Let me tell you ‘bout my SWEople

Did you attend the SWE Stayover as a senior in High school? Have you heard about the greatest on campus organization at Penn State? SWE, The Society of Women Engineers, is a free organization open to all students on campus that believe in supporting women in engineering career paths.

My name is Katrina Malaski and I am a rising senior in Chemical Engineering. I have been a member of SWE for the past 4 years and am the upcoming president of the organization. This organization has offered me countless opportunities over the years and helped to develop friendships that will last long after college. If you are passionate about engineering and being involved in an organization, you should not even question joining SWE.

Please visit our website at http://www.engr.psu.edu/swe/.

What this organization can offer you

Networking/Career Fair

Being a member of SWE gives you the opportunity to belong to an organization of over 300+ women. SWE has an established alumni database where all members have the ability to reach out and contact past SWEople (the term used to describe SWE people) based on career paths, locations, or majors. “So what about a career fair? Freshmen don’t have to go!” FALSE. Just because you’re a freshman doesn’t mean you are not attending the career fair! All SWEople attend the career fair with polished resumes, appropriate attire, a great handshake, and a practiced elevator pitch. The great thing about SWEople? They’re everywhere! Recruiters, employers, and interviewers! There is a very good chance that a recruiter will read your resume and see that you are a member of SWE and make an immediate connection. By attending career fair workshops, SWE will make sure that you are prepared as a freshman to attend the fall career fair. It is never too early to start thinking about what you want to do with your future, and you should definitely start NOW.

Leadership Experience

SWE is comprised of a Leadership Team that consists of 5 officers and 16 directors. There are also over 40+ chair positions in the organization! I know what you’re thinking… “I’m just a freshman; I can’t hold a leadership position.” FALSE. All freshmen have the opportunity to apply for a chair position within their first semester at Penn State! A few of the chair positions include Service chairs, THON chairs, Homecoming chairs, Photography chairs, Executive chairs, and many other positions. Being on the leadership team of SWE is a great opportunity and it will look even better on your resume! Companies look for students who have put themselves out there to become a leader from the beginning of their college career. Being on the leadership team of SWE is also very highly respected. All chairs complete an official application, all directors complete an official application and an interview, and officers give a speech and are chosen by the section members. Being on the leadership team of SWE as a freshmen gives you a large advantage when applying for other leadership positions later in your academic career. Making connections with upperclassmen leaders can help you plan your own successful future at Penn State. What you don’t know about Penn State, a SWE leader can tell you, or point you in the right direction to someone who will.

SWE Leadership Team at the 2013 SWE National Conference in Baltimore, MD. 

Social Interaction

SWE is involved in many social activities. SWE is one of the most competitive organizations in Penn State Homecoming, and has won overall several times in the past 10 years. There are a plethora of social events that are planned every semester including Pumpkin Picking, Ice Skating, Finals Study Breaks, Ice Cream Socials, Coffee Breaks, Thanksgiving Potluck, Alumni Tailgates, the College of Engineering Semi-formal, and IM Sports. A lot of the women in SWE meet their best friends and future roommates by participating in many of the social opportunities.

Service Opportunities

THON - Perhaps the biggest service event that SWE participates in is Penn State THON. THON is the world’s largest philanthropy that raises money for children with pediatric cancer. SWE THON is comprised of over 100+ members and last year was recognized for raising over $34,000 all FTK (For the Kids). SWE THON has two (2) THON families: The Aidan Roth Family and The Jhonen Sullivan Family. SWE is also allotted two (2) dancers that will dance nonstop for 46 hours in the month of February to raise money for pediatric cancer. SWE raises money for this cause year round and plans various trips to Hershey and Hanover to visit their THON families. SWE THON is very active as a committee and meets weekly throughout the year.

SWE Dancers and Directors at THON 2014

Blood Drives - SWE participates in a number of blood drives, many of which are run as an independent organization. SWE members can volunteer at the drive or donate blood. Last year SWE placed 2nd behind the Penn State Nursing Association in the THON blood drive to raise money for THON.

Angel Tree - SWE participates in the Angel Tree donations where members can volunteer to purchase a designated gift for a child in need in the surrounding community. SWE donates over 100+ unwrapped and unused presents to the community every Christmas season.

Relay for Life - SWE has a relay for life team that all members can join. The relay for life team participates in various fundraisers to help raise awareness and money for the American Cancer Society.

Other service opportunities that SWEople are involved with are PAWS (Local Animal Shelter), Tutoring in Centre County, Girl Scout events, and various charity fundraisers.

Corporate and Professional Experience

Penn State SWE holds many corporate and professional development events every semester. A typical workshop will be held by a sponsored employer and allow members to learn about the company as well as obtain professional advice. Last year’s professional development workshops included, “What to Wear to the Career Fair,” “Backpack to Briefcase,” and “Living on Your Own.” These workshops are designed to educate and prepare all members for their professional careers but also have a great advantage of connecting current employers with SWE’s outstanding and job-seeking members. Hint Hint

SWE also helps to run the fall and spring engineering networking receptions and the spring engineering career fair. Employers at the spring career fair like nobody more than a dedicated SWE member helping to run the fair smoothly. It is not uncommon for SWE volunteers at the career fair to get an interview from an employer that simply brings them water throughout the day. This is a great opportunity for young members, who are looking for internships or co-ops, to get involved!

Free Food!

Rule #1 of being a college student: Never say no to free food. Especially us engineers. We really like our food! Every SWE General Body meeting will always have food whether it be pizza, cookies and milk, or other snacks donated by sponsors. SWE Corporate meetings also always serve dinner usually being Chipotle, Jersey Mikes, Pizza, Panera Bread, or another meal voted by the majority's choice. Come learn more about SWE and eat dinner on us!

Scholarships!

SWE awards many scholarships at the end of the year, and how do you get one? Participate in events! SWE keeps track of how many events each SWE member attends. If you attend the most Corporate, Social, and Service events (3 Categories) then you are eligible for scholarships at the end of the year! All because you were an active member!

SWE members receiving scholarships at the Awards Banquet 2013

**If you are interested in learning more about SWE as an organization please contact Katrina Malaski, klm5769@psu.edu.

Katrina Malaski is a senior in Chemical Engineering, and she is a Mentor for WEPO '14!