taking a proactive step in shaping your engineering and IT career. The skills, connections, and experience you gain will set you apart in the competitive industries.
Happy networking!
Connect With Our Office:
Utilize the Fleishman Center resources to learn how best you can incorporate these experiences into your resume.
Drop-ins: When classes are in session, Monday-Friday, from 12-4 p.m., you can visit our office to schedule a 20-minute drop-in with our staff
Appointments: You can schedule your 30-minute career session on Handshake. These are offered all year and can be done virtually and in person.
Online Resources: Visit uConnect, our virtual career center that is always accessible to support your career needs
Attend Drop-ins:
Schedule Your Appointment
Utilize uConnect
Written by Natalie Hawi
Uploaded & Edited by Jen Weiss
