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  • What is the Society of Women Engineers at Ohio State, and what is its mission?
    The Society of Women Engineers at Ohio State is a professional organization dedicated to promoting and supporting women in engineering and related fields at Ohio State. Its mission is to empower women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity and inclusion.
  • How do I know which events are open for HeforSWE (and other non-women individuals)?
    All events are open for HEforSWEs! Reach out to the HeForSWE chair (under our chairs tab) for more information or if you need a buddy to go with!
  • How open is SWE to feedback and suggestions? How can I give feedback as a member?
    We would love to hear your feedback. Some ways you can do this is by filling out the post-event rating form at the end of each event, attend Open-Door Exec meetings, and fill out our annual overall feedback form at the end of the year!
  • Is SWE a welcoming organization (to all types of people)?
    Yes, SWE is a welcoming and inclusive organization that is dedicated to supporting women in engineering and creating a more diverse and equitable profession. Our mission is to empower women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, and the organization works to create an inclusive and supportive environment for its members.
  • Are there any events directed toward tutoring?
    No, SWE does not provide tutoring however there are numerous tutoring resources around campus including ACE tutoring, MSLC, and OSU Writing Center.
  • Who can become a member of the Society of Women Engineers?
    Any Ohio State student, regardless of gender or major, who supports the mission and goals of SWE is welcome to become a member.
  • How can I become a member of SWE at Ohio State?
    You can become a member by attending the SWE monthly meetings.
  • What are the benefits of joining SWE at Ohio State?
    By joining SWE at Ohio State, you will have access to a supportive community of like-minded individuals, professional development opportunities, networking events, and more.
  • SWE offers so many opportunities - what is a good strategy for choosing what to go to and balancing SWE events with stuff for other groups/clubs? It is so hard to find a way to do it all!
    SWE is simply what you make out of it! The monthly meetings are a good way to see what SWE is about. If you’re looking to be a bit more involved, you can be a part of the big-little program. Otherwise, there are always SWE events happening that you can participate in when you have time (check our monthly newsletter or instagram for events)!
  • What are the benefits of joining societal SWE vs. only OSU SWE?
    Use this graphic to help societal swe graphic.pdf
  • Do you have to be an engineer to join SWE?
    No!
  • What types of events and activities does SWE at Ohio State offer?
    SWE at Ohio State offers a variety of events and activities, including professional development workshops, networking events, social events, community service projects, and more.
  • How can I find out about upcoming events and activities?
    You can find information about upcoming events and activities on the SWE at Ohio State website, social media pages, and through email updates.
  • Are events and activities only for members of SWE at Ohio State?
    Some events and activities are open to the broader engineering community, while others are exclusive to members of SWE at Ohio State. Check the event details for more information.
  • Is there a requirement for how many events members need to attend per semester/year?
    No, you can attend as many or as few events you would like :)
  • Does SWE have events directed toward team bonding and making connections with other members?
    SWE hosts numerous social events throughout the year that allow our members to engage and interact with eachother. Check out the newsletter or our instagram (@osuswe) for information on our upcoming events!
  • How can I get involved in SWE at Ohio State?
    There are many ways to get involved in SWE at Ohio State, such as attending meetings and events, joining a committee, volunteering for a project or event, or running for a leadership position.
  • What types of leadership positions are available in SWE at Ohio State?
    SWE at Ohio State offers a variety of leadership positions, including officer positions and committee chairs. These positions provide opportunities to develop leadership skills, build professional connections, and make a positive impact on the organization and the broader engineering community.
  • How can I express my interest in a leadership position in SWE at Ohio State?
    If you are interested in a leadership position in SWE at Ohio State, you can express your interest by attending meetings and events, reaching out to current leaders, and learning more about the responsibilities and expectations of the position.
  • What are the benefits of serving in a leadership position in SWE at Ohio State?
    Serving in a leadership position in SWE at Ohio State can provide many benefits, such as developing leadership skills, gaining experience in project management and team building, building professional connections, and making a positive impact on the organization and the broader engineering community.
  • How can I develop my leadership skills as a member of SWE at Ohio State?
