By Jessica Zhang, HCDE undergraduate student
At the end of October, I had the opportunity to attend WE24, the world’s largest conference for Women in Engineering and Technology, held annually by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). During the event, I was able to listen to keynote speakers, attend workshop sessions, participate in a career fair, and network with other women in engineering.
This was my third time attending the conference, but each year I am reminded of the power of community. Walking into the opening keynote and seeing over 10,000 women engineers in one room is always a striking experience. This year’s opening keynote speaker, Sharon Hong, delivered a message about overcoming internal challenges and finding strength in vulnerability. Her words emphasized that real strength comes from being open and resilient in the face of difficulty. This is a mindset I aim to carry with me in both my personal and professional life.
One of the sessions I attended was called "Building a Personal Brand: What's Your Vibe?" The session focused on the importance of creating a consistent and authentic brand that resonates with colleagues and peers. It was helpful to hear how a strong personal brand can open opportunities and support career growth. The discussion also highlighted how leveraging social media, especially LinkedIn, can be an effective way to promote yourself in a professional context. It was valuable to hear how the speaker had used personal branding throughout her career and how these lessons can be applied in our own work.
I also attended the leadership reception, where I had the chance to connect with other SWE members from different universities. It was insightful to learn about how SWE chapters operate at different campuses, and I left the reception energized by the shared commitment to supporting women in engineering. The perspectives and experiences shared there reinforced the importance of community within the field.
Overall, the conference was a rewarding experience that not only expanded my knowledge but also strengthened my connection to a global network of women engineers. I am grateful for the chance to engage with a group of individuals who are dedicated to making a difference in engineering. The lessons I gained will contribute to my professional growth moving forward.
A special thank you to the HCDE Student Travel Fund and the HCDE DEI Mini Grant for their financial support, which made it possible for me to attend this conference. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned and continuing to contribute to the SWE community as I progress in my career.