Catching up with professional societies

This article was written by Kayden Cannilla and Leigha Tierney.

Stevens is home to many professional societies that provide resources for students looking for guidance in their career path. In interviews with The Stute, professional societies communicated their current initiatives and goals for this semester. 

American Society of Civil Engineers

The President of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Yanqing Liang, stated that the ASCE is focusing on professional development this semester. In the coming weeks, ASCE plans to host a professional development workshop to develop pre-professional skills like resume building and interview tactics. Liang also shared that they intend “to host a Professional Network Night, where we invite professionals and alumni to mingle with students and share their experiences.”

To put their skills to the test, ASCE also plans to build models together in an Engineering Kit Night. Liang stressed that the ASCE can benefit all members of the Civil, Environmental, and Ocean Engineering program in a variety of ways. The ASCE is the nation’s oldest engineering society, and has a multitude of resources “including an internal job board, mentorship programs and salary search systems that will strongly benefit those going into the professional field,” said Liang. 

In a collaborative effort, the ASCE, ASME, AlChE, BMES, and SEEPS are hosting an Engineering Olympics, with prizes for engineering challenges.

Society of Women Engineers

For the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), President Emily Kovelesky hopes to “engage students in more networking and social activities to bring back some of the interaction that we lost during our time online.” She said SWE plans to have social and professional activities like their Annual Networking Gala and SWE Picnic. The organization aims to “support equality among all genders in STEM” and provide students with a space to “talk about the challenges minority groups might face in the workplace.”

Stevens Women in Computer Science

Stevens Women in Computer Science (SWiCS) focuses on “empowering and creating a safe space and network for women at Stevens,” said President Aparajita Rana. This semester, SWiCS plans for a variety of events, from company recruiters presenting on campus, Hackathons, and resume workshops, to de-stress events like their Galentine’s Day event. She notes that members have a range of experience that can provide career resources and that everyone is welcome, “whether it’s to make a new friend or to learn how to get an internship, everyone has something to learn.”

 Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers 

The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) is an organization dedicated to fostering connections between students and professionals as well as increasing interest and awareness of the naval engineering field. According to SNAME President Emmett Malady, if students have “an interest in any form of marine engineering or naval architecture, SNAME is for you whether you are studying naval engineering or computer science.” Furthermore, Malady stated that SNAME prepares students for life after graduation by providing opportunities for professional development in the field of naval engineering, creating connections to industry professionals, and exposing students to the latest research and developments in naval engineering. This semester, SNAME is currently planning to host an industry panel of current young professionals working in the naval engineering industry. According to Malady, SNAME is also planning to “visit an active yard to see the ship building process in action.”

Stevens Women in Business

Stevens Women in Business (SWiB) is a professional society committed to professional development, networking opportunities, and education about issues and ideas in business. As stated by SWiB President Eden Luvishis, her goals for the society this semester are “to increase awareness of opportunities in the business world after graduation, especially for women on campus […] I want to also increase mentorship within the club itself as we have a lot of members with very valuable experiences that could benefit younger members.” According to Luvishis, any Stevens student who is interested in learning about careers in business and general preparedness for entering the professional world is welcome at SWiB events. Luvishis also noted that “all genders are welcome at all of our meetings and events.” This semester, SWiB will be hosting a “spring ambitions” workshop, followed by a Galentine’s mentor/mentee reveal event, as well as many other events throughout the semester. According to Luvishis, SWiB values both the “career and personal” aspects of professional preparedness, with events focusing on skills such as time management and ambition setting as well as resume development and LinkedIn workshops. 

American Chemical Society

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is an organization devoted to promoting interest in chemistry and furthering professional development in the field of chemistry. According to ACS President Kaylyn Spotton, any student interested in exploring chemistry as a field is welcome to come to ACS events, regardless of major. Spotton stated, “Currently, the club is mostly focused on having fun with chemistry, but my E-Board and I are working to increase the professional development events we hold while still making chemistry fun for everyone.” This semester, ACS will be hosting an Earth Day event to discuss the significance of green chemistry and the importance of sustainability in industry. Additionally, ACS will also be hosting an “Art in Chemistry” event and a game night event.  

Further information about professional society events and officer contact information can be found on DuckLink.