    SWE at Ohio State provides various opportunities to develop leadership skills, such as attending leadership workshops, participating in team projects, and serving in a leadership position. Additionally, you can seek mentorship from current leaders and professionals in your field to gain insights and guidance on developing your leadership potential.
  • Can non-engineering majors serve in leadership positions in SWE at Ohio State?
    Yes, SWE at Ohio State welcomes members from all majors and backgrounds to serve in leadership positions. The organization values diverse perspectives and experiences in shaping its initiatives and programs.
  • What year do you have to be to begin applying to the exec board? And can you get accepted for a chair position as a freshman?
    Except for presidency and vice presidency, you can be a freshman to run and get accepted for an exec position or a chair position! The roles of president and vice president requires the person to have held an officer position prior.
  • What is the difference between a chair and an officer?
    The easiest way to describe it is that officers have more responsibilities than chairs! Chairs work under officers and support their element.
  • What is the application process like for chairs and officers? What is the timeline?
    Officer elections take place during the spring semester around February/March. We have a Pre-Election meeting where we talk about all the details and how the election process works. And then we have Officer elections in March. The chair applications goes out end of spring semester and beginning of fall semester. Keep an eye out during monthly meeting and the newsletter for those!
  • What professional development opportunities does SWE at Ohio State offer?
    SWE at Ohio State offers a variety of professional development opportunities, including workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and networking, as well as speaker events and industry panels.
  • Can non-members of SWE at Ohio State attend professional development events?
    Yes, some professional development events may be open to non-members, but membership may be required for certain events. Check the event details for more information.
  • Does SWE at Ohio State host a career fair?
    Yes, SWE at Ohio State hosts an annual career fair that connects students with potential employers in engineering and related fields.
  • How can I prepare for the career fair?
    SWE at Ohio State offers workshops and resources to help members prepare for the career fair, such as resume reviews and mock interviews. You can also research the companies that will be attending and prepare questions to ask them at the event.
  • Can I volunteer to help with the career fair?
    Yes, SWE at Ohio State relies on volunteers to help with various aspects of the career fair, such as setup, registration, and guiding attendees. Contact the Professional Development Director to learn about volunteer opportunities.
  • What are the different communication channels used by the Society of Women Engineers at Ohio State (SWE OSU)?
    SWE OSU uses a variety of communication channels to keep members informed and engaged, including email newsletters, social media platforms (such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), the organization's website, in-person announcements at meetings and events, and group messaging apps (such as Slack).
  • How does SWE OSU outreach to potential new members?
    SWE OSU uses a variety of outreach strategies to attract potential new members, including tabling at events and fairs, hosting informational sessions, and collaborating with other organizations on campus.
  • How does SWE OSU collaborate with other organizations on campus for outreach?
    SWE OSU collaborates with other organizations on campus for outreach by co-hosting events and workshops, attending each other's meetings, and promoting each other's events on social media and other communication channels.
  • How does SWE OSU communicate with industry partners and sponsors?
    SWE OSU communicates with industry partners and sponsors through email, phone calls, and in-person meetings. They may also promote the company's involvement with SWE OSU on social media and other communication channels.
  • What types of events and activities does SWE OSU host for outreach purposes?
    SWE OSU hosts a variety of events and activities for outreach purposes, including workshops on technical skills and professional development, social events to build community and network, and outreach events aimed at engaging younger students in STEM fields.
  • What is the purpose of SWE OSU's outreach efforts?
    The purpose of SWE OSU's outreach efforts is to promote the organization and its mission to a wider audience, recruit new members, and foster relationships with other organizations and industry partners.
  • How does SWE OSU ensure that its communication is inclusive and welcoming to all members?
    SWE OSU strives to ensure that its communication is inclusive and welcoming to all members by using language and imagery that is gender-neutral and inclusive of all identities. They may also provide resources and support for underrepresented groups within the organization.
  • Does SWE at Ohio State offer scholarships or financial assistance?
    Yes, SWE at Ohio State offers scholarships and financial assistance to members who meet certain criteria. Please see our Scholarships page on our website for more information.
  • What types of scholarships are available through SWE OSU?
    SWE OSU offers several types of scholarships, including undergraduate and graduate scholarships, scholarships for continuing education and professional development, and scholarships for women pursuing degrees in specific fields or industries.
