Engineering students to attend conference

The society holds its annual conference in one of the five southwestern states and gives each school with member sections an equal opportunity to attend.

Kim Ogden, adviser of the society, said each person can get something different out of the convention depending on where she is in her career.

"Some people will be able to start their networking with employers as well as see what types of things real engineers do," she said.

The three-day program, which consists of workshop speakers, receptions and a career fair, begins on Feb. 22 with the first of three technical tours. University of Arizona students plan to take part in the Motorola IRIDIUM Project Tour given that afternoon.

Ogden said students could gain a lot by attending the tours because they focus on real-world jobs.

Saturday will be the biggest day of the convention. Representatives from several companies will answer questions and accept resumes.

Debi Henry, Society of Women Engineers president and third-year conference attendee, said she has already experienced the benefits of the convention. "It has given me more knowledge on career fields I want to go into," she said.

Several speaker workshops are scheduled for Saturday to tackle topics such as "Women's Issues in a Man's World" and "Balancing Work and Family - Are There Any Miracles?"

The speakers are all professionals and considered to be experts in their field, said Patti Wolff, director of publicity for the convention. The workshops are meant to benefit both the students and professionals who attend. Non-members are invited to participate as well.

The students of the UA chapter of the Society of Women Engineers try to divert the costs of the convention by participating in fundraising activities throughout the year, Ogden said.

Though the conference is only a few weeks away, Wolff stressed that it was still possible to register and attend the conference as long as students send in the registration form and fee as soon as possible.

"The late fee would be applicable, but we want as many people as possible to attend if they are able," Wolff said.

Henry said people interested in registering for the conference should contact her via e-mail at swe@eng.arizona.edu.