  • Who is eligible to apply for scholarships through SWE OSU?
    Eligibility for scholarships through SWE OSU varies depending on the specific scholarship, but generally, applicants must be current members of SWE OSU, enrolled in a degree program in a STEM field, and meet any other specific requirements outlined for the particular scholarship.
  • How does SWE OSU determine scholarship recipients?
    SWE OSU typically determines scholarship recipients through an application and review process, which may include criteria such as academic achievement, leadership potential, community involvement, and financial need.
  • What other types of financial assistance are available through SWE OSU?
    In addition to scholarships, SWE OSU may offer other types of financial assistance, such as travel grants to attend conferences or events, funding for professional development opportunities, and emergency funding for unexpected financial hardship.
  • How does SWE OSU ensure that scholarship and financial assistance opportunities are equitable and accessible to all members?
    SWE OSU ensures that scholarship and financial assistance opportunities are equitable and accessible to all members by providing clear and transparent application processes, offering a variety of scholarship options to meet different needs, and providing support and resources to help members navigate the application process. They may also consider factors such as financial need and underrepresented identities when selecting scholarship recipients.
  • What is the Society of Women Engineers Conference?
    The Society of Women Engineers Conference is an annual event organized by the national Society of Women Engineers (SWE) organization. The conference brings together thousands of women engineers and engineering students from around the world to participate in professional development workshops, networking opportunities, and career fairs.
  • When and where is the Society of Women Engineers Conference typically held?
    The Society of Women Engineers Conference is typically held in the fall, usually in October or November. The location of the conference changes from year to year, but it is typically held in a large convention center in a major city in the United States.
  • Is it possible for members of the Society of Women Engineers at Ohio State (SWE OSU) to attend the conference?
    Yes, it is possible for members of SWE OSU to attend the Society of Women Engineers Conference. However, attendance typically requires registration and travel expenses, which may be covered by SWE OSU or by individual members.
  • What are the benefits of attending the Society of Women Engineers Conference?
    Attending the Society of Women Engineers Conference can provide numerous benefits, including opportunities for professional development and skill-building, networking with other women engineers and industry professionals, and access to career and internship opportunities with top engineering companies and organizations.
  • How can members of SWE OSU prepare for the Society of Women Engineers Conference?
    Members of SWE OSU can prepare for the Society of Women Engineers Conference by researching the conference schedule and selecting sessions and events to attend, networking with other attendees prior to the conference, and preparing resumes and other materials to share with potential employers and recruiters.
  • Are there any scholarships or financial assistance available to help members of SWE OSU attend the Society of Women Engineers Conference?
    Yes, there may be scholarships or financial assistance available to help members of SWE OSU attend the Society of Women Engineers Conference. Members should check the scholarships page for information on available funding opportunities.
  • What conference does OSU SWE attend? What is the timeline?
    OSU SWE attends two conferences every year - the annual SWE conference during the fall semester and the WELocal conference during the spring semester.
  • What do you do at conference?
    The conference features a variety of events, including keynote speakers, technical sessions, networking events, and a career fair. At the conference, attendees can learn about the latest trends and developments in engineering, participate in hands-on workshops and seminars, and network with other women engineers and engineering students. They can also meet with recruiters from top companies and organizations to learn about job and internship opportunities. In addition to the technical sessions and career fair, the SWE conference also includes a variety of social events, such as receptions and banquets, as well as opportunities to participate in community service projects and other activities. Overall, the SWE conference provides a supportive and empowering environment for women in engineering to connect, learn, and advance their careers.
  • How are people chosen to go to conference?
    OSU SWE members must be paid societal members to be selected to attend with our section. There is an application released the semester before each conference. From that application, the conference director works with our executive board to select members that have demonstrated passion for our organization on an Ohio State and Societal level. Those who aren’t selected are still welcome to attend conferences by self funding!
  • Would you recommend going to conference as an underclassmen, or waiting until you have more experience?
    We have members of all classes attend conferences! One of the best aspects of any SWE conference is that there are job opportunities, educational sessions, and networking events targeted towards every level of professional development. As long as you are ready to travel with your SWE-blings, OSU SWE is ready to support you!
  • What are the benefits of going to conference (specifically why it would be beneficial to go even though a few days of school are missed)?
    Networking opportunities: The SWE conference provides a platform for attendees to connect with other women engineers and engineering students from around the world. This can lead to new professional contacts, potential mentors, and even job opportunities. Professional development: The conference offers a wide range of technical sessions and workshops on topics such as leadership, career development, and technical skills. These sessions can help attendees enhance their knowledge and skills, making them more valuable to their employers. Career advancement: The SWE conference includes a career fair that allows attendees to meet with recruiters from top engineering companies and organizations. This can lead to potential job opportunities and can help attendees learn more about different companies and industries. Inspiration and empowerment: The conference features keynote speakers and panels that highlight the accomplishments of women in engineering and offer advice and encouragement to attendees. This can help attendees feel more inspired and motivated to pursue their career goals. Community and support: The SWE conference offers a supportive and welcoming environment for women in engineering. Attending the conference can help women feel part of a community and can provide them with the support they need to overcome challenges and succeed in their careers.
  • What is the Big-Little program for the Society of Women Engineers at Ohio State (SWE OSU)?
    The Big-Little program is a mentoring program offered by SWE OSU, where upperclassmen engineering students (the "bigs") are paired with underclassmen (the "littles") to provide guidance, support, and mentorship throughout their college career.
  • How does the Big-Little program work?
    The Big-Little program typically starts at the beginning of the academic year, where interested students can apply to become "bigs" or "littles". SWE OSU then matches "bigs" with "littles" based on shared interests, career goals, and other relevant factors. Throughout the year, "bigs" and "littles" participate in group events, one-on-one meetings, and other activities designed to foster a strong mentor-mentee relationship.
  • What are the benefits of participating in the Big-Little program?
    Participating in the Big-Little program can provide numerous benefits, including opportunities for personal and professional growth, mentorship from experienced upperclassmen, and the chance to build a strong network of supportive peers and mentors within SWE OSU.
  • How can students get involved in the Big-Little program?
    Students interested in participating in the Big-Little program can typically apply at the beginning of the academic year by filling out an application form and submitting it to SWE OSU. Applications may be available on the SWE OSU website or through other communication channels.
  • What are some tips for being a successful "big" or "little" in the Big-Little program?
    Some tips for being a successful "big" or "little" in the Big-Little program include being responsive and communicative with your mentor/mentee, being open and honest about your goals and challenges, actively participating in group events and activities, and being willing to learn and grow from the mentoring relationship. It is also important to set clear expectations and boundaries to ensure a positive and productive experience for both parties.
  • What is the timeline of the Big-Little Program?
    The Big-Little Program begins a couple weeks after the first day of school.
  • Can we still join Big-Little if we missed the sign up in the beginning of the year?
    No, if you missed the deadline to sign up at the beginning of the year you cannot join Big-Little for the semester. However, at the beginning of the spring semester, you can join!
  • Do you keep the same big-little family every year, or choose new ones each year?
    Each year you get a family (new big or new little). We encourage you to still keep in contact with previous members of your families and even meet up with them with the new members of your family.
  • If I’m a little, how do I meet my big and how is my big chosen?
    During the first weeks of the semester, you will go on 2-3 “SWE Pal Dates” with other potential bigs and littles. After these dates are done, everyone will fill out a preference form with who they would like to be paired with. The Big-Little Director will use this form to pair families, and you will find out who your big is at the Big Little Reveal.
  • I still have not had any communication from my big, nor do I know who she is. Is there any way that this could be changed?
    Please reach out to the Big-Little Director.
  • Do you have to be a certain year to be a big or little (for example, do you have to be a 2nd year to be a big)?
    Any year at Ohio State can be a little; this is perfect for you if you are looking for mentorship and guidance to navigate Ohio State. To be a big, you have to be at least a 2nd year.
  • How often do big little events happen?
    SWE will host about 1 Big-Little Event a month. We encourage you to meet up with your family outside of SWE events too! Some ideas for Big-Little Dates are getting coffee or dinner, going for a walk, or taking a group fitness class together at the RPAC/NRC.